Originally Published 1909

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION

Denied existence by the chief publishing houses of the country, this book owes itself to Mr. E. L. G. Steele, merchant, of this city. In attesting Mr. Steele's faith in his judgment and his friend, it will serve its author's main and best ambition.

A. B.

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 4, 1891.

CONTENTS

A HORSEMAN IN THE SKY[15]
AN OCCURRENCE AT OWL CREEK BRIDGE[27]
CHICKAMAUGA[46]
A SON OF THE GODS[58]
ONE OF THE MISSING[71]
KILLED AT RESACA[93]
THE AFFAIR AT COULTER'S NOTCH[105]
THE COUP DE GRÂCE[122]
PARKER ADDERSON, PHILOSOPHER[133]
AN AFFAIR OF OUTPOSTS[146]
THE STORY OF A CONSCIENCE[165]
ONE KIND OF OFFICER[178]
ONE OFFICER, ONE MAN[197]
GEORGE THURSTON[209]
THE MOCKING-BIRD[218]

CIVILIANS

THE MAN OUT OF THE NOSE[233]
AN ADVENTURE AT BROWNVILLE[247]
THE FAMOUS GILSON BEQUEST[266]
THE APPLICANT[281]
A WATCHER BY THE DEAD[290]
THE MAN AND THE SNAKE[311]
A HOLY TERROR[324]
THE SUITABLE SURROUNDINGS[350]
THE BOARDED WINDOW[364]
A LADY FROM RED HORSE[373]
THE EYES OF THE PANTHER[385]