San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1893-03-21

Ian W NllSlul ILL., liz 10 ~ 0CiN'iN4
emeritus of our good cause. He walked
France up. We have to thank him
largely that France has an appetite for
freedom and sends her sons over to help
us fight for it. But he cannot hear this
hullaballoo at Ferney; Lafayette, Ra-
deere, and the others represent their
master with such heart and stomach as
they can.
Il must not lose sight of my run
away" continued he to himself. 1.-THE
name of Kerr struck him like a shot.
He may have a grudge there. Some
private vendetta in the case. And yet
this mild old man always seemed to me
to have entirely merged his personality
in patriotism. fancied that he had
forgotten all his likes, dislikes, loves and
hates, and given up all ties except his
allegiance to an idea"
Major Skerrett walked rapidly to the
edge of the bank, where Sergeant Lin
coin had first given tongue for an absent
philosopher.
AS he was about to follow the path he
heard steps again in the wood. In a
moment the orderly reappeared and ran
up the slope painting. He was followed
by a person who moved slower and blew
harder, the same old wiggy negro whom
Major Skerrett had observed laying
down the law to his companion.
$50 that is Voltairew thought the
major. well, it is the first time
have ever found the devil blacker than
he is painted"
The orderly sank agitated and out of
breath on the ground
Voltaire came up the hill and, being
hatless, pulled hard at his gray wig by
way of salute. The wig was rooted to
the scalp. Voltaire left it in stu, and
bowed as grandly as a black dignitary
may when he is blown by good run.
Il was in despair just now" said Ser
geant Lincoln. In despair when
said it was too late to help me. Perhaps
it is not so. | trust God sends you,
Major Skerrett, to show us the way out
of our troubles"
This is sound Gospel" thought Skier
rett. This bfack Voltaire may be the
Evangelist; but the Gospel is unim-
peaChable."
Come, sergeant" continued he aloud,
"tell me what all this means, my friend.
We must dispatch. My bird down the
river may take wing if | waste time"
Il am panied, my dear young FRIEND"
said the senior, rising, ''to acknowledge
to you an unwilling deceit of mine. But
| must do so. You have known me al
ways under false name. | am not
Lincoln, but Brothertoft-Edwin Broth
ertoft."
My fathers friend" said Skerrett,
taking the others hand. Mr.. Brother
tott, SO missed, SO desired by the good
cause. Why
Here Major Skerrett interrupted him
self and went to rummaging in his
brain for the disconnected strips of rec
ord stamped: "Brothertofts. The fam
i1v"
Why" said Edwin Brothertoft, an
swering slowly and sadly, while the
others brain read records and forged
thoughts at this furious speed. Would
you ask me why my life is what it is
and not what men would say it might
have been! All, my friend, the story is
long and dreary-too dreary to darker
the heart of youth"
Sadly as he spoke there was no com
| plant in his tone. He seemed to regard
his facts little dreamily, as if he were
mentioning some other mans expert
| ence.
But the past is dead" he continued
land here are present troubles alive an(
upon me-"
Troubles alive!" says the major, feel
ing brave, buoyant Peter Skerrett still
stirring under the buff and blue
Those can help floor perhaps Nam
themw
Edwin Brothertoft had seen only de
spair written up before him. He ad
vanced a step at Skerrett's words, liftet
up his eyes and despair shifted to hope
when you named Major Kerr" h
said, you named one who is devisini
evil to me and mine. Capture him ant
the harm is staid. My faithful oil
friend Voltaire and l will try to tell 20
the story between u.s."
Voltaire considered this his introduc
ton, and bowed pompously.
You are too juicy, Voltaire, and to
shiny and not sardonic enough to bea
the name of the weakened headpiece c
France" the major said. when
made my pilgrimage to Ferney foun
that Atrbpos of bigotry in a nightca
and dressing gown, looking as wrinklet
leathery and great as one of MichaC
Angeles Sibyls. 1 hope you are as tru
to freedom as he was and more Who'll,
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