The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1892-08-13
A PAIR OF CHESTNUTS.

A PAIR OF CHESTNUTS.
was the most reckless, hard rid
ing, good for-nothing young scamp
OF q subaltern who ever carried her
majesty's commission. The one re-
deeming point about me was the
fact that loved Lena Vereker, and
in spite OF my fanlts she loved me in
return. That was the best time In
my life, and the downward grade
commenced with the advent of a new
fellow in the regiment, Saxby Brace
well by name. Under his auspices
the card table fourished exceedingly.
Like some few other men, he possess
ed an extraordinary faculty for
games Of skill. Until he came had
always been put forward by my
brother officers as. their show man
for riding, athletics, billiards, fenc-
ing, shooting, or tennis, but before
this new light went down as far.
thing dip before a gas,jet. And yet
! would never consider myself beaten
but challenge him again and again,
and, needless to say, there was al
ways something on, just to give it
an interest" So things went on.
Play became heavier. The colonel
looked glum, my seniors spoke warn
ingly. Mr.. Vereker did not seem SO
frankly glad to see me when we met
and was more chary Of his invita-
tions, and Lena looked pale and anx-
ious.
Then came the day when l woke to
find myself ruined man, obliged to
send in my papers, and, hardest Of
all, compelled to say long good-by
to Lena, who, dear little soul, prom
Used to keep true until ! should come
back from Australia rich man (for
that was the goal on which placed
my hopes). Yes, thought then that
fate could not have blacker turn to
serve me, but ! knew otherwise when,
on q lonely Australian station, I
read In a scrap o: an English news
paper / had somehow picked up of
the grand marriage festivities be-
tween Lena, daughter OF Edward
Vereker, Esq, of Colne Abbey, and
] could hardly believe my eyes-Capt.
Saxby Bracewell, of the Black ORA
goons, and only son of Sir John
Bracewell.
! did not know till then how the
secret consciousness ofIena at home
waiting for me had buoyed up my
spirit, but with that last blow all en-
ergy or wish to retrieve my fallen
fortunes seemed to leave me.
But now, oddly enough, that
had no wish for money things took
q turn. My focks and herds throve
apace, gold quartz was found on my
station In sufficient quantity, and
near a stream, to Justify the forma-
tion of gold mining company nam
ed "Golconda Junior" and in q
marvelously short space Of time !
fond myself In possession of an In
come which II any one had formerly
told me would one day be mine !
should have laughed him to scorn.
Then found myself back again in
London-ths same old London-and
yet there was q difference. ! saw no
faces that l knew, or who seemed to
know me. The young ones seemed
TO me 90 young, and the elders-but
there, unconsciously as It were,
turn my steps toward Tattersall's.
As / near the well remembered en-
trancs man jumping out OF a han
som knocks up against me.
"I'm sure ! beg your par Why,
bless my hearth can 1t BET Yes, It
surely 10 yourself Jim, old fellow,
welcome back q thousand times!
Who would have thought of meeting
your and you are just the very man
wanted"
And Phil Blake, late captain in
The Black Dragons, and one of the
and kipdest hearted ofmen,
yrasped my hand and shook IL with
III the enthusiasm Of bis nature.
"And how's yourself and what are |
re doing? and where are going?"
we're the questions rapidly poured
orth, as taking my arm he led me
IN to the doorway. Come in here
md give me the benefit of your judy 4
nent. / know nobody whom I'd '
rust before you in the matter OF
lorse buying. There's q pair of
orses to be sold here to-day, and 9
he price asked is so ridiculousiy low
hat, considering their make and I
hape, fancy there must be some O
hing queer; but for the life of me b
ant discover anything. They'll b
lake grand pair OF leaders. BY Il
be way, do you know I've set up r
oaching as q business; up one day .
own the next? My line is between g
and London. It pays u
expenses and leaves a little over. Il
ather q pretty bit Of country, too, "
ut of course you'll know 1t all well.' a
EYES," said shortly. est. Run "
AIDS, my old uncle's place, is on 81
ne road" and ! could not repress a
Oh as thought of the old place al
hich had teen mine for q couple OF Il
lonths and then had to go to the v
~ 10 "A. l. |