Starlight Ranch, and Other Stories of Army Life on the Frontier

nd every hostelrie in the neighborhood has opened wide its doors to accommodate the swa

y-four whole ones, being apparent compensation for any crowding or discomfort. Indeed, crowded as they are, the girls at Craney's are objects of boundless envy to those whom the Fates have consigned to the resorts down around the picturesque but distant "Falls." There is a little coterie at "Hawkshurst" that is fiercely jealous of the sisterhood in the favored nook at the north edge

other," he laughingly explains; "and goodness knows when I'm going to see Miss Waring again." And though neither mother nor sister is at all satisfied with the state of affairs, both are too unselfish to int

s prompt and ready answers the consequences of a "fess" with clean black-board in ordnance and gunnery; had won a ringing, though involuntary, round of applause from the crowded galleries of the riding-hall by daring horsemanship, and he was now within seven days of the prized d

ing short of dismissal if detected. Down in the bottom of his soul he knows he is a fool to have made the rash and boastful pledge to which he now stands commit

tors, Miss Waring had been pathetically lamenting that with another week they

he corps he used to 'run it' down to Cozzens's to see Cousin Kate,-and that was what made her

beating by the closing sentence. "I didn't know you sat up so late there, or I wou

part to all the little coterie at Hawkshurst! How they must envy her the romance, the danger, the daring, the devotion of such an adventure-for her sake! Of late years such tales had been rare. Girls worth the winning simply would not permit so rash a project, and their example carried weight. But here at "Hawkshurst" was a lively young brood, chap

To think of seeing you there!-ar

ustache, etc. Call me Mr. Freeman while strangers are around. There goes the parade drum. Au revoir!" and he darts

properly sh

what sullen reply, while an angry fl

rve regulations in this company, demerit or no demerit," is the firm, quiet a

God!" he mutters, when sure t

officers flit from room to room in each division to see that lights are out and every man in bed. Then forth they come from every hall-way; tripping lightly down the stone steps and converging on the guard-house, where stand at the door-way the dark forms of the officer in charge and the

tion what he wants in the dark, but is too long accustomed to his vagaries to expect definite information. When Mr. McKay slips softly out into the hall, af

his civilian dress that Billy dons as he emerges from the blankets. A natty Derby is perched upon his curly pate, and a monocle hangs by its string. But he cannot light

hich he is diligently studying. As "inspector o

e, who, lying flat on his back with his head towards the light and a pair of muscular legs in white trousers displayed on top of a p

meant to get the start of you fellows, but you'

e now. He well knows

illy," says the captain, gently. "You know I

that stands on the iron mantel. "Here's a substitute, though! How's this for a moustache?" he asks, as he turns and faces them. Then

e not going ou

e pressure of the firm hand la

night, and even he wouldn't make such a plan to trip me. Who ever

t should," is the uncompromising reply. "Don't risk your commission now

n. Let me go," says McKay, half vexed, half laughing. "I'v

ble gleam from the gas-jet in the lower hall McKay can s

re not going down to

t, if anywhere at all

sion, your good name, McKay. You're risking your mother's he

t you like to me about mysel

weeks. I tell you solemnly that if she has tempted you to 'run it' down there to see her it is

ke your hand off, Stanley," he adds, coldly. "I might have had some respect for your counsel if you had had the least-for my feelings." A

thing to gain the foot-path beyond the old retaining wall back of the guard-house, scud away under the trees along the winding ascent towards Fort Putnam, until he meets the back-road half-way up the heights; then turn southward through the rocky cuts and forest aisles until he reaches the main highway; then follow on through the beautiful groves, through the quiet village, across the bridge that spans the stream above the falls, and then, only a few hundre

s time out of the way, and it is early for officers to be returning from evening calls at the lower hotel. The chances are two to one that he will pass the village without obstacle of any kind. Billy's spirits rise with the occasion, and he concludes that a ci

m their seats. A "top hat" goes spinning out into the roadway, and a fan flies through the midst of the glare. The driver promptly checks his team and backs them just as Billy, all impulsive courtesy, leaps out into the street; picks up the hat with one hand, the fan with the other, and restores them with a bow to th

d. The civilian garb, the Derby hat, the monocle, the stick, the cigarette, and the false moustache were all very well in their way, but in the beam of light from the win