San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1889-06-11

TOO laUe, relenVeu ne nau Deen uraIUeu 10
the same regiment as his elder brother, whom
he had acquainted with these facts on his ar
rival in barracks that day.
Private Cameron told me, with deep emo
ton, that nothing could save his mother
from the workhouse Tan idea which seemed
to fill him with shame and horror unless his
brother could be bought out Of the service
and sent back home.
AS his brother had not been three months
enlisted, this could be affected by payment
of ten pounds; but such a sum was far be-
yond the means of either brother. Cameron,
in despair, had come to me for help, hardly
daring, as he told me- TO hope that could
give it. He said he had been encouraged to
seek my assistance by my constant kindness
to him.
81 would pay you back, sir, swear it to
YOU" said the poor lad, earnestly. "You
can stop my pay every week, sir. want
next to nothing. | don't drink any, and |
can easily get all need to smoke, and the
like O. that. | will pay you back, sir, indeed
Iwilll"
Well, to cut my story short, after some re-
Election, and not little misgiving as to
whether in respect Of discipline | was doing
right agreed to let him have the money.
could we'll afford it, liked the man, and had
been touched by his story not little.
"You should begin to save up your pay in
the savings bank, Cameron" said |, as he
thanked me earnestly.
| had not the least intention of repaying
myself from his hard earned savings, and
quite looked upon the loan as a gift, but
judged it better not to say so expressly, lest
the easy manner of obtaining the money
might do harm, while thought it a good OPP
portunity of encouraging frugal habits Y
Camerons gratitude was deep, and could
not help feeling that his expression of it was
sincere and heartfelt.
AS he was leaving the room he turned,
looked me full in the face and said: God
bless you, sir, for your kindness to mel
shall not forget it! | will repay you, sir, so
help me, God!"
was struck by the singular earnestness of
che man, and when he left the room said to
myself: IL may have done right or wrong,
but that is real good fellow, and have got
a firm friend, verify believe"
arranged matters next day. Cameron's
brother was permitted to leave for his home
almost Immediately; my part in the trans
action was not suspected, and in few weeks
the matter passed out of my mind.
Cameron continued in his steady conduct,
and each month observed that he was put
ting a little sum to his credit in the regimen
tai savings bank. never, however, alluded
to the occurrence again. About three months
afterward | went away on short leave. |
had accepted a yachting invitation from an
acquaintance and spent very pleasant three
weeks cruising among the channel islands.
| returned to D. late one night and, leav
ing my heavier baggage at a hotel in the
town, started up to barracks with a small
hand bag.
went slowly up the zigzag path, through
the poStern gate, crossed the first or outer
ditch and was within few yards of the in
ner one, when | was startled by a sudden
challenge:
Halt! Who goes there."
"ORcerw answered, feeling not a little
surprised, for there had not used to be a SEN
try over the plank bridge 1t was rather
dark, and | could not see very distinctly. |
advanced pace or two, when / was again
ha tied.
You can't pass here! Go bacGi" heard,
in sharp, distinct tones.
This meant a long round for me. which, so
late at night and carrying, as was, heavy
bas, was very disagreeable.
Not pass" exclaimed, peevishly. why
not! am an officer quartered in the cita-
deli"
You can't passl Go back" repeated the
voice, hoarsely
The tones seemed familiar, and rather irri-
tated by the somewhat peremptory answer,
| advanced another pace, and saw close in
front of me sentry with his rifle at the port.
go backI Go backI" repeated the figure,
in the same hurried tones.
The night was not SO dark but that could
make out the features of Private Adair Cam
eron For one moment thought of inquir-
ing the reason of the road which was usually
open, being closed, but OH second thoughts |
reflected that it was scarcely judicious to en-
ter into an alteration with a sentry whose
orders were evidently stringent; So very sulk
lily, turned and began to retrace my steps.
had gone but a few yards when heard
behind me the cry of Sentry go!" ring
through the quiet night air. C'Sentry gol"
is the cry invariably used by sentries in the
British service to intimate to the guard from
which they are detached that the time of
their duty having expired they expect relief.)
The sound fingered in my ears till the
echoes from the gray ramparts died away in
the still air, and all was once more profoundly
silent In no very good humor found my
self at last, hot and tired with my burden, in
the passage leading to my quarters.
The room occupied by my subaltern was
next to mine, the door was open, and heard
voices within
Those Internal sapperS are always at some
game! They 60 and move bridge for some
silly reason or other, and never think of tell
ing any one. only heard about it ten min
utes ago, and now I've got to go and post a