CHAPTER III.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8003, 5 May 1904, Page 4

CHAPTER 111.

. Tne Jjatner of Many Unaldien sat in judgment, grey, stern, sorrowful., In. front of him the sunlight from tie windows fell in a blinding glory upon scarlet, steel and gold, tanned faces of the children, eyes that ioved him. • He looked from face to face — to the sergeant-major, the Provost, and orderly sergeants, the : armed escort, then to the prisoner, Constable Jimmy Biggs. His eyes seemed to burn the > prisoner. t " You are charged," he said, " with* making away : with Government property— your fur cap. Wihat have you to say for "yourself?" •'.. " Under repair, sir," answered Jimmy. "To t>e ready for "winter — eh ? Well, who is "repairing ttfr" ■,■':: " The troop saddler, sir."' " Sergeant-Major-, just send 1 for Constable Robinson." ' "I lied, sir," cried the prisoner; "'the cap was stolen, sir, last night, to get me charged, sir, with——" " Hiking away with, Kit?" The officer commanding took from' the table a black bearskin busby, with the broad yellow badge of the corps. "Is this your cap?" •■ f'Yes, sir." "Your regimental (number (has been cut from tie lining. Your enemy, Constable Kiggs was considerate— wanted to save you — ehS" ' . ;■ ' . ' .'■■:■ "That's not my cap; sir I" , "Sergeant-Major, just see of this cap fits." "I confess— l done it!" ' " You oosffif«as that' this is your cap ?" ■ "Yes." ■;■■; :'' ' '■■ ■. .. . - : : . "This charge is dismissed; ; but prisoner, I must warn you, that you will now be charged with the jserrible military crime of aiming a condemned felon far the express purpose of m.urder. It may 'be pleaded that you armed this man for the purpose of self-murder; but even that is a capital felony. At the present moment nearly three division's are engaged in an attempt to recapture this escaped prisoner without loss of life. He is in desperate extremity —he is armed, and if he succeeds in killing any of your comrades^ without th.c slightest doubt you will answer for that with your life. I cannot dwell upon the disgrace which lias befallen, me, my Division, the Force and his Majesty's Service. . I can only think of the many brave men we have lost at the hands of desperadoes in aimbushNow go, and when you're alone remember that I'm not your judge. a commend you to kneel and pray, as I sliall, for our comrades in peril. Whatjs that?" Nearer and nearer out of the silence of the plains came the rumble of wheels, the thunder of cavalry, and now of a sudden the returning column came clanking before the windows, halted, formed and dressed. The door opened, and an officer strode in. "Well?" asked tie conuniandan^ in deep anxiety. " Nobody hurt, sir— l've sent Kit's body to the guard-house." : "Dead!" cried Constable Jimmy Bigga "Silence," said the sergeant-major; "prisoner, r-right about tur-rn!" "I don't oare!" cried Jianmy. "I don't care! I done right!: Kit was my father 1" Jimmy ' has been pardoned. ' ■' ..' ■' - •.•.■ : .' / - •'"■;. ■'. ; : ;f . '' . ;■ ..