Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1894-08-18
ALICE, THE coLoSEL's DAUGHTER.

tollectual refinement which seemed
sadly out of place in one whose lot was
cast among the rough soldiers of the
ranks. II must he remembered that !
write of the days just following the
close Of our great civil war, when the
ranks of the regular army on the
frontier were made up of rough. Hitter
ate men largely fished from the Sums
Of the eastern cities. many Of them
having fed to the west and buried
themselves in the army under assumed
names TO escape the consequences OF
crime. Alice Sanford had never dreamed
the barracks of the private soldiers
sheltered man Of artistic tastes. and
,hc spectacle presented Of soldier
welding the pencil of the nrtist was
TO her q revelation.
The soldier becoming aware Of her
presence glanced up from his work,
and. noting that 1t was the daughter
Of the commanding officer who had APP
preached him. quickly arose to his feet,
removed his cap and silently waited
for her to address him should she de-
sire to do SO.
II am sorry disturbed you" she
said. will you permit me to look ut
the sketch you are mnking""
1T is us yet far from complete" he
quietly responded. and fear you may
not be able TO form IN intelligent idea
of what It's appearance will be when
the details are filled in. | began it but
an hour ago"
lie handed her the picture, and she
sat for some moments closely studying
It. occasionally casting her eyes across
the intervening desert TO the Fra Girls
tobcl range.
"You have chosen beautiful study"
she finally said. I'm my eyes the Fra
Cristobcl is the most attractive Of all
the ranges which surround us."
IL experience great pleasure In
skctching it." he replied. This will
be my third sketch of the ranFc, ana ]
seem TO never tire If tracing it, bold
outlines and copying its rugse! details
of rock and pine"
Returning the picture, with
simple thank YOU" she rode home.
ward. She allowed her pony to walk
slowly nlcrg the trail and did not even
chidc hiia for stopping occasionally TO
snatch n uouthful Of grass MS he loitcrcd
along. so busy were her thoughts with
the humble private soldier whom she
had just left. She had seen in the yet
crude sketch the work Of master
hand. and she wondered why 1t was
that one SO gifted SHOULD he wearing
the uniform and performing the dItics
Of soldier. - Ills manner was that OF
the polished gentleman. his speech re-
finca and pleasing. and his general de-
meanor was widely different from that
of any of the other soldiers with whom
she had been brought In contact. What
could man of his attachments be do
ing In the ranks of the army? The
question flashed through her brain. but
no reply followed In its wake. A frown
swept over her face. but as quickly
vanished ut a rebuking thought.
20. no. not crime" she unused.
uUSc ClSiE cHcS VI uto hHtOiCu -
clear soul. lie must not be chased
with those who Turk In the shadow Of
enlistment 10 escape the searching
eye of justice. There Is romance
strewn along his trail Of life. There
must bc. Perhaps II was IN affair Of
the heart. Yes, that must be the cor
rect solution Of the queer problem.
Some cruel fair one In the far-away
east, of which have read but never
seen. has crushed his happiness and he
fed 10 the army ranks hoping TO meet
death ut the hands of IN Indian foe
man. How could girl be so cruel TO
so handsome q man, and one so intelli-
gent and refned?"
Thus she unused until she reached
her home. Throwing the rein TO the
orderly In waiting she softly entered
her fathers sitting-room and awolse
him from the half sleep into which he
had fallen In his easy chair by feath-
cry kiss on the cheek.
swell, Sunshine. did you enjoy your
rider he asked, drawing her 70 seat
on his knee and more forcibiy return
ing her kiss
20. very much, papa. rode clear
down TO the Tafova ranch six .xjles he-