The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1895-08-01
RUPERT'S RING.

ADOub W years ago hold the rank O1
troop sergeant major in the First Lancers,
the regiment being then quartered in
Horneleigh. At that period full arrange
ments had been made for celebrating the
marriage of our captain, Lord Dashcliffe,
very popular, genial and handsome
young fellow, who had succeeded to the
title on the death of his father about two
years previously. The lady of the soldier
peers choice was Miss Daisy Wylkyns, the
daughter of Sir Pierce Wylkyns of Billoby
Hall, Yorkshire.
On the day before that fixed for the
wedding the two subalterns of the troop
and the requisite number of noncommis-
stoned officers and men were, by permits
sion of the commanding officer, dispatch
ed by train to the hall in order to form a
guard of honor at the church door during
the time of the marriage Upon our arriv-
al most sumptuous meal was provided
for the rank and file in the servants hall,
and beds for the men, which were of the
shake down" order, were provided in the
riding school attached to the stables, about
half mile from the hall.
Between 8 and in the evening, just as
was thinking of getting my men march
ed of to night quarters, the senior lieuten-
ant, Mr.. Gloster, sent for me and said:
Sergeant major Lord Dashcliffe wishes
a sentry to be placed in the library where
the wedding presents are laid out. Many
Of the articles are of great value, and he
thinks 1T best to have them watched in
case Of accident. So just pick out three
OF the men and form q guard. Lord Dash
cliffe will remember them for their trou-
BILE, which may afford them some consola-
tion, and any three will do" Accordingly
1 picked out three men, took command
myself, and one trooper, by name Martin
Clements, ordered to go on duty first.
l bade Clements put on his sword, and
we entered the spacious and beautifully
fitted up library. The sight that met my
eyes was dazzling in the extreme A large
table in the center was literally covered
with pieces of plate, from q solid silver
service, presented by prince of the blood
royal, to the modest inkstand we had sub
scribed for in our own troop. On several
side tables were displayed numerous ar
ticles of jewelry, with tickets in front
bearing the donors names, representative
of nearly all the best families in England
About dozen gentlemen were in the
room surrounding a TALL florid faced, hand
some old man, with well cut, aristocratic
features and the unmistakable bearing of
a soldier. The butler, who was standing
near, whispered to me, "That is Major
General Wylkyns, Sir Pierce's brother"
When the general saw me, he called out:
II perceive you have got your man on.
Very good" Then he said to the others,
Excuse me moment while show the
major round" In q most gra-
cious and friendly manner the old officer
pointed out to me all the valuables in
hn ctr ot 8 ko "a,
tables and picking up large emerald |
ring of very antique pattern said in gar
rulous fashion: "That is one of my gifts |
to my niece. You see-isn't the stone |
One of the finest / ever saw. |
Well, it was presented to an ancestor of |
mine by Prince Rupert some time after
Naseby for services rendered at the battle |
believe the prince took it from his own
finger or something of the sort Anyhow,
this ring has been In my family for over
TWO centuries. When my aunt died cou-
pie of years ago, she bequeathed it to me,
md now, having no children of my own,
am giving 1t to my niece. No, by Jove,
t won't go on" continued the general as
le tried the ring over the glove on the lit
lie finger of his right hand. 81 remember
when 1t would, though. My fingers are q
rifle gouty nowadays. But see sergeant
najor"--and General Wylkyns slipped the
ing in rapid succession over all the digits
# his left hand-"no chance of q swelling
If the muscles here. I'll tell you why.
This paw is made of wood and steel springs
md SO forth. 1t takes the place of the
Iand lost at Sobraon. / can fish, shoot,
Iunt, carve box--do anything with 1t, In
act"
while / stood opposite TO Clements /
eard the voluble general still talking to
knot of guests on the subject of the ring
vhen young baronet, Sir Harry Beynell,
we'll known character in society and on
he turf, observed: "Look here, general /
Vonder II that ring was ever consigned by
our folks to the care of Messrs. A or
ONE bygone uncle in the same line of
usiness as that distinguished firmS Per.
APPS, according to the condition pertain
ng to breach of contract in the shape of
onpayment of principal and interest, the
eal one may have been forfeited and a
ham one substituted for the look of the
hing"
General Wylkyns, appearing a trifle an
ry, responded: by Joye, BeynS1 have
card stories of the same kind about dia-
iondsi Outside the value of this emerald
'om its associations / assure you it Is in
worth R1, 1,000."
One Of the guests now popped his head
ito the doorway and cried, II say, you
Allows, come to the billiard room"
There was Immediately an exodus, the
Ist to leave being the general He had
,ached the corridor outside, when there
'as a noise as If he had fallen, and then
heard the old warrior giving vent to a
Ollme Of potent imprecations. I rushed
ltside and said to him: "Oh, beg your
Ardon, sir, but thought / heard you
imble. hope you aren't hurt, STRIP
Hereplied: "Not at all, sergeant major,
aank you. My foot slipped on the polish
oak floor wonder II I've broken my
rtifioial handp' Having rapidly felt it
u over, he growled; "No. / think not, J
II marvel. I'm of TO bed Good night,
irgeant major"
Turning, l saw Clements at the library :
Dor. Sentry 60, sergeant major" the
IAN whispered. sits just struck le." =
80