News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1882-08-17
WEST POINT STRATEGY.
''GooG afternoon, Mr.. Willis"

"GooG afternoon, Mr.. Willis"
"How do you do, Nh. -Mr.-Mr.-
why, sure as I live, it is Eugene Oak
ford in his West Point regimentals
Eugene, I am glad to see you. You
know you were always favorite OF
mine. But tell me how about the Mill
tary Academy?"
'Wel, Mr.. Willis, the academy is
still fourishing in its old and beautiful
position on the Hudson"
bal ha ha You always did come
to the point. I used to say THAT boy
will make a great general But, sir,
Boom a-laddie, when do you return p
81 will not return as student; have
graduated.
"Can it be that the time has so rap
| idly flown. What is your number, Eu-
gene?'
''Look at this paper, sir"
Mr.. Willis read cat the recent COM
mencement of the West Point Military
Academy, the first honor was awarded
to Eugene Oakford."
"Good for you. Better news is sell
dom heard in this counting-hous I
| suppose you are now soldier for life. !"
"That depends on circumstances.
swell, Mr.. Willis, allow me to un-
fold myself. If I can make an impress
sion on certain lady, and if said lady
desires me to aspire for martial renown,
will continue. Should she demur, I
shall shape my course to her WISH"
$50 there's young lady in the case.
Ha ha You soldiers are heavy on
the dash. Who is she, my boy-who is
she?"
"Your daughter-Maud Willis"
The jolly yet naughty millionaire
frowned.
"Do you know Maud Willis ?"
''No, sir, Mr.. Willis, I am a soldier
by theoretical training. My business
here is to take you by storm. I like
the idea of taking you by storm. I like
the idea of boarding lion in his den
and carrying the war into Africa You,
also, are member of the straightfor.
ward brigade, and as such will open
with Miss Willis, but from many a peep
of observation made during various
vacations, have become deeply inter-
ested in her."
'There's much of the man in you,
Oakford, but"
One minute, if you please, Mr..
Willis. From current report, 1 see all
visitation at your house must be settled
for at this Office Miss Willis is an
only child and an heiress. The world
is full of adventurers-policy- players
and you, well-knowing this, do nobly
to guard the portal that leads to her
heart. What I am, you know. Now
tell me, sir, will you bless me with an
introduction to one who has been my
polar star, beacon light and incentive
for years ?"
''Polar, beacon light and incentive
for years Why, Eugene, how can this
be when you have no acquaintance ?"
''Mr. Willis, am fully cognizant of
her mind and soul. I have learned this
from both her expression and mutual
friends. / repeat will you bless me
with the introduction ?"
Eugene, from your language you
mean marriage"
"That is the point, Mr.. Willis"
"Oakford, your family is unobjection-
able, your education and manner su-
perior, while your open and manly
course has most favorabIy impressed
me. But remember that you are only
a poor soldier without commission or
position. My wealth has given Miss
Willis status you cannot support.
You see that there is a barrier, an in
compatibility, that precludes the favor
you ask. Life is chess-board and this
is my move"
"Mr. Willis, barriers are actual and
imaginary. What you demand is one
thing-iustice is another. Exclusion
upon the ground you mention is un-
tenable in honor. No one supposes
young beginners can flourish the style
of their retired parents and friends.
Your daughter and are peers in all but
fortune. Time, sir, may level that OBJ
stacle."
"Oakford, like you, indeed I do
but as you have put question, an
swer as before. Now, don't make
long face. Cheer up, my lad. There's
mate for you some place-yes, and
rich one."
'Not if all in authority are like you,
Mr.. Willis"
The unlogical merchant WINGED, and
to end the conversation said:
"My young friend, l must now go
home and prepare for a journey. Will
be gone a month. In the meantime
brace up, keep your top eye open, and
employ your strategy on some fair girl,
who will make you good wife,"
eyes, sir, to incur the vengeance of a
punctillious father"
vengeance Pshaw, my boy. The |
old man will rave while, and then send |
the carriage after both. Good day. Call
again and recollect my parting injunc-
tion-strategy
Eugene Oakford left the counting
room.
Strategy" said he, as he walked the
street.
'Yes, it is soldiery. 1 have a mean,
foe, and will employ reme-
dial tactics. Life is chess-board, and
this is my move Well, Mr.. Willis,
you may move, while 1 play strategy
and countermove.'
AS soon as he knew the old gentleman
had left the city, Oakford began his
game.
1t was twilight. The young man