Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1891-04-30

Re1I G11k was OVeI, anu Gut1t uOuI
she was another woman. Why, even a
smile played upon her lips as she
perused the oft-repeated .injunctions to
be kind to Grace Brentwood in his alb
sence-as if she could be any thing but
kind to the sweet girl.
It was not remarkable, then, when
an hour or two later that young lady
tripped from the parsons house down
the shady lane to make her peace with
the widow, that she found herself re-
ceived with open arms, even before she
could utter her tremulous plea for recon-
Citation, for the poor child's patriotism
had been put to fearful strain during
the hours of darkness, and with the
dawn she had arrived at the conclusion
that she could not give Frank to her
country after all; though all the while
she knew she was weak and selfish. So
she was half-glad when she learned
that the temptation of wooing him from
his duty was taken away.
And, while these two tender women
were mingling their tears and giving
each other consolation, Frank Besant,
in company with James Lawson and
two young farmers from the neighbor-
hood, was hieing away as fast as a
1OCdl WOuO carry I'LL "
Columbus.
Three of the little party were miser-
able enough, for there had been home
wrenchings, which had played havoc
with the emotions of the honest lads,
but Mr.. Lawson was in exuberant
spirits, as he had thirty dollars and a
bottle of whisky in his pocket, and
was cutting adrift from many un-
pleasant "reminiscences. AS for paying
his debts-such piece Of extravaganza
folly had never entered into his head,
and he grinned to think Of Miss Ruth's
innocence in supposing him capable of
such waste of money. The caboose
was full of countrywide going to
market, and, if you had asked the
rosy-cheeked farmers daughters which
they thought the bravest Of the little
band of raw-recruits, they would have
unhesitatingly given him the palm.
Not so the officer in command of the
military depot at Camp Chase, near
Columbus, who was SO extensively per-
sonal and rude in his remarks to him,
that he was disguised with soldering
before he had even donned his uniform.
Thirty days of severe drill and dis
cipline did not tend to improve James
Lawson's appreciation of a military
career, nor did frequent confinement in
| the guard-house and extra fatigue duty
lend roster hue to his surroundings.
Not that he had not his own circle of
bosom friends and sympathizers, jolly
good fellows like himself, who scorned
hard work and fretted under the igno-
BILE strains of military discipline.
Nor was Frank Besant's path entirely
VI l.
tween the quiet home at Meltonburg
and the rough and tumble barrack life
was severe strain upon him, but his
keen sense of duty and innate courage
carried him through the worst of it. He
had come from different home than
! any of his companions; for the Widow
Besant was well-to-do in the world,
having been left twenty thousand dol
lars and the homestead by her husband,
physician in large practice, and, being
exquisite taste, shehad brought her
boy upin an atmosphere of refinement
his present comrades had never enjoyed.
This to a degree separated him for a
| time from congenial companionship,
and even lead to a decided unpopularity;
SO that when the company elected Of
for consideration.
'.Never mind, old chap; they don't
know how to appreciate merit, but we'll
who's who" Lawson said, familiarly
| slapping him on the shoulder, a piece
of sympathy which the poor lad did not
very heartily enjoy.
Then he got into trouble with the
Ill :c1 4
been drafted from the regular army
| to teach the new recruits the noble art
of war, and who, having spent his early
days in humble submission to Ibis pas
tors and masters" loved, now that he
was clothed with a little authority, to
tyrannize over one better bred than
himself, especially when the object OF
his animadversion obstinately refused
to observe the details of military
etiquette in remembering that they
| kept very fair whisky at the canteen and
that sergeant's throat was naturally
dry.
Thus it fell out one day when Ser.
geant Briggs was more than ordinarily
abusive, that Franks patience nearly
gave way.
''Knees and heels together and head
up, you long-legged counter-skipper!'
the sergeant yelled, giving the young
soldier a thrust in the side that nearly
took his breath away.
Frank bit his lips and did his best te
keep his temper.
Don't look at me like that, STRIP the
petty tyrant roared, ''or I'll trot yor
out to the guard-house. Now, stand
attention.! if you've brains enough il
your thick head to know what mean.
Franks blood was boiling, but he die
his best to be obedient.
Fall out of the ranls!' was the mex
command, given in voice hoarse will
passion.
Neither the sergeant nor the culpri
had noticed the approach of a tall
soldierly, middle-aged man who was
now standing close beside them, gazing
with interest on the scene.
Briggs colored crimson and salutet
with an air of great Difference.
Dismiss the squad and report a
once in my ofice,' was the stern order
which the discounted sergeant forth
with proceeded to do, not, however, be
fore he had Kissed in the young soldier
ear promise of bitter retribution if h.
got into trouble through him.