The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1891-04-16

Kas dian guerrilla
and our lieutenant-colonel had gone
1hOme i'll; so the command devolved
upon our ma or, whose name was
Farwel. He was amiddle-aged, dash
ing fellow, given to social enjoyment;
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; a fine soldier,
and a strict disciplinarian. He was q
kind-hearted, generous man, though
troubled with a temper that some
times led him into error.
Major Farwell had been in command
but a 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. | was away on a foraging eX-
petition when Mrs. Farwell arrived;
but | 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, gave us &C.
cupation: By and by I proposed as a
toast, "Mrs. Major Farwell," and it
was drank with three cheers. Why in
the world the ajor should have taken
u offence l could not comprehend; but
he did so, and intimated that l had
better not make too free with his
wife's name.
'Egad!" I replied, without stopping
to weight my words, ''if 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 ladv'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 ne
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
L could not bear such language a
Major Farwell had addressed to me;
and in spite of my friends remon-
STRANGE, | retorted upon him. My
blood was heated with whiskey, and
cared no more for the commanding Of
licer at that time than l would have
cared for our drummer-boy.
"By heaven, sir" I exclaimed, "vc u
would have fine time kicking me out !
Perhaps you had better try it now"
The ma jor sprang towards me, ard
caught me by the collar. thought at
the time that he meant to strike me;
but was subsequently convinced that
he did not. But struck him-struck
him upon the cheek with the flat Of
my hand. With a kissing oath he
drew a pistol from his pocket; but te-
fore he could useit the adjutant caught
his arm, and three orfour ofmy friends
hurried me from the room, and led ne
away to my own quarters
On the following morning awoke
with anything but pleasant feeling;
and when remembered what had tran.
spired during the previous night I felt
wretched enough. I cursed the wine.
cup and the whiskey- bottle from the
bottom Of my heart, and inwardly re-
solved that l would touch the stuff nc
more. Still 1 was forced to take g
stiff hot glass to steady my nerves
and after I had dressed myself I sat
down to q cup of coffee. was thus
engaged when our adjutant, Mr. Bow
ker, entered my quarters. I BAG ,
him good morning and asked him /
he would not take breakfast with me
'ENot now" said he, shaking his
head. 81 have called upon business
"Ah, captain, this is bad affair." Dc
you remember that you struck tn,
major last night?'
Yes-I remembered it very we'll
remembered it too well. ~
I.. Gle expects you will make an apol
,ogy," pursued the adjutant.
.'And if / do not?"
10Then you must fight him."
1sYou were present, Bowker durin
81 the whole scene?"
.sYes."
arrhen T wish you to teI7 NO n