om this trait
was pronounced and sustained, it had grown to be the custom of all but a
few of the officers to discuss openly and fully all matters of
regimental policy and utterly to discountenance covert action of any
kind. Blake was thoroughly popular, and generally respected, despite a
tendency to rant and rattle on most occasions. Nevertheless, there were
signs of dissent as to the line of action he proposed, though it were
only for his own guidance.

"And how do you suppose Rayner and the Riflers generally will regard
your calling on their black sheep?" asked Buxton, after a pause.

"I don't know," said Blake, more seriously, and with a tone of concern.
"I like Rayner, and have found most of those fellows thorough gentlemen
and good friends. This will test the question thoroughly. I believe most
of them, except of course Rayner, would do the same were they in my
place. At all events, I mean to see."

"What are you going to do, Gregg?" asked "the mole," wheeling suddenly
on his brother troop-commander.

"I don't know," said Gregg, doubtfully. "I think I'll ask the colonel."

"What do you suppose _he_ means to do?"

"I don't know again; but I'll bet we all know as soon as he makes up his
mind; and he is making up his mind now,--or he's made it up, for there
goes Mr. Hayne, and here comes the orderly. Something's up already."

Every head was turned to the door-way as the orderly's step was heard in
the outer hall, and every voice stilled to hear the message, it was so
unusual for the commanding officer to send for one of his subordinates
after the morning meeting. The soldier tapped at the panel, and at the
prompt "Come in" pushed it partly open and stood with one white-gloved
hand resting on the knob, the other raised to his cap-visor in salute.

"Lieutenant Blake?" he asked, as he glanced around.

"What is it?" asked Blake, stepping quickly from the window.

"The commanding officer's compliments, sir, and could he see the
lieutenant one minute before the court meets?"

"Coming at once," said Blake, as he pushed his way through the chairs,
and the orderly faced about and disappeared.

"I'll bet it's about Hayne," was the apparently unanimous sentiment as
the cavalry party broke up and scattered for the morning's duties. Some
waited purposely to hear.

The adjutant alone stood in the colonel's presence as Blake knocked and
entered. All others had gone. There was a moment's hesitation, and the
colonel pa