The Dalles daily chronicle. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1890-1948, 1891-08-14
.ecape was blurred By his influenza- pr.ed

tieth Native infantry Ito get to his men
he would have to pass all the Sepoys),
and he saw Colonel Smith at the head of
the regiment with two or three of his Of
ficers. He rode up to him.
''Can you lend me such thing as a
handkerchief he asked, in his most
conciliatory tones Il have come with
out mine, and have got the most in
fernal cold in my head.
Colonel Smith looked little surprised |
at such strange request
II have only one, my dear fellow, and
as | have slight cold also. really |
daren't part with it. Have you one.
majorl" he said. turning to fellow Of
fcer.
Very sorry, 1 haven't one to spare"
Colonel Baring's dislike to the staff
corps was well known, and none of the
men asked felt inclined to make a sac
rifice on his behalf: and it would have
been sacrifice to have parted with ones
only handkerchief on such a cold morn
ing.
Another and yet another officer was
asked, but with no better success.
In the distance the general might be
seen approaching. 1t was time, hand
kerchief or no handkerchief, that Colonel
Barring took up his position, for it was
to him that the general would first come.
Disheartened by his want of success,
and distressed by his constant sneezing,
he was passing the Fiftieth without a
word A familiar voice at his elbow
! cried:
! ''Good morning, colonel. a happy
new year to you'll How is your cold?"
''Oh, Hamilton, is that you? Thanks.
| I'm not at all we'll think l must have
the real thing-the real influenza this
time. don't know when / have felt so
bad; and, worse luck, I've forgotten my
pocket handkerchief | suppose you
couldn't lend me such a thingr'
There was not much hope in the words
as he uttered them. He had been very
short and ungracious with the young
man over night, even though he was his
guest. 1t was hardly likely that he
would feel very good naturedly disposed
toward him this morning.
Il can't exactly give it to you, for /
have only one. But tell you what I'll
do. I'll share it with you"
And Captain Hamilton drew out of his
sleeve large, soft, comforting silk hand
kerchief. the very sight of which was
soothing to the afflicted man. r.
"Here, be quick; catch holdI" And
the smart young adjutant reined his
horse close up to Colonel Baring's side.
He drew his sword, and as the colonel
clutched the coveted article he sliced it
in two, leaving by far the larger share
in the hands of the grateful man.
My good fellow, how shall 1 ever
thank you?" he cried between terrific
trumpetlike blasts.
ASK me in to breakfast this morn
ing" returned George. with unbounded
assurance.
The colonel eyed him for moment,
blew his nose again and nipped the last
dislocating sneeze in the bud
'fYou cheeky young dog, know what
you mean and what let myself in for
when l say yes. You may come, and
you may think yourself lucky to have
won her so easily"
He galloped off. and as he went he said
to himself:
Hes a smart young fellow that. A
man of such resources must come to the
fore sooner or later. Not another in the
field, including myself and the general,
would have thought of halving pocket
handkerchief, and with his sword too,
Yes. yes, | shan't be far wrong. though
it is not exactly what | wished for
Aimee. Pity he belongs to that con-
founded old staff corps. Why couldn't
he have stuck to the regiment?'
The review passed off well. The gen.
eral was pleased to compliment Colonel
Barring on his men, and he also had a
few words of praise to bestow ON the ad-
jutant of the Fiftieth.
Aimee rode out to the field in time to
see the march past.
When the last volley had been fired
and the business of the morning was
finished, Captain Hamilton managed to
get few words with her.
They shook hands and exchanged the
usual New Year greetings.
"Oh. you need not look at your father
in that terrified fashion. He has given
his consent. and I'm invited to break
fast"
She gave him startled glance, and
then turned away incredulous. 'o
Don't tease me, George You know
can't bear it." and her lip actually
trembled
. ''My darling, Pm not teasing you. It
is perfectly true. 1t was bargain.
Your father sold you to me this morning
just before the general came
''Sold mer'
She began to think that he had taken
leave of his senses.
'sYes; sold you for silk rag--for half
pocket handkerchief See, here is the
,, other half" and he pulled the remnant
out of his sleeve.
2 Her troubled face cleared little, but
showed no signs of enlightenment
81 must go now," he exclaimed. 'sPn
z tell you all about it if you will invite me
into that snug little morning room Of