The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1896-10-24


step OF the orderly upon the veranda
and the trailing clank OF Hoolser's
saber. He did not know. however, TINT
Hooker, without recognizing his name,
had received the message rs a personal
tribute. and had left his sarcastic COM
panions triumphantly, with the air of
going 20 a confidential interview TO
which his well-lnown military con-
nection had entitled him. Ii was
with a bearing OF gloomy importance,
and his characteristic sullcn sidelong
glance that he entered the apartment,
and did not look up until Brant had
signaled the orderly 10 withdraw and
closed the door behind him. And then
lac recognized his old boyish compan-
ion--thc protested fayorite of fortunel
For a moment ne gaspcd with aston
ishment. For a monient gloomy in
credulity, suspicion, delight. pride. nd-
miration, even affection. struggled for
mastery in his sullen staring eyes. and
open, twitching mouth. For here
was Clarence Drant, handsomer than
ever, more superior than ever in the
majesty of uniform and authority
which fitted him. the younger man,
through his four years Of active serv-
Ice with the careless ease and bearing
OF the veteranl Here was the hero
whose namewas already SO famous that
the mere coincidence of il with that
Of the modest civilian hc had known
would have struck him as preposterous.
Yet here he was-supreme and dazzling
surrounded by the pomp and circum-
stance OF war - into whose reserved
presence he, Jim Hooker, had been
ushered with the formality of chal-
lenge, saluting and presented bay
onets
Luckily Brant had taken advantage
of his first gratihed ejaculation 20
shake him warmly by the hand, and
then with both hands laid Familiarity
on his shoulder force him down into
chair. Luckily, for by that time Jim
Hooker had with characteristic gloomi-
ness found time TO taste the pangs OF
envy-an envy the more keen since, in
spite OF his success as peaceful con-
tractor. he had always secretly longed
for military display and distinction.
lie looked at the man who had achieved
il, as he firmly believed, by sheer luck
and accident and his eyes darkcned.
Then, with characteristic weakness and
vanity, he began 20 resist his first inn
pressions OF Clurence's superiority. and
TO air his own Importance. lie leaned
heavily back in his chair in which he
had been thus genially forced, drew OFT
his gauntlet and attempted TO thrust
IL through his belt, as he had seen
Irant do. but failed on account of his
pistols already occupying that position,
dropped il, got his sword between his
legs in attempting 70 pick il up, and
then leaned back again, with half
closed eyes, screncly Indifferent of his
old companions smiling face.
81 reckon" he began. slowly, with
slightly patronizing air, that we'd
have met. sooner or later, at Washing
ton. or at Grants headquarters, for
Hooker, Moacham & Co. go everywhere,
and are about as well known as major
generals, to say nothin'," he went on,
with sidelong glance at )rant's shout
der straps, "of brigadiers-and it's
rather strange. only, Of course, you're
hind of fresh in the service--that YOU
amt heard OF me aforc."
but I'm very, very glad to hear of
you now, jim" said Brant, smiling,
land from your own lips-which / am
also delighted TO find," he added, mis-
chieyously, 'arc still as frankly com
muHieatiye on that topic, us of old.
But l congratulate you, old fellow, on
your good fortune. When did you leave
the stage?'
Mr.. Hooker frowncd slightly. "T
never really was on the stage, you
know" he said, waving his hand with
assumed negligcnce-"only went on 10
please my wife. Mrs. Hooker wouldn't
act with vulgar professionals. don't you
sect | was really manager-most of
the time. and lessee of the thea;er.
Went east when the war broke out 20
o.fer--my sword and knowledge OF In
jim fghtin'-to Uncle Sam! Driftcd
into a big pork contract at st. Louis
with Fremont. Been at il ever since.
offered a commission in the regular
service lots o. times. Refused"
"Why?" asked Brant. demurely.
TOO much West Point starch around
TO suit me-" returned Hooker, darlSly.
And too many spies!"
'Spies?" echoed nrant. abstractedly,
with momentary Renaissance OF Miss
Faulkner.
"les, spies," continued Hooker with
doggcd mystery. "Onc-half Of Wash
ington is watching t'othcr half, and,
from the presidents wife down, most
OF the women are acccsh!"
Brant suddenly fixed his keen eyes on
his guest. Bat tho next moment he re-
flccted that this was only Jim Ilooker's
usual speech and possessed no Interior
significance. lie smiled again and said
more gently:
"And how Is Mrs. HoolScr?"
Mr.. Hooker fixed his eyes on tho cell
ing. rose. pretended 20 loois out OF the