The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1891-11-14

He felt In the cuff OF each sleeve.
His handkerchief was not there. He
stuck his fingers In the breast OF his
tunic; OF course IL was not there he
never carried II in such n place. He
looked round at his horsekeeper. No
he did not remember having given IL
TO him TO hold.
Horrors OF horrors. he had como
without IL. What was he TO do?
The knowledge that he had no hand
kerchief seemed to increase his cold.
bad as II already was. The sneezing
became more frequent and, dash II
all, his nose began TO run!
What would the general sayP Never
did there exist sharper eye for mp
pearanco than his The slightest
speck would DO detected. and the
scarlet uniform would show every
spot
Col. Baring's dislike TO the star
corps was well known. and none OF the
men asked felt inclined 10 make u
sacrifice on his behalf. And IL would
have been sacrifice TO have parted
with ones only handkerchief on such
a cold morning
Another and yet another officer was
asked. but with no better success.
In the distance the general might
be seen approaching. IL was time,
handkerchief or no handkerchief. ihai
Col. Barring took up his position. foI!
II was 70 him that tho general would
first come.
Disheartened by his want OF success.
and distressed by his constant sneez-
ing. no was passing the iiftieth with
out word. A familiar voice at his
elbow cried:
Good morning. colonel. A happy
new year to you! How is your coldP'
% Hamilton. is that you? Thanks.
I'm not at all we'll. / think | must
have the real thing-the real influenza
this time. don't know when | have
/ felt so bad; and worse luck, I've for
gotten my pocket handkerchief. |
suppose you couldn't lend me such Il
thing9n
There was not much hope in the
words as hc uttered them. He had
been very short and ungracious with
the young man over night even
though he was his guest IL was hard
~ likely that he should feel good
naturally disposed toward him this
morning,
Il can't exactly give il to you for /
have only one But TN tell you what
I'll do. I'll share il with you.
And Capt Hamilton drew out OF his
sleeve large, soft comforting silk
handkerchief, the worry sight OF which
was soothing to tho afflicted man.
Here, be quick; catch holdr' And
the smart young adIutnnt reined his
horse close up TO Col. Baring's side.
He drew his sword aud as the col
onel clutchcd tho coveted article, he
sliced II in two, leaving by far the
larger share in the hands OF the CRATE
full man.
My good fellow how shall | ever
thank youP' he cried between terrific,
trumpet-liSo blasts.
ASK me in to breakfast this
morning, returned George, with un-
bounded assurance.
Tho colonel eyed him for moment
blow his nose again. and nipped the
last dislocating sneeze in tho bud.
You cheeky young dog. | know
what you mean and what let myself
in for when say yes You may come,
aud you may think yourself lucky 70
have won her SO easily"
The review passed of we'll The
| a ~
Col. Barring on his men. and he also
had few words OF praise ito bestow
on the adjutant OF the Fiitieth.
Aimee rode out to the field in time e
see the march-past.
When tho last volley had been fred
and the business OF tho morning was
finished Capt Hamilton managed e
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 in
vited to breakfast She gave him d
startled glance. and then turned away
incredulous Don't tease me, George.
You know | can't bear il" and her
lip actually trembled.
MY darling I'm not teasing you.
II is perfectly true IL was bargain.
Your father sold you 10 me this morn
ing just before the general came.
sold meln She began 20 think
that he had taken leave Of his senses.
Yes; sold you for silk rag -for
half pocket handkerchief See
hero Is the Other bali. = and he pulled
the remnant out Of his sleeve
Her troubled face cleared little.
but showed no signs Of enlightenment.
IL must go now he exclaimed. al
tell you all about IL il you will Invite
me into that snug little morning-room
OF yours after breakfast" And with
happy smile he trotted back 10 his
post for the men were preparing 10
march TO their lines.
When George wants 10 tease his
wife now he tells her that she isn't
worth much. for she was sold for ,
silk rag. london Society.