wer,
"her that was gone with the Sioux." The differences between her stout,
veteran liege and the smooth-faced stripling had given her text to start
with. The story of the money lost had filtered from her lips, and
finally that of other peccadilloes, attributable to the young post
adjutant, whom, as she said, "The meejor had to rejuice and sind to the
front all along of his doin's in gar'son." Dade was gone. There was no
man save Wilkins to whom Major Flint felt that he could appeal for
confirmation or denial of these stories. Dr. Waller was his senior in
the service by ten years at least, and a type of the old-time officer
and gentleman of whom such as Flint stood ever in awe. He preferred,
therefore, as he thought, to keep the doctor at a distance, to make him
feel the immensity of his, the post commander's, station, and so, as
Wilkins dare not disavow the sayings of his wife, even had he been so
minded, the stories stood.

Flint was thinking of them this very evening when Dr. Waller, happening
to meet him on his way from hospital briefly said that General Field
should be with them on the morrow. "He leaves Rock Creek to-night,
having hired transportation there. I had hoped our lad might be in
better spirits by this time."

The major answered vaguely. How could a lad with all these sins upon his
soul be in anything but low spirits? Here was a brand to be snatched
from the burning, a youth whom prompt, stern measures might redeem and
restore, one who should be taught the error of his ways forthwith; only,
the coming of the member of the Military Committee of the House of
Representatives might make the process embarrassing. There were other
ways, therefore and however, in which this valuable information in the
major's possession might be put to use, and of these was the major
thinking, more than of the condition of the wounded lad, physical or
spiritual, as homeward through the gloaming he wended his way.

Might it not be well to wait until this important and influential
personage had reached the post before proceeding further? Might it not
be well, confidentially and gradually, as it were, to permit the
Honorable M. C. to know that grave irregularities had occurred?--that up
to this moment the complete knowledge thereof was locked in the breast
of the present post commander?--that the suppression or presentation of
the facts depended solely upon that post commander? and then if the
member of the House Committee on M