Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1892-06-10

is, all Oh tnem except ones OuU theu thaI
one was only Jones. Nobody minded
Jones; even his peculiarities had begun
to be an old subject for "chafing;" and,
indeed, he had paid such small attention
TO their ''chafing" that they had come to
lind it little pleasure; and after some
weeks of discomfort, Lieutenant Jones
had been allowed to choose his own
pleasures without much interference.
These were not extravagant. A favor
ite book, long walk in all kinds of
weather, and a sail when the weather
was favorable. He would not drink
he said it hurt his health; he would not
shoot-he said 1t hurt his feelings; he
would not gamble-he said it hurt his
conscience; and he did not care to airt
or visit the bellies of the capitalize said
it hurt his affections. Once Captain De
Reuzy wondered whether it was possible
to "hurt his honor" and Jones calmly
answered that "it was not possible for
Captain De Reuzy to do So"
Indeed. Jones constantly violated all
these gentlemen's idea of proper be-
havior, but, for some reason or other, no
one brought him to account for it. II
was easier TO shrug their shoulders and
call him "queer," or say, ''it is only
JONES'" OF even to quietly assert his
cowardice.
One evening, Colonel Underwood was
discussing hunting party for the next
day. Jones walked into the room and
was Immediately accosted.
"Something new, Lieutenant. l find
there are plenty of hares on the island,
and we mean 20 give puss a run to-mor-
row. have heard you are good rider.
Will you join u.s."
'sYou must excuse me, Colonel; such
a thing is in neither my way of duty nor
my pleasure.
"You forget the honor the Colonel
does you, JONES'" said young Ensign
Powell.
al thank the Colonel for his courtesy,
but can see no ood reason for accept
ing it. l am sure my horse will not ap-
prove of it; and am sure the hare will
not like it; aud am not u good rider;
therefore 1 should not enjoy it,"
"You need not be afraid" said the
Colonel, rather sneeringly; "the country
is quite open, and these low Manx walls
are easily taken"
"Excuse me, Colonel. am afraid.
II | should be hurt, it would cause my
mother and sisters very great alarm and
anxiety. am very much afraid Of do
ing this"
What was to be done with a man so
obtuse regarding conventionalities, aud
who boldly asserted his cowardicel The
Colonel turned away, half contemptu-
ously, and Ensign Powell took Jones's
place.
The morning proved to be very bad
one, with the prospect Of a raising storm /,
and as the party gathered in the bar.
racks yard, Jones said earnestly to his
Colonel:
sTam afraid, sir, you will meet with
severe storm"
al think so, Lieutenant; but we prom
ised to dine at Gwynne Hall, and we
shall get that far, at any rate"
Sc they rode rather gloomily away in
the rain. Jones attended to the mill
tary duties assigned him, and then,
about noon, walked seaward. 1t was
hard work by this time to keep his foot
ing on the narrow quay; but amid the
binding spray and mist he saw q1ite a
crowd OF men going rapidly toward the
great shelving Scarlet Rocks, mile be-
yond the town. He stopped an old
sailor and asked;
'Is anything wrongi"
ga little steamer, sir, off ia Calf Of
Man; she is driving this way; an, in
teet, fear she will be on ia rocks afore
ia night"
Jones stood still for a moment, and
then followed the crowd as fast as the
storm would Let hin. When he Joined
them they were gathered on the summit
Of huge cliff, watching the doomed
craft. She was now within sight, and II
was evident that her seamsn had lost
almost all control over her. She must,
ere long, be flung by the waves upon the
jagged and frightful rocks toward which
she was driving. In the lulls OF the
wind, noe only the booming Of the min
ute gun, but also the shouts OF the i'm
periled crew could be heard.
.swhat can be doneg" said Jones to
an old man, whose face betrayed the
strongest emotion.
"Nothing, sir, I am afrait. II she
bad maDsged to rount ts rocks, she
&oula hare gone to piecss on ia sand