ld have known. _I_ used to go, too, while I had a
mother," sighed the colonel. "But that was very long ago." Then, with
sudden energy, "You wouldn't know whether--er--Captain Foster had been
over here at the Exchange--writing letters? Ah--er--who would?"

"Sergeant Bates, sir, probably."

"It's a bit of business I don't like, Sandy. Nobody but my adjutant
knows, though some may guess, and I'm going to tell you because----"

"I wish you _wouldn't_, sir. I--own I don't like Captain Foster," was
the blunt interruption.

"I've got to, lad, for I may have to act! But it was your father who
spake there, and you have known Foster longer and perhaps better than
any man here--Major Dwight possibly excepted. There are reasons why I
_can't_ ask Dwight."

"Then, Colonel," and with face still graver the young officer turned
appealingly to his commander, "all the more I ask you--don't ask me."

"See here, Ray," said the colonel, halting short. "No, keep back,
orderly, I don't want you!" he added with impatient wave of the hand.
"There's a piece of devilment going on at this post that it's my
business to stop before it gets too late. Pray God it isn't too late
_yet_! That man has no business here as Dwight's guest. He has no
business here at all. He isn't straight. He tells everybody he can't
imagine where his orders have gone, and that he's been wiring everywhere
to find them. This morning I find that he's lying. Yesterday he left
Dwight's house to write letters at the Club, as he said, and send more
dispatches. He stayed there only about fifteen minutes, until church was
fairly started. Then he said he wanted some keg beer which can't be had
at the Club, and so he left, saying he'd go to the Canteen and finish
the beer and his letters at your desk. That's almost the last they saw
of him, but before eleven he went through the east gate and down to old
Sergeant Sweeny's on the south flats. Sweeny served with him seven years
ago, and he's laid up with rheumatism. The second relief started just at
eleven, and the first problem the recruit on No. 4 had to deal with,
before the relief that left him was fairly out of sight, was what to do
with a gentleman, in civilian dress who was crossing his post. The
sentry stopped him, and the stranger said: 'I'm Captain Foster, staying
at Major Dwight's,' and went on in the back way. If Sweeny confirms this
story I shall send for Captain Foster and--until this is settled never
mind about that o