A PRETTY MAID AND A GAMECHICK The December days sped on, and Christmas was nearing.

As the great, splendid fort was a shut-in place, the people in it made great preparations for Christmas, if only to forget that they were shut in.
The Christmas Eve exhibition drill and music ride was to be the principal event of the season, and, wonder of wonders, Anita was to ride with Broussard at the music ride.

This was not accomplished without pleadings and even tears from Anita.

Mrs.Fortescue took no part in this affair between the Colonel and the adored of his heart; Anita and the Colonel had always settled their problems between themselves solely.

Sergeant McGillicuddy had something to do with wringing from the Colonel his consent that Anita should ride with Broussard.
"Accordin' to my way of thinkin', Mr.Broussard is the best rider of all the young orficers, sir," said McGillicuddy to the Colonel, in the seclusion of the office.