The Wahpeton times., 1891-04-16

w SA'SA w SoCltl cuJOy IuelUj
on good terms with himself; and, as a
general thing, keeping on pretty good
terms with those about him. He was
naturally free and easy; fine soldier,
and a strict disciplinarian. He was a
kind-hearted, generous man, though
troubled with a temper that some
times led him into error.
Major Farwell had been in command
but few weeks when he resolved to
send for his wife to come and stop
with him through the summer. He
had comfortable and commodious
quarters, and there was little danger
that the Indians would make another
attack. l was away on foraging ex-
petition when Mrs. Farwell arrived;
but I returned on the following day,
and was in time to attend the party
which the major gave on the occasion.
The staff and line officers, not kept
away on duty, were all present, and
Joy and merriment ruled the hour.
Mrs. Farwell was younger than her
husband; a handsome, portly woman;
bearing herself with peculiar grace and
dignity, without any effort at show or
affectation. She assumed no needless
reserve, but treated her guests with
kindness and consideration. seeming
only anxious that all should feel at
home and enjoy themselves.
In that far-off region the laws of
total abstinence were not strictly
adhered to; and on the present oc-
casion we emptied many bottles of
wine. Towards midnight the ladies
withdrew; but the officers were not
quite ready to retire. The major was
in the highest of spirits, and song and
story, with flowing goblets, gaveus oc-
cupation. By and by proposed as a
toast, "Mrs. Major Farwell," and it
was drank with three cheers. Why in
the world thermal jor should have taken
offence I could not comprehend; but
he did SO, and intimated that l had
better not make too free with his
wife's name.
"Egad!" replied, without stopping
to weight my words, eff you must
have your handsome lady as sacred
as that, you ought not have brought
here out here"
Captain Willett," he cried, rising
to his feet, 'if you breath the lady's
name again, I'll kick you from my
quarters!"
had started from my seat when
Lieutenant Walker, who sat by my
side, pulled me back.
''Zounds!" he uttered, in hurried
whisper, "don't say another word.
The old majors mad, and he's a bit
jealous, too. Can't you see it?''
As Walker spoke it flashed upon me
that Mrs. Farwell had been very at.
tentive to me. She had danced with
me four or five times, and had prone.
naded. with me under the piazza. But
I could not bear such language as
Major Farwell had addressed to me;
and in spite of my friends remon.
STRANGE, I retorted upon him. My
blood was heated with whiskey, and
cared no more for the commanding Of.
ficer at that time than would have
cared for our drummer-boy.
"By heaven, sir!" exclaimed, "you
would have q fine time kicking me out!
Perhaps you had better try it now?"
The major sprang towards me, and
caught me by the collar. I thought at
the time that he meant to strike me;
but !! was subsequently, convinced that
he did not. But l struck him-struck
him upon the cheek with the fiat OF
my hand. With a kissing oath he
drew a pistol from his pocket; but be-
fore he could useit the adjutant caught
his arm, and three orfour of my friends
hurried me from the room, and led me
away to my own quarters.
On the following morning l awoke
with anything but a pleasant feeling;
and when Remembered what had tran
spired during the previous night felt
wretched enough. cursed the wine
cup and the whiskey-bottle from the
bottom of my heart, and inwardly re-
solved that l would touch thestuffno
more. Still / was forced to take a
stiff hot glass to steady my nerves;
and after 1 had dressed myself sat
down to cup of coffee. l was thus
engaged when our adjutant, Mr. Bow
ker, entered my quarters. I bade
him good morning, and asked him if
he would not take breakfast with me.
"Not now," said he, shaking his
head. 81 have called upon business.
"Ah, captain, this is bad affair. Do
you remember that you struck the
major last night?"
Yes-I remembered it very well-I
remembered it too well.
"He expects you will make an apol-
ogy," pursued the adjutant.
And if do nOt?"
ssThen you must fight him"
"You were present, Bowker, during
the whole scene?"
eyes"
"Then I wish you to tell me the
truth, for lam free to confess that my
brain was on q bit Of a whirl last
night. First: did !, in my toast to
Major Farwell's wife, give him the
least occasion for ill-feeling?"
Il could see none, captain: but you
must remember that he had been drink
ing"
Exactly and in that we were even.
And nowdid he not, in the presence
Of the whole company, threaten to
kick me from his quarters3"
Yes"
And did he net lay his hand upon
me before Istruck hinl?''
:. g /, cannot r be positive; but ! think
.'Then, n said ], drinking the last 81