The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1896-02-08

white Doric columns OF the mousse u
justice.
Caleb WINS the most bcdeclSed old ne
gro To be seen out OF Congoland. lie
wore tall white hat, q blue frock coat
some 90 brass buttons adorned that
coat---a steel chain presumably Tor
watch he wore), n chain that crossed
his breast four times. Sundry charms
and bangles dangling about him give
him an appearance imposing as that Of
a knight of the Garter. This was his
usual attire. lie felt that sneh elnbora-
tion OF toilet was due his position he
was general sweeper and cleaner OF
these Offices and this house OF justice.
He rang the great bell when courts
were in session. He fed the flock OF
pigeons that lowered about the court
house belfry and the Jail tower. Mani-
fold as his duties were. he had com
paratiye leisure now; even commission
crs' court was adjourned. lie sat baslx-
ing in the pleasant afternoon sun. look
ing with unAagging interest down the
vista of old shops and ncw-set young
water oaks.
In front OF one shop sat his quondam
owner, sometime employer, and always
his object Of devotion. Very old and
worn looked the major in the bright
liEht that fell over him. His neatly
brushed clothes were very shabby, his
handsome old face and military air
were very imposing. Ills rattan stick
and his cork leg were rested out on n
fplint .bottomed chair before him. His
gestures, rs he talked 10 the group of
gentlemen about him. were excited.
He WAS probably telling story Of the
war. possibly telling the same story for
the Tooth time. Caleb was trying 10
mitch the excited gestures with his
own experience. and 10 guess at the
particulars OF the story; for he had
followed young Travis Calvert through
fighting. wounding and imprisonment.
His efforts after the thread of the story
were interrupted, however. by the rcll-
ing of handsome carriage between
him and his master. Down went The
majors cork leg. up the majors stiff
body, off the majors soft hat; and just
70 often as lady passed, or driving CT
walking, just so often and so elaborate
ly was the majors story interrupted.
Miss I,orena Banks. fair, fat and much
over 40. Her carriage drew up at the
post office, too for for either Caleb or
the major to hear the fidgety inquiries
after the Woman's Work, that camr al
ways, or nenrly always. on Wednes-
day: the Lofty Choir Weekly, that
failed 10 come last evening: and the
Portraycr OF Fashion, that must be in
the Office now. and must be searched
for.
Though Caleb could not hear the
sharp tones, he could note very well
the gloss and elegance OF the equlpcgc.
From his smattering knowledge OF
deeds. titles. rent notes. crop liaas and
the like, he knew very well the goodly
amount Of the lady's income. some
thing. maybe the time of the year, may
be the insistent odor OF violets in the
air. maybe the red glow OF the camellia
iaponicns on the coats Of the university
boys rs they eauntered by him. them
selves glowing with youth and bright
ness, every four out of five smiling over
a valentine; anyhow. something set
Caleb thinking of the long ago. u was
of '6i, the 18th OF February, and Bit
terly cold In that intrenchcd camp,
called by grace Fort Donaldson. Grant
threatened by land. Commodore Fcote
~ water. To help in the land attack.
unexpected and unpreparcd for, until
the fall Of Fort Henry. the soldiers
were throwing up carthworks az hasti-
~ rs might be. Under biting snow and
flcet they shovelcd chccrily az The red
earth.
Side by side worked Travis Calvert
and lis body servant. Caleb. Down in
concert swept the arm OF master and
slave. up N unison hcavcd the sho,els
OF earth.
Caleb remcmbcrcl to-day how Cal
vert had said 20 him that day. when
: get snatch Of time. Caleb. am going
20 write letter 20 Mla Lorcna am
golrg I, give u 20 you, and II IN the en-.
pnRcincnts 20 come behind these carth-
works am killed. you send u 10 her.
II come ont safe rilsend Il myself I.