The Portland daily press., 1891-07-24

tard and water, and tried all the well
known old household remedies, SO fraud
ulent. so futile in most cases. The
sleepy servants were reused from their
warm blankets and sent flying in differ
ent directions, one for hot water, an
other for the whisky bottle, third for
the travelling rugs, fourth for sweet
spirits of inter.
In their anxiety to please the some
what imperious master they brought
remedies enough to have treated the
whole company of men with influenza.
Mrs. Barring and Aimee administered
patiently and gently to their wheeling
patient until-fortunately for all parties
concerned-he fell asleep among his
blankets and was at peace-at peace ex-
cept for the portentous snore that shook
his frame.
Very early in the morning, before it
was light, the ayah crept to the door of
the bedroom with the tea tray.
II am afraid your master is no better
His breathing is very thick" said Mrs.
Barring in answer to the ayahs inquiring
look. However, he must go on parade
hope his uniform is laid out ready, and
tell the butler to see that the horse is
saddled in good time"
Mrs. Barring returned to the bedside
and found her husband awake He was
already firing off his feu de ioie on
| proclamation morning in volley of
sneezes.
"Oh, confound this coldl Get me out
| oil ell hon n
as if my head would burst" he cried as
soon as he could speak.
Dressing this morning was no easy
matter. Never had man a worse or
more weeping cold. Every now and
again fit of sneezing held him speech
less in its grip. 1t was with the greatest
difficulty that he got himself into his
uniform, drank his tea and buckled on
his sword. He was convinced, in spite
of all his wife could say to the contrary,
that he was late. He hustled out of the
house, mounted his charger and galloped
to the parade ground
The English troops were drawn up in
line on the opposite side, and on their
left the native regiments were in posi-
ton. All was ready for the eagle eye of
the general.
Colonel Barring pulled up as he reached
the ground. The general had not yet
arrived. 1t was a relief and respite,
for it would give him time to blow that
much afflicted nose of his once more.
The morning air was sharp, for the sun
was only just touching the horizon, and,
confound it all, here was another fit of
sneezing coming on!
Where was his handkerchief Now,
where had he put it in the hustle Of
dressing?
He felt in the cuff of each sleeve. 1t
was not there. He stuck his fingers in
the breast Of his tunic. OF course it was
not there. He never carried it in such a
place. He looked around at his horse
keeper. No; he did not remember hay
ing given it to him to hold.
Horrors Of horrors, he had come with
out It'll What was he to do?
The knowledge that he had no hand
kerchief seemed to increase his cold, bad
as it already was. The sneezing became
more frequent, and, dash it all. his nose
began to runi
did there exist sharper eye for appear
ance than his. The slightest speck would
be detected, and the scarlet uniform
would show every spot.
1t was most distressing, absurd though
it may seem. Each moment the value
of handkerchiefs rose in his eyes. There
is no telling what sum he would not
have given for one at that moment. His
eyes were affected now, and the land
scape was blurred by his influenza bred
tears.
He was riding slowly past the Seven
tieth Native infantry Ito get to his men
he would have to pass all the Sepoysl,
and he saw Colonel Smith at the head of
the regiment with two or three of his Of
fcers He rode up to him.
"Can you lend me such thing as
handkerchief" he asked, in his most
conciliatory tones. ~ 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, 1 really
daren't part with it. Have you one,
MAORI he said, turning to fellow Of
ficer.
every sorry; 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 q 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
word. A familiar voice at his elbow
cried:
GOOD morning, colonel A happy
new year to you! Haw is your coldr'
"Oh, Hamilton, is that you? Thanks,
I'm not at all WELL think must have
the real thing-the real influenza this
time. l 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 thingP
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 naturally disposed
toward him this morning.
Il can't exactly give it to you, for
have only one. But I 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.
"Here, be quick; catch holdr And
the smart young adjutant refined 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 ever
thank your" he cried between terrific
trumpetlike blasts.
"Ask me in to breakfast this morn