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 enlistments, and a mighty tough one; but he was
always quick enough for a fight in field or garrison."
"Has he shown himself here at the camp?"
"No, sir; didn't know he was anywhere around. He and I were never very
good friends, sir."
The lieutenant remained silent for several moments, endeavoring to
perfect some feasible plan.
"Despatch an orderly to the telegraph-office," he finally commanded,
"to inquire if this man Murphy receives any messages there, and if they
know where he is stopping. Send an intelligent man, and have him
discover all the facts he can. When he returns bring him in to me."
He had enjoyed a bath and a shave, and was yet lingering over his
coffee, when the two soldiers entered with their report. The sergeant
stepped aside, and the orderly, a tall, boyish-looking fellow with a
pugnacious chin, saluted stiffly.
"Well, Bane," and the officer eyed his trim appearance with manifest
approval, "what did you succeed in learning?"
"The operator said this yere Murphy hed never bin thar himself, sir,
but there wus several messages come fer him.
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