these statements, presently, did Colonel Riggs lay before Lieutenant
Lanier, in presence of Doctors Larrabee and Schuchardt, as well as
Lieutenant Ennis. "I've known you three years, young sir," said he, "and
I've believed in you from the first. I have reminded Sergeant Fitzroy of
his previous allegations against Trooper Rawdon, as to the scuffle and
assault, and, so far from showing confusion, Fitzroy promptly said,
'Certainly, that took place barely half a minute later and within ten
yards of the spot.' He says his whole idea first was to drive Rawdon
from the scene, and prevent his finding his officer in so humiliating a
plight. He says he sought in every way at first to shield the
lieutenant, but when all these other facts came out about the cap, the
clothing, the lieutenant's absence from his quarters, his lacerated
hand, etc., there was no help for it. He finally yielded to the pressure
of Captain Snaffle's questions and told the truth. Kelly miserably
admitted his knowledge of it and when Rafferty came to his senses, he,
too, was to be catechised."

"Now, Mr. Lanier, there's the situation. Do you care to say anything to
me, or would you prefer to take counsel?"

And Bob Lanier leaning on his elbow, looked quietly up in the colonel's
bearded face and answered:

"Colonel Riggs, I reckon both those men think they're telling the truth,
and I may have to prove they're not."

"Do you mean--you _were_ there?" queried old Riggs, in genuine concern.

"There, sir? Of _course_ I was there--quick as I could get there, but
not quick enough by any manner of means."

Riggs looked grave indeed.

"You say you may have to prove it was not you. Don't you _know_ you'll
have to--if these witnesses are further sustained?"

"Fully, sir, and when my need is known there will be witnesses for the
defense. The doctors tell me Rafferty may not come round in less than a
week. When the time arrives I'll be ready."

And that was the way it had to be left. That was the condition of
affairs when the eighth, and final, day of Lanier's close arrest
arrived. Longer than eight, according to law, the colonel could not keep
him in. Sooner than eight more, according to Larrabee, the doctors could
not let him out. Yet there came a compromise and a change. "The idea of
Bob Lanier spending Christmas in hospital!" said Mrs. Stannard. It was
not to be thought of. A sunshiny room on the ground floor of the major's
big house was duly prepared, and t