Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1886-06-16
THE COL0NEL'S STORY

~ did not learn the beginning of the
romance until long after the story was
Concluded said the colonel, IN re-
SpOnse TO a question from his niece.
.'But my part was small enough to
allow me to relate the circumstance
without vanity.
II do not like TO be particular as to
names; II looks too much like scandal;
but you may satisfy yourself that 1t is
true story.
Henry Morgan and COsmo Rol-
shoyen, as | shall call them, were both
suitors for the hand of Camille Ches-
ter. This young lady was the daugh-
ter of very wealthy Southerner
whose name was well known IN WASH
ingtOn before the war.
AZ believe she was the most beautiful
woman 1 every saw-no offence TO pres
ent company, and she was rs high splr-
tied as pretty.
81 received but imperfect reports as
to the character of Cosmo Rolshoven;
but he was very fine looking man,
with something of the reckless, dare
devil in his countenance.
"Morgan was altogether different;
he was rather plain as ID his features,
but intelligent-looking and very well
informed.
ITO conclude, he bore the best sort
of character among his neighborS, while
RolshOyen was admired more than
liked.
Miss Chester is supposed to have
treated her two lovers in such manner
flu "a
peared doubtful to them, and, OF
course, they gave themselves full bene-
fit of any smiles which she may have
bestowed upon them.
"This was before the declaration OF
hostilities between the North and South,
and when both gentlemen joined their
party under arms they were. as we sup
pose, anxious to settle matters in Gu
pid's tent.
They chose the same day for put
ting their fortune to the test. Perhaps
Rolshoven gave more attention to his
toilet, than did his rival-he might
have further to 60, or anything you
please-certain it is that Morgan was
first upon the spot.
"He met with reception which his
character seems really to have deserved,
and when they walked out into the
park late in the afternoon Camille
Chester had promised to become bis
wife.
"Soon after they left the mansion for
the outdoor air, CosmO Rolshoven rode
up to the gate, and being informed by
an offieious darky that Miss Chester
was strolling about the grounds, he
started off in the direction the young
lady had taken, hoping TO overtake
her.
'.Not being aware that she was not
alone, he began TO form a most melting
speech in his mind, which should bring
her TO capltulate Immediately.
"WLat was his aston;shment and
chagrin when he came to an angle in
the little brook which formed the
boundary of Mr.. Chesters estate, to
find the lady of his love seated upon a
hillock, with his rival at her feet.
"We may imagine that ugly feelings
were in his heart when he understood
the lady was already another's, and he
cursed his steed, as though his being
few minutes behind his rival lie bad
lost his cause.
"After watching as long as he could
bear the sight, he returned TO the
house, and ordering out his steed rode
off, notwithstanding Mr.. Cbester's in
yitation to him TO remain to dinner.
SIT was late in the evening when
Henry Morgan rode honeward, and he
had trayersed but a mile when dark
figure upon horseback barred his pas
cage.
Morgan recognized Cosmo Rolsho-
ven, although the latter sat on his
horse in the middle of the roadway with
the air of one who was about to utter
the old demand, Your money or your
hfe."
1.-THE young men had been school,
mates in former days, and although
they had never teen friends, there was
a sort of 'fraternal feeling as Barns
calls II, at least upon Morgan's side.
"Ilello, Rolshoven," he said, some
what astonished at the mans de-
meanor; sis that you2"
"Yes, " growled Cosmo, and then he
was silent, scarcely knowing how to
begin the quarrel he was determined TO
force upon his rival.
Morgan coughed slightly. You ap- |
pear TO have something to say to me-"
he said.
"Yes; have something TO say, Nor
gan" growled the young man, 81 have |
a pair of pistols in case here-y0u |
know how to use them. and must pro-
tect your life"
Morgan vented an ejaculation OF sur
prise, and demanded the reason for
this strange speech.
81 was an observer OF your interview
with Miss Chester few hours back. l
have always hoped 10 make the young
lady my wife, and since you have dis
possessed me OF her, shall make an
effort TO deprive you of life"
Morgan drew himself upright in his
saddle with an impatient movement.
81 have dispossessed you OF nothing,
RolshOven," he SAID quietly. Your
speech can meet with but one excuse"
~ do not desire you should find an
excuse for me, sir; | am perfectly
sober. / see you doubt 1t, and am
10 light or thrash you; take
your choice"
For a moment Morgan did not reply. !