Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1890-03-30

similarly refused, and he had gone away
indignant. He thought Mr.. Hayne too
bumptious to live, but he bore no malice
and his wrath was soon over. Many of
the cavalry officers called in person and
rendered their services, and were very
civily received, but all offers were posi-
lively declined. Just what the infantry
officers should do was momentous
question. That they could no longer
hold aloof was a matter that was quick
ly settled, and three of their number
went through the chill cleaning of the
wintry eve and sent in their cards by
Sam, who ushered them into the cheer
less front room, while one Of their num-
Der followed to the doorway which led to
the room in the rear, in which, still con-
fined to his bed by the doctors advice,
the injured officer was lying. 1t was
Mr.. Ross who went to the door and
cleared his throat and stood in the pres
ence OF the man to whom, more than
five years before he had refused his
hand. The others listened anXiOuSly:
Mr.. Hayne, this is Ross. | come
with Foster and Graham to say how
deeply we regret your injuries. and to
tender our sympathy and our services" y
There was dead silence for a mo-
ment. Foster and Graham stood with
hearts that beat unaccountably hard,
looking at each other in pcrpleXity.
Would he never reply?
The answer came at laSt-a question:
TO what injuries do you alludc, Mr..
RoSS?"
Even in the twilight they could see
the sudden flush of the Scotchman's
cheek. He was blunt fellow, but, as
the senior had been chosen spokesman
for the three. The abrupt question stag
gered him. 1t was a second or TWO be-
fore he could collect himself.
Il mean the injuries at the fire he
replied.
This time no answer whatever. 1t
was growing too painful. Ross looked
in bcwiderment at the bandaged face
and again broke the silence:
We hope you won't deny us the
right TO be Of service. Mr.. Haync. If
there is anything that we can do that
you need or would like"-hcsitatingly.
You have nothing further to Say?''
asked the calm voice from the pillow.
"I-don't know what else we can
say" faltered Ross, after an inStant's
pause.
The answer came, firm and prompt,
but Jelly cold;
Then there is nothing that You can
do"
And the three took their departure.
sore at heart.
There were others of the infantry who
had purpoSed going to see Haync that
evening, but the story of Ross expert
ence put an end to it all. 1t was plain
that even now Mr.. Haync made the con.
ditiOn of the faintcSt advance from hi,
rcgimental comrades a full confession
of error. He would have no less.
That evening the colonel sat by hi:
bedside and had an earnest talk. He
vcntured to cXpOStulatc with the invalid
ON his refusal to 90 to the majors or tC
STANDARDS. lie could have SO many
comforts and delicacies there that would
be impossible here. He did not refer tC
cdibleS and drnkabcS alone, he said
with a smile: but Haynes patient fac,
gave no sign of relenting. He heard
the colonel through. and then said slow
ly and firmly.
Il have not acted hastily. sir: APP
prcciatc your kindness. and am not un
grateful. Five years ago my whole life
was changed. From that time to this
have done without a host of things that
used to be Indispensable, and have alb.
iurcd them one and all for a single lux
ury that cannot live without-thc lux
ury of utter independence-the joy of
knowing that owe no man anything
the blessing of being bcholdcn to no one
ON earth for a single service cannot
pay for. II is the one luxury left me.
TO BE CONTINUED.