Part 11 (1/2)

The matter was now in the hands of Colonel Riggs, however, and it was his to determine what further action to take. Snaffle had named as his witness Sergeant Fitzroy, Private Kelley (who, though drunk on duty, had not been so drunk, said Snaffle and Fitzroy, that he could not recognize an officer when he saw him), and the third witness, to the amaze of Barker and the derision of Ennis, when told of it, was no less a person than poor Tom Rafferty, Lanier's own ”striker” and hitherto devoted henchman. And to the consternation of Stannard, Sumter, and others, Captain Snaffle had been able to back his words. Riggs sent for the two availables, Fitzroy and Kelly, and the two had declared they could not be mistaken; that they had heard Miss Arnold's scream, followed instantly by the crash of gla.s.s. Fitzroy admitted that he was at the moment at Captain Snaffle's back door; said he ran round to the Sumters'

gate; that he distinctly saw the figure of a man in a soldier's overcoat and fur cap leaping and sliding down the roof, and that a moment later he grappled with it in the dark woodshed, dropping his hold only when angrily ordered to do so, the voice adding instantly, ”I'm Lieutenant Lanier.” Kelly was ready to swear to practically the same facts, though he ”thought there was two of them,” which, under the circ.u.mstances, was not to be wondered at. Fitzroy declared that a moment later Rafferty rushed to the spot, recognized the lieutenant, and by him was sternly ordered to leave. As yet Rafferty was in no condition to affirm or deny.

The excitement of the fire had brought on a relapse, and the wild Irishman was wilder than ever, ”raving-like,” as the steward said, in the big post hospital.

And these statements, presently, did Colonel Riggs lay before Lieutenant Lanier, in presence of Doctors Larrabee and Schuchardt, as well as Lieutenant Ennis. ”I've known you three years, young sir,” said he, ”and I've believed in you from the first. I have reminded Sergeant Fitzroy of his previous allegations against Trooper Rawdon, as to the scuffle and a.s.sault, and, so far from showing confusion, Fitzroy promptly said, 'Certainly, that took place barely half a minute later and within ten yards of the spot.' He says his whole idea first was to drive Rawdon from the scene, and prevent his finding his officer in so humiliating a plight. He says he sought in every way at first to s.h.i.+eld the lieutenant, but when all these other facts came out about the cap, the clothing, the lieutenant's absence from his quarters, his lacerated hand, etc., there was no help for it. He finally yielded to the pressure of Captain Snaffle's questions and told the truth. Kelly miserably admitted his knowledge of it and when Rafferty came to his senses, he, too, was to be catechised.”

”Now, Mr. Lanier, there's the situation. Do you care to say anything to me, or would you prefer to take counsel?”

And Bob Lanier leaning on his elbow, looked quietly up in the colonel's bearded face and answered:

”Colonel Riggs, I reckon both those men think they're telling the truth, and I may have to prove they're not.”

”Do you mean--you _were_ there?” queried old Riggs, in genuine concern.

”There, sir? Of _course_ I was there--quick as I could get there, but not quick enough by any manner of means.”

Riggs looked grave indeed.

”You say you may have to prove it was not you. Don't you _know_ you'll have to--if these witnesses are further sustained?”

”Fully, sir, and when my need is known there will be witnesses for the defense. The doctors tell me Rafferty may not come round in less than a week. When the time arrives I'll be ready.”

And that was the way it had to be left. That was the condition of affairs when the eighth, and final, day of Lanier's close arrest arrived. Longer than eight, according to law, the colonel could not keep him in. Sooner than eight more, according to Larrabee, the doctors could not let him out. Yet there came a compromise and a change. ”The idea of Bob Lanier spending Christmas in hospital!” said Mrs. Stannard. It was not to be thought of. A suns.h.i.+ny room on the ground floor of the major's big house was duly prepared, and thither just before sunset on Christmas eve our young soldier was piloted by Schuchardt and Ennis, making the trip afoot across the rearward s.p.a.ce, yet being remanded to a huge easy chair and partial bandages immediately on his arrival.

”Black Bill,” with his incomplete report, had gone back to Omaha to further mystify the adjutant-general and to eat his Christmas dinner.

The order for the court-martial hung fire until the preliminary investigation could be concluded. Fort Cus.h.i.+ng set itself to enjoy the sweet festival as best it might, while such a problem remained unsolved.

Veterinary Surgeon Mayhew had taken seven days' leave, an eastbound train, and at three P.M. the day before Christmas came a telegram from ---- Arnold, Esq., of Standish Bay, Ma.s.sachusetts, announcing that he would leave forthwith for the West, bringing his sister with him. The Sumters told Mrs. Stannard, and she told Bob Lanier.

It has been said that this young gentleman was an outspoken fellow, with a hit-or-miss way of saying things when once his mind was made up, and by this time it would seem he had made up his mind.

”Mrs. Stannard, if you think a girl could stand the sight of such a Guy Fawkes as this, I would give much to speak ten minutes to Miss Miriam Arnold.”

”You're _not_ a Guy Fawkes,” said Mrs. Stannard, with fluttering heart.

”You've lost something of your mustache and eyebrows, but very little of your good looks. Only----”

”Only what?”

”Why, it's going to be so much harder to see her _now_ than it was before--before she----” and Mrs. Stannard faltered.

”Before she saw me playing Saint Somebody or other at the back window, and screamed? n.o.body knows _I_ heard it except you, and you won't tell.

Moreover, it isn't about _that_ that I have to speak.”

Mrs. Stannard's bonny face showed instant disappointment.

”There's--there's another matter,” said Bob, with trouble in his tones.

”I so hoped----” faltered that arch match-maker.

”So did I, Mrs. Stannard,” said downright Bob, ”but not with charges hanging over my head. First I've got to meet the enemy.”