The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-11-18

-Nol cAacliy, Sit. WIS 10 say ina
you saved her life about nine years ago
Stopped runaway pony, sir. She ask
ed for a soldier by the name of Tommy
Atkins-begging your pardon sir
added the Sergeant with an ill conceal
ed grin.
Col. Graham pondered for moment
''By Jove! L remember ~ he cried a
length. ''She must be the little girl in
short frock who wanted to give me a
shilling, and begged me to tell her my
name. You say she asked for Tommy
Atkins 2"
"Yes, sir. And she recognized YOU
as him-begging your pardon again
SIR"
"Then she doesn't know me? III
see her. What coincidence? And
she really thought was private
Did she have good look at me when
passed?''
Not more than glimpse, should
say, sir"
"Ahem! Crockettp'
81 want you to change tunics with
me-" said the Colonel, 'or lend me
yours, anyway. You are about my
size, Think
When Miss Kingston entered Col
onel Graham was standing at atten.
ton, with his thumbs pressed tightly
against the seams of his trousers, in the
stiffest I've observation-disclosures
attitude that he could assume. But his
eyes said: "Awfully pretty GIRL" as
plainly as eyes could speak.
Pm so glad to meet you again." she
said. 1--WE never forgotten you, and
Ive brought you a little gift, if you
will accept it."
Col. Graham executed half right
turn and faced Private Crockett.
sis it against the regulations to re-
ceive areward a for doing my duty, sir?''
he asked.
I'LL don't think So" stammer-
ed Crockett, almost as red as the tunic
that covered his manly breast.
Miss Kingston looked at him in sur
prise, then glanced inquiringly at her
hero, whose bronzed features wore the
most wooden expression that he could
summon up. Evidently she suspected
something. But she produced the
watch and chain and the purse and
presented them with few graceful
words.
81 had the name you gave me en-
graved on the WATCH" she said; "but
that is not correct, think"
mo, Miss" answered the Colonel,
glancing at the case. THAT was a
joke. But Tommy Atkins will do very
well. 1 am very much obliged"
1t was rather singular coincidence
that on the day following her return
to Balcomer Miss Kingston should re-
ceive visit from Miss Raynor, spin
ster sister of The late Squire; who had
hitherto, for some reason or other held
aloof, and that this white haired old
lady should at once introduce the sub
ject of her nephew Richard.
''You don't know him, think, my
DEAR she said. "He is Lieutenant
Colonel of the army, and | must tell
you that he was always led to expect
that he would succeed to Balcomer.
Unfortunately for him, he quarreled
with your uncle, anG, in consequence,
you are here"
al never heard a word of it. Why
did he quarrel ?"
"My brother wished him to marry a
certain lady, and Dick did not see his
way"
"What shamew exclaimed the girl,
deeply interested. II am so sorry!
feel that I have no right to Balcomer.
Can't something be done? Is it possi-
BILE TO divide the property"
Miss Raynor smiled.
"Wouldn't that be rather quixotic,
my DEAR" she asked.
al don't know" was the reply. 81
think L ought to do it."
Miss Raynor soon afterward took her
leave. But a week later she paid
another visit to Balcomer.
al have heard from Dick" she said,
''and he'll call on You the first time he
is in the neighborhood. He says he
doesn't resent your being here in the
least, and he will be very pleased to
know you"
Miss Raynor had scarcely been at
Balcomer fifteen minutes-devoted TO
praises of her nephew Dick-when that
gentleman arrived and sent up his
card.
"Lieut. Col. Richard Graham, lst
Battalion Hertfordshire Regiment ~
exclaimed Miss Kingston, reading
from the card. "Why, was at Penn
bury ten days ago and saw"
"Dick"' interrupted Miss Raynor,
blandly.
~ don't know, I saw Private Tom
my Atkins, and, / think, his Colonel.
It's very funny. The Colonel looked
and spoke like a prince, and Tommy
Atkins like a gentleman.
The footman retired and the next
moment the Colonel came in, and Miss
Kingston stood face TO face with her
hero, across whose white waistcost the
massive chain she had given him was
proudly displayed.
"Why-why-" she began blushing
almost as red as Private Crockett when
seated in the officers chair, "we are old
acquaintanees"
"And cousins" added the Colonel,
bowing.
''Yoa saved my life"
"it plea you 10 say 50. I have
c1me to thank you for your offer to
share Balcomer with me-"
ar u,os,f1 no a ,,ifu N d;xida Rol.