Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1872-02-15
'ocks'?' asked Singleton with a

/ nope 1 may be smashed
Singleton laughed out aloud he was
one of those men made by nature for
trading, being never in such good
temper as when he had got the best OF
some unfortunate in a bargain, rs he
had done in this case.
oh be joyful see the coffee shop
lights ahead " roarcd young Told,
spurring his Arab suddenly, thus caus-
ing him to bound wildly and scatter
the group.
DO be quiet, YOU griffin = rose in a
shout Of execration from all and Todd
reined in his horse as best he could.
The 'cotfee-shop' is great institu-
ton with regiment marching down
country. 1t is generally Kept by grav-
bearded Mussulman. whose life has
been devoted to winning for himself a
passport to the Prophet, by the simple.
pleasing, aud cminently lucrative duty
OF cheating the Feringbee. This hoarv-
headed old sinner usually starts over
night with his bullock -gnarries and
servants. along the track leading to the
new camp which the regiment will oc-
cupy the following morning. As near
halfway "a can bc managed. he halts
at some stream or well Of sweet water.
lights his fire, sets on 4 huge co1ce-poi
TO brew, so a. 70 have the welcome
decoctlon ready when the troops shall
arrive and then takes his reposc. The
spot old IIalec Ebram had selected on
this Christmas morning was beautiful,
and more than one English heart heat
again as the scene called back men,
ory Of some pleasant picnic corner Of
the far-oH home land Down from be-
meath two rugged and scrub-clai hills
lovely brook came dashlng and
sparkling in the soft blue starlight.
now tumbling over tortuous and
rocky course in Wild delight, then
dashing ma,iIy, with showers of mix
tossed spray, over natural cascade
anon placldly gliding with gurgling
cadence IN peaceful level, till a sudden
turn over = smaller cascade sent IL
swlr.lng through a magnificent t1pe Of
Of trees, under whose protecting
branches the camp-iires had been lit,
and sent a glow that added 10 Tie
charms Of the scene.
Horses were dlsmounted aud handed
over to their keepers swords were un-
buck.ei and Uttered the ground
cneFoots lit, coffee loudly called for
~, a.r,,.a .,iI.l ,~,,- .Ir..i... - ..,..,
spread themselves IA picturesque
groups amidst the trees.
sharp morning, gentlemen. remark
ed Col. Estcourt. - he wadIled over
10 where his officers were grouped.
standing or lying on the hard dry
earth. Various adjectivcs were applied
70 the term cold in the replies OF most
OF The officers. who liked Oil Estcourt.
and tried To give him a hearty answer
in private they chaiFcd at the OH
gentleman, freely initiating his wad lie
and manner Of speaking through his
nose.
'lIullo Rollynge Multi" querlcd
Vernon, the major, as he observed that
pAaANtA AtNAI44lI1 hHfitl lIt ia StJb! L
ing costume, and gun across his
knees.
cs, major; the mes-man wanted
some game for the Christmas dinner,
SO got leave and have only Just
caught you up
Made good bag Vernon was
fond OF game; besides he had man
aging wife and a manageable daughter
and gave dinners when the larder was
in good trim.
Pretty well, was the answer: i
told my man to take couple Of hares
| and a few birds to Mrs. Vernon the
first day
Thanks, my dear fellow; don't
interfere IN the domestic affairs, the
worthy major was, all the same, quite
well aware Of the presenter you
cant think how happy should have
been 10 ask you to take your Christmas
dinner in my tent now, unfortunately
our table is quite filled up
/ Figuratively speaking Gerald Rol.
lynge put his tongue in his cheek !;
actually, he blandly smiled while re-
plying Thanks, major; I'm sure |
didn't expect such kindness for few
head Of game
Maj. Vernon turned away to spake
to some one else, ard bit his nails
| furiously as he felt the delicate touch
OF sarcasm that had been bestowed
upon him. The major-or rather Mrs
Major-preferred captains, or at leas,
well-to-dO lieutenants to grace hei
table ; she hated ensigns, to which Class
Rollynge belonged and besides, the
worthy couple were well aware that he
had been very attentive TO Miss Hett,
Vernon, while that young lady had not
disguised her partiality for the hand
some but moneyless, not to say deeply
involved, subaltern.
Coming along with US Rollynge
asked Barron, as the bugles sounded
for the regiment to resume its march
No | think shall have a nap here
and gallop into camp in time fol
breakfast
And he did have nap, Of about ter
minutes duration, until the regimen
had marched SO far that the banC
could be only family heard through the
thick jungle, when he jumped into hi.
saddle and galloped of through th,
broken ground and dense scrub tina
fringed the track his comrades wer,
traversing. When he judged himsel
about a miles distance at right angles
to the line Of march, and out of sigh
of the regiment, he turned again in tn,
direction it was taking, stirred up hi
nag with hand and spur, and bounded
along at a bloOd-firing speed.
H.-'RIGHT ABOUT FACE"
Why did Gerald Rollynge take tina
deceiving nap? Why is he now ridin!
along at full speed, spurring his hors'
as much by his own energy as by tn
} Latchfords that adorn his heels? VIII,
does he sing. in rich. manly voice
snatches of triumphant songs hear