writes an anonymous letter is always a coward, a sneak, and
usually a liar, too. I am directed by the battalion commander to state
that, if the writer of this anonymous letter can be found, he will be
placed on trial for his act, which is one unworthy of a soldier.

"I am further directed by the battalion commander to state that no
letter anonymously accusing an enlisted man will react in any way
against the accused. The battalion commander feels that he cannot state,
too strongly, his intense contempt for any coward who will resort to
slandering a comrade in an anonymous letter.

"The battalion commander will be glad, at any time, to receive from any
man in his command any information or report that may be made honestly
and for the good of the service. But the man making such report will go
to headquarters and make it in person, or else will put his information
in writing and sign it fully and manfully."

After an impressive pause Adjutant Wright stepped back, saluted his
commanding officer, then stepped to his proper position.

At a signal from the adjutant the buglers now sounded retreat. As the
last notes died out the sunset gun was fired. Rifles flew to "present
arms," swords flashed to salute and male civilian onlookers uncovered
their heads while the band crashed out with "The Star Spangled Banner."

As the band played, the Flag fluttered down from the peak of the post
flag staff and descended into the hands of its defenders. One man stood
in the ranks at that moment who was unfit to touch even the border of
that national emblem.

"Order arms!" rang out, as the last note died out. "Right shoulder
arms!"

Then by column of fours the battalion marched briskly off the field, to
be halted and dismissed near barracks.

No sooner were the men in their quarters than the same angry inquiry
rose in each squad room:

"Who has been writing lying letters about a comrade?"

No one admitted being the dastard, of course, yet over at headquarters
Major Silsbee, at that very moment, was asking:

"What makes you so very sure, Wright, that some man in this command
wrote the anonymous letter?"

"It is all very simple, sir," replied the adjutant. "Look at the note
again, sir, and you'll see that it is typewritten----"

"Of course, Wright; I've known that from the first."

"But, sir, it's written in the style of type that is used on the Everite
typewriter. This post is equipped with Everite typewriters; we have them