Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1894-09-15
inc lieutenant had spent much Of

Inc lieutenant Ind spent much Of
the day In social game of cards with
a hay contractor In the club room Of
the post traders store, the stakes being
but the price Of bottle of wine or the
cigars ut the conclusion Of each game,
and group Of chalk marks on the face
Of the table indicated that quite q
number Of bottles Of the sparkling
beverage had changed ownership us
the hours sped by. When ut last, weary
Of the pastimc, the players ceased their
games, the officer became aware Of the
fact that his brain was In a rather I'M
certain state Of lucidity, and to wear
away the effects of his frequent pota.
tions he went to the stables, ordered
his horse and started for ride. lie
was not at all what civilians would
term "bcastly drunk" but had taken
sufficient wine to make him reckless
and to screw his vanity up to the high
est notch. and us he gallopcd out of the
garrison he felt rs lordly as ever did
Alexander the Great after n well won
victory. Seeing Miss Sanford riding
along but short distance away he for
got that they had ever had a differ
encc, and hastily galloped up to her
side. Raising his cap he said to her:
evil you grant me the privilege of a
short gallop with you. Miss Sanford? |
cannot tell you how lonely I get at
times. actually blue. since being so
cruelty torn from society and thrown
into duty In this remote corner of crea-
ton"
"You will find me dull companion.
| fear, MIR. Nandcver. ! came out my
self To endeavor to wear away half
morbid feeling. You can ride. with me
II you wish"
"Thank you. am sure neither of
US can feel blue in such charming So
cicty. How's that for double-acting
compliment? lIa. ha! ha!"
Very clever. but you rate your own
powers of attraction higher than do
mine. for assure you that will be
anything but charming companion in
my present state of feeling"
Miss Sanford Is always charming"
he replied. with smile that seemed to
lose its vitality and fade away into q
sicltly grin. Perhaps n gallop may
serve to rouse our spirits. Come"
Their horses dashed away and for
half mile they rode rapidly. Then
refining her pony down TO walk Alice
said:
II must not distress my horse with
too hard riding. Let MS walk our ami
mails awhile.
~ very beautiful trait in your char
actcr. Miss sanford. II is an evidence
Of gentle disposition and u sympathetic
soul. and IL causes me To admire you
more and more. ii that We're possible"
The young girl. with Just tinge of
severity in her tones. replied:
MIR vandcvcr. m honest compli-
mcnt from {: gentleman 10 lady Is
always appreciated. but dc,est frothy
praise that is bestowed through what
some gentlemen may believe sense of
gallantry."
20. but assure you my words come
from the bottom Of nv heart; but II ]
have ANNOYED You sincerely beg your
pardon. and will not offend again"
II hope you will not. Mr. Nandever.
II you wish to talk tell me something
Of your academy life"
lie began running description of
some of the sports and pastimes ut
West Point. and really interested the
girl with his hoyi,h enthusiasm rs he
detailed his superiority in many of the
games.
Il was at this time that Brown
emerged from the draw and lcvcled his
glass ut the couple. his heart aching
with pain and apprehension ut theirap-
parent sociability.
vandcvcr could not long keep away
from his favoritc topic. however. and.
Us was his delight when he could get
any of the younger officers to listen TO
him. he began to recount his ilirtations
with the girls during his academic
days. 4 spirit of mischief possessed
the young gIrl and by an interjecied
word now and then she seemed to take
great interest in his prowcss in the field
of love. and led the half befuddled Of
iicer to believe that she was looking
upon him Us gallant whose charm OF
manner was Irresistible in schoolday
affairs of the heart. His silly gush
amused her greatly. and her seeming
admiration of his Gcncralsliip in love-
making increased his boldness, and she
was almost paralyzcd with fright and
Indignation when he said to her:
but they were rlcrc moths huttcr-
ing about an electric light. Miss San
ford. There was not womanly soul
among them. Oh. had met there such
queen among women rs yourself no
silly cadct-struck butterfly of fashion
would have won q smile from me.
Miss sanford. ] am rs yet but second
lieutenant. hut some day will be
colonel, a general, and you would be
proud Of the love Of such distin-
ruished man. I do love you. my dear
girl. ny queen Of beauty! ] have long
loved you in secret. but never dared"
Lieut.. vandcver. how dare you!"
she cried. in anger. You have been
can detect the fumes OF
liquor on your breath. or You would
no; he so mad as TO use such language
TO me. Leave me ut once. sir, instant
ly. md never dare speak TO me again,
or will acquaint my father with your
conduct. Co.
fro DE CONTINUED.