Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1893-05-12
THE CAPTAINS BET.

major and the darling Of the troop.
Every one loved Phyllis Rayne. From
the age Of she had been quartered with
her father with the regiment.
"'Our darling has grown into a beauty {"
observed the adjutant cheerily, as he rode
past the group Of men toward the object Of
interest.
"A letter for you, he said in more Of
fetal tones. dismounting beside the girl
"The colonel would be glad Of an answer
tomorrow"
The adjutant rode reluctantly away as
Phyl broke the seal Of the missfve. After
reading the contents the girls dark eyes
were humid. A culver Of disappointment
parted her lips
"Only that" she said beneath her breath
"Only my services. And l thought
What she thought was never uttered
her father came to the door of the bunga-
low.
Captain Lonsdale is waiting inside to
speak with you. I've given him my word
dearie, although it will be like drawing an
eyetooth to part with my little girl"
As her father stepped outside Phyl
flashed an angry glance at the captain.
How dare your forbade you to appeal
70 my father"
Faint heart never won fair lady yet. |
dare anything for the chance of winning
you. will have you, Phyl Why do you
hate met" the captain continued querulous-
ly. Hove you | am willing to make you
my wife, although you're mott
"A lady" she interpolated quietly.
A violin was lying on the table. The girl
took it up, with the bow, lingering the in
strument absently Her mother had been
Of gentle birth. The insult his words Inn
piled stung keenly.
you are SO beautiful" he cried, moving
nearer.
The refrain went on jerl<ily from the VIC
lin. There was suggestion of scorn in her
action.
"Phyl! Have you no pity? Are you as
hard as your face is tender2 Is there any
one elseP The captain laid his hand on the
arm moving the bow. rs there, PhylS"
you are hurting me, Captain Lonsdale."
what a soft Iittle arm it is" he said,
drawing the loose blue sleeve away from
her wrist. "See, the impress of my cruel
fingers. Poor little armI'
He bent his head suddenly, pressing his
lips to the delicate flesh. A shadow fell
across them as figure stood in the open
doorway. The girls voice relieved the 81
Good evening, colonel"
Captain Lonsdale made hurried de
parture, saluting his superior officer, who
remained in the doorway.
MAY come inf"
"Yes"
Don't put that down. can talk to you
while you play"
The colonel leaned against the wal.
watching Phyl as she rested her chin again
on the violin.
81 can'tp' she cried with hysterical lit
tie laugh. ~ think-I think you make me
nervous"
Never mind" he said gravely, taking
the instrument from her hands, II have
heard of your music. Who taught your
my father. I'm very proud of dad"
The colonel smiled The smile made his
stern, ugly face almost handsome. The
colonel was a widower with one child PEG
pie said his marriage had been failure.
"You had my letter." he asked as they
moved out under the veranda.
Eyes"
"Are you willingi"
A moments hesitancy, in which the colo
mel scanned the girls face eagerly.
Eyes. ! will go with you, colonel"
'Thank you. Little Jack will be so glad.
There is no woman in the cantonment he
takes to but you" The colonel was going
to the hills for the hot months.
81 understand. 1t will be my first situa-
ton"
What do you meanp
you have asked me to go to Simla as
companion or nurse to your child You
have forgotten to mention one thing-the
salary"
The colonel bit his lip. Was she Joking?
Phyl was looking fixedly at the flowers
planted near the mango trees. Had she
seriously misconstrued his letter wherein
he had asked her to accompany him with
her father on their leave of absence, for the
sake of little Jackf
do you want salaryf" he asked bluntly.
ut is usual, is it not"
81 believe So"
At that moment an ayah, leading child,
came across the compound.
A few minutes later Phyl watched the
colonel, with little Jack clinging to his
hand, cross the parade ground The cbild's
white frock became a speck in the distance
before a sob broke from the girls throat.
That night a wager was made by Captain
Lonsdale among few of his boon compan-
ions.
IN swim two miles against stream up
the Gountee on the day Our Darling mar
ries any man but myself.
"DoneY' cried half a dozen voices
Standing outside his bungalow early one
morning, the colonel, with Captain Ions
dale, watched Phyl romping with his child.
She had lifted the boy on 20 her shoulder,
and, with arms appraised to steady her tiny
burden, ran toward them. ...l
you viii be alone until tonight" he
said. Captain Lonsdsle has arranged a
longer expedition Shall you be fright
enedf"
"Fnghtenedf mol What Il there TO
feari" she answered brightly.