Adventure Magazine Cover — page 45: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE PENNSYLVANIA LINE I could give classical examples—the Justice being something of a scholar—to prove it.” “The Honorable Mr. Miller and myself,” said Colonel Butler, somewhat troubled by a cough, ‘‘discoursed on the lengths to which desperate, obstinate men will go, if unduly pressed or evaded. I, too, had instances, both ancient and modern, to cite.” “General Sullivan and I,” said Major Van Kuren, ‘‘were engaged in discussing the relative charms of the slender, New En- gland spinster, and the plump, Dutch maiden of Hanmattan. General Sullivan -being a military man, and of a sympathetic disposition.” “We left ’em,” continued Wayne, ‘an hour since, to ride ahead and warn you of their approach. Likewise, to make sure that the bridge had not weakened under next spring’s freshets, Colonel Reed having a great dread of drowning. But, hark ye, in good earnest; ’tis an unprecedented honor that is being done ye.”’ He looked to see if they were properly impressed. ‘Never be- fore has a mutinous brigade had a provin- cial president ride out to treat with ’em. ‘*Therefore he should be received with due respect, honor and ceremonies; so hustle out of this and parade the Line, with side arms and rifles, on the meadows. And for the love of God, wipe those grins off your silly faces! D’you think you look like des- perate, obstinate mutineers with your mouths stretched like jack-o’-lanterns? A respectful but stern composure is your cue. Hark!’’ For the sound of a shot had seeped through the wadded windows and the flow of words. ‘“That’s the sentry at the bridge. I ordered him to fire as soon as the commit- tee came into view, thinking it might help to settle Reed’s nerve for him, as well as to inform us of their progress. Wheel out of this, now, and parade that Line; and if I hear a single huzza from any of ’em, I'll cat the lot of yel’”’ ““Ves, sir!’”? And the board wheeled out, still grinning like gargoyles, neglecting the customary salute, and leaving the door open behind them. They were in an excusable excitement. ‘“‘All’s fair in love and war,’’ remarked Wayne, crossing the room to shut out the cold, ‘but I’m glad the goslings were not present to observe that expedient. They have little enough respect for discipline as it is. But, gentlemen, where was young Allen?” 43 “By Jove, he wasn’t with them at that!’’ exclaimed Stewart. “Nor has Jemmy arrived, either,’ said Butler. “Didn’t I hear you telling him to meet you here at noon, General?” “Very likely,” answered Wayne. ‘One tells Jemmy many things, but never with any surety that he will heed them. He’s the most unreliable trustworthy man in the army. But it may be that his present ab- sence accounts also for that of young AIl- len.”” He paused to look about him. ‘‘We may as well continue this place as head- quarters,’ he decided. “Here are pens, paper, and sand, but the ink has been wasted. There is a bare half inch left in the bottom of the stand. Enough to serve the present turn, I reckon. But where are those goslings? Am I to be reduced to writing my own orders?”’ “Til act as aid,” offered Stewart, seating himself at the head of the table, ‘‘vice Far- quar, absent without leave. What shall I write?”’ “Orders for the regimental officers to march here from Morristown,’”’ answered Wayne. ‘“ ’Twill be simpler to bring them here than to move the brigade back there, at least until after the discharging and issu- ing of those accursed furloughs. Heigho, three more days will see the Line thinned to a thread. But it hardly matters, if, as Jem- my vouches, the Grants will hold with us. And then to beat up more recruits! Jove, what a dog’s life! Eh? And what was that?” Stewart raised his head to listen to foot- steps that crossed the ceiling above them. “The goodwife at her feather beds,” he opined. ‘Faith, then,’”’ commented Wayne, “her foot is heavier than they are.” The steps wound down the stair, the little door opened, and Allen, a blotted, ink-damp paper between his fingers, stepped blindly into the room, dazzled by the light from the windows after his vigil in the dark of the loft above. “Barstow,” he said hurriedly, “here is my resignation. I give up all command. Would—would to God!—that I never had assumed it!”’ “Sergeant Allen?” said Wayne; and the soldier started, as, his eyes clearing, he recognized the speaker. “You resign all command? Do I understand that you re- turn to your duty?” comicloolk CO