Page 108 (1/2)

Already daylight rested white and solemn over the silent valley, and

only a short distance away lay the spot where the crippled scout had

officer

turned that way, crossed the strea, and clalance that Murphy had deserted the

spot Convinced of this, Brant retraced his steps toward the camp of

his own troop, now already astir with the duties of early

Just in front of his tent he encountered his first sergeant

"Watson," he questioned, as the latter saluted and stood at attention,

"do you know a man called Silent Murphy?"

"The scout? Yes, sir; knew hio as when he was corporal in

your father's troop He was reduced to the ranks for striking an

officer"

Brant wheeled in astonishment "Was he ever a soldier in the Seventh?"

"He was that, for two enlisth for a fight in field or garrison"

"Has he shown himself here at the camp?"

"No, sir; didn't knoas anywhere around He and I were never very

good friends, sir"

The lieutenant re to

perfect soraph-office," he finally coes there, and if they