Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1892-06-17
ONLY JONES'.

The officers OF her MalestyS Iwen-
ty-fourth and Eightyfourth Infantry
were sitting round the mess table. in
Castletown. the capital of the Isle of
Man. one evening mere than forty
wears ago-that j.. all OF them except
one: but then that was only Jones.
Nobody minded Jones; even his pc
culiarities had begun to be an old
subject for "chafling = and, indeed,
he had paid such small attention to
their chatting" that they had come
to find it little pleasure and after
some weeks of discomfort, Lieuten-
ant Jones had been allowed TO choose
MS own pleasures without much in
reference.
These were not eXtravagant. y IA
vorite book. IA long walk in all kinds
of weather. and sail when the wealth
er was favorable. He would not
drink-he said it hurt his health; he
would not shoot-he said it hurt his
feelings; he would not gamble-he
said il hurt his conscience and he
did not care to flirt or visit the bellies
Of the capitalize said it hurt his al
fections. Once Captain De Reuzy
wondered whether it was possible t.
hurt his honor and Jones calmly
answered that lit was not possible fol
Captain De Reuzy to do So"
Indeed. Jones constantly violated
all these gentlemen'- idea Of proper
behavior, but, for some reason or 9th
er. no one brought him to account fol
it. 1t was easier to shrug their shoul
ders and call him queer or say, II
is only Jones, or even TO quietly as
sert his cowardice.
One evening. Colonel Underwood
was discussing Il hunting party fol
the next day. Jones walked into the
room and was Immediately accosted.
Something new, Lieutenant.
find there are plenty of hares on the
island, and we mean TO give puss q
run tomorrow. have heard you are
good rider Will you join us ?
"You must excuse me, Colonel; sucE
thing is in neither my way Of duty
nor my pleasure
You forget the honor the Colone
does you, Jones'" said young Ensign
Powell.
Il thank the Colonel for his courte
sy, but can see no reason for accept
ing it. ! am sure my horse will no
approve Of it and | am sure the hare
will not like it; and | am not gooC
rider; therefore | should not enjo!
| it,
You need not be afraid, said th'
Colonel, rather sneeringly; the coun
try is quite open, and these low Man!
walls are easily taken
Excuse me, Colonel. ] am afraid
II / should be hurt, it would caus'
nv mother and sisters very grea
alarm and anxiety. am very mucl
afraid Of doing this"
What was 10 be done with man 81
obtuse regarding conventionalities
and who boldly asserted his coward
ice The Colonel turned away, hal
contemptuously, and Ensign Powell
took Jones's place.
The morning proved to be yer.
bad one. with the prospect OF rails
! ing storm and as the party gathered
in the barracks yard, Jones said earn
estly to his Colonel
Il am afraid, sir, you will meet viii
Z. severe storm
Il think 80. Lieutenant: but W
promised TO dine at Gwynn Hall, an'
we shall get that far at any rate
So they rode gloomily away in tn
{ rain. Jones attended 10 the miitar
( duties assigned him, and then, abou
noon. walked seaward. 1t was har'
+ work BY this time TO keep his footinI
on the narrow quay; but amid tn
binding spray and mist lie saw quit
a crowd OF men going rapidly towar'
the great shelving Scarlet Rocks
mile beyond the town. He stoppe'
an old sailor and asked:
lis anything wrongf
4 "A little steamer, sir, of ia Calf q
Han; she is driving this way; an, in
tact. | fear she will be on Ia rock
scS)re ia night"
Zones stood still for a moment, an
the, followed the crowd as fast as tn
storr / would let him. When he joine
them they were gathered On the sun
NIT O a huge cliff, watching tn
soome, craft. She was now With
sight n I'D it was evident that her sea
men ba, lost almost all control owe
her sb. must, ere long. be flung b
the wave, upon the jagged and frigh
full rocks { oward which she was dri'
inc In FIN, lulls Of the wind, not onl
the boomin. ? Of the minute gun, bJ
slso the shon is of the imperiled ere
could be hear, l.
What can \ ,e doneF' said Jones