le by little, was far more frequently to be found about
the major's quarters than his own.

Ray did not like it. Neither did Blenke's captain, yet neither wished to
throw cold water on Priscilla's efforts, and really nothing could be
less obtrusive or more precise and soldierly than Blenke. He never
presumed to speak except in answer to questions. He was scrupulous in
dress, bearing, conduct and military courtesy. His salute was precision
itself. His captain really wished to make him a corporal, but a veteran
first sergeant respectfully protested. "The men wouldn't stand for it,
sir, and him not two months in the company." Sandy Ray, who came home in
mood to carp at anything, liked it least of all that he should be
forever encountering Blenke about the lower floor or around the walks
and quarters. But Priscilla was forever talking of Blenke's helpfulness,
his piety, high character, and his modest hopes. Blenke was beginning to
talk with her about studying for a commission. Blenke was beginning to
be disliked among the men because he ignored them so.

Then one day came the expected. Lieutenant-Colonel Ray, --th Cavalry,
was ordered to proceed at once to San Francisco, and thence by transport
to Manila. Then came tidings of deaths in the Islands, and retirements
at home, and, six months sooner than he had hoped for such a thing,
Oswald Dwight saw the gold leaves of a major dangling before his mental
vision, and the night before Colonel Ray was to bid his loved ones
good-by and take train for the coast, and he and Marion, arm in arm,
were coming home from some parting calls, they saw Blenke standing at
their gate, a telegraphic message in his hand; Priscilla and Billy,
Junior, following, closed upon the elders as Ray tore open the envelope.
Blenke, having delivered it, stood scrupulously at attention just beyond
the gate, gazing with his mournful eyes straight out at the flagstaff in
the middle of the parade. Ray read, turned a bit pale, and glanced
hurriedly about him as though in search of someone. Sandy was not in
sight. He was busy with the affairs of the Canteen.

"What is it, Will?" asked Marion anxiously, her gloved hand trembling a
bit upon his arm.

"Of all things--queer," said Ray. "Dwight gets my squadron, and--_she's_
coming with him."

Then unaccountably Private Blenke's forage-cap, always worn well
forward, tilted off and fell at his feet.

CHAPTER V

PREMONITORY SYMPTOMS

Colonel Ray was no