r a
second recoiled. In blind fury the next moment he rushed again, Ray
springing lightly aside, whirling and sending his right with electric
snap square to the already smarting jowl--a blow that staggered yet did
not fell the stronger man, the man who even in his rage managed
partially, at least, to recover his wits, for as he straightened up he
held forth protesting hand and panted: "Stop! Not now. They hear us, and
by the God that made me you'll hear from me. You dare to strike--your
superior officer!"

"Superior be damned!" shouted Ray, raging for battle and reckless of
consequence. "You rank me two grades on the roster, but you're miles
behind as a man. Come again, if you dare, you cad!" And like a young
bantam the army-bred lad was dancing eagerly about, forgetful of his
lameness and watching like a cat his bulky antagonist.

"Not here, I say, nor with blackguard weapons you seem to know how to
handle; but--next time we meet, young man--next time!"

"Next time, this time, _any_ time!" shouted Ray. "And mind you, you
villain, make your will before you meet me!"

"And meantime, Captain Foster," came the stern commanding words from the
threshold, where suddenly stood the colonel, "pack your belongings and
quit the post. There, sir," and significantly he shook an open telegram,
"there, sir, are your orders."

CHAPTER X

A GATHERING STORM

Minneconjou that afternoon was the vortex of a revolving storm of
sensation, speculation, and excitement. The few men at the Club spoke
with bated breath and shrugging shoulders, with hands thrust deep in
side pockets and with occasional semi-hysterical giggle. Men at the
Canteen retailed in whispers, and with possibly unconscious
editorialisms of their own, the story of the encounter at the office as
heard through the partition in their own premises. Women along the line
of officers' quarters and women among the humbler homes of the married
soldiers went flitting from door to door gathering in wide-eyed,
gossiping groups,

"For the colonel's lady and Judy O'Grady
Are sisters under their skins."

There were three women, however, prominent in this chronicle and others
not individually mentioned, who kept within doors and bounds until the
sun was well down behind the Sagamore and the line was formed for
parade. Even then Mrs. Dwight did not appear, but Mrs. Ray sat for a
while with Sandy on the little veranda, and a very red-eyed Priscilla
went forth, as sh