Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-12-31

Dapple uttered sagacious whinnv,
but the soldier hesitated.
Why don't you mount. sir?" cried
the girl. impatiently. will YOU re-
main here and ruin both yourself and
me?"
He vaulted into the saddle without
a word.
Away, Dapple like the windr'
pony shot off like an arrow.
The war was over. and once more
over the blasted and desolate homes of
Virginia peace and freedom reigned.
Capt. Rutherford made it his bust
ness to 90 back to the Potomac hills
and TO Col. Moreton's farmhouse the
moment he was discharged from serv-
ice. but where the stately old home
stead stood he found nothing but a
mass of ruins and Of Dapple's mistress
not the slightest tidiugs could he
obtain.
Three years went by. and the ex-
captain found himself the wealthy
heir of an old unce and took himself
off on tour amid the Swiss mount
aims. Dapple went with him. as he
always did since that eventful night
when the brave little pony bore him
safely beyond reach of the enemy.
He had been the captains inseparable
companion in all his wanderings. He
was with him now, ambling over the
green Tyrol valleys and climbing the
Switzer sleeps.
One September afternoon, when the
captains tour was drawing to a close.
somewhere in the vicinity of Mont
Blanc he fell in with travelling party
from New Orleans. 1t consisted of
Nine. Lenoir. her son and two daugh-
ters and young American lady who
was her companion and Interpreter.
Capt. Rutherford found madam a
charming woman, and while the
young persons of the party busted
themselves in spreading out colla-
ton under the trees he lay amid the
long rustling grasses listening to
madam's pretty feminine chatter, and
in his turn relating incidents and rem-
nscences of his own war experience
for her edication.
Among other things he told her of
Dapp!e and of his midnight ride
among the blue hills of old Virginia.
Madam was intensely interested.
And the gallant little pony carried
you safely through" she cried, with
beaming eyes.
Safely through. madam, with the
enemy at my heels" replied the cap
tain.
Miss Norton" cried madam. will
you have the kindness to pass the
claret cup? And pray, Capt. Ruther-
ford. what ever became of Dapple?"
The captain raised himself to a sit
ting posture.
''Dapple, Dapple," he called; come
herem
From the forest shadows near at
hand a small gray mountain pony
came ambling forth. Nine. Lenoir' s
companion, advancing with the claret
cup in her slim. white hand. uttered a
sharp little cry and wasted all the
luscious liquor on the rustling leaves
at her feet.
"Oh, Dapple. Dapple!'' she cried.
Dapple heard the sweet voice and
knew it in an instant. He broke into
a joyous neigh and shot like an arrow
for the young lady's side. She caught
his shaggy head and held it close to
her bosom, sobbing like the silly child
she was.
"Oh, Dapple. my pretty Dapple,
have | found you at last?n
Madam Lenoir. comprehending the
denouement, looked on with glisten-
ing eyes.
Two weeks later the pleasant party
was breaking up. Madam and her
party were going back to France.
''And now. Irene" said the captain.
chow is it to be? You will not listen
to my suit or accept my love? Then
you will he forced TO part from Dapple
again. She is mine by right of pos
session. | cannot give her up. Come
now. give your final decision-are you
willing to part from me and Dapple
foreyer?'
Irene looked up with her old. glorl-
flying smile.
Il could bear to part from YOU"
she said. wickedly. "but never again
from Dapple. If you take Dapple YOU
will have to take her mistress. too,
Capt. Rutherford
And the captain made no objection.
A month later saw Dapple's mistress
the captains wife.-1oronto Mail.