Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1896-09-01
THE POISON OF LOVE.
BY ewEsDo1EN Overflow.

The commanding officer was seated
in the adjutant's Office, in troubled par
ley with the officer of the day.
1t was high noon, midsummer, and
Arizona; and though the adobe was as
cool rs only an adobe can be in fiery
weather, the major was hopping his
brow in entire discomfort.
"That's 1t! that's it'll" he calculated.
''Thinls of sending q man off on the very
eve of his wedding; the very day before
he is to be married. It's beastly I'M
pleasant thing to have to do. But I'm
too old for trip like that; Gowan's on
the sick list, Henderson's away, Thomp-
sons wife may die any minute, Trow-
bridge won't be back from Grant until
early tomorrow morning, and you're
half dead precious hospital we have!)
pnd officer Of the day besides. Then,
moreover, IIowland's about the only
one who can handle those things right
and not make n mess Of 1t. He's got. to
go, that's all"
II might be able to manage the bust
ness; suppose you let him take my
saber, and I'll co." suggested Briggs.
you look like it, now don't you?
Pretty healthy specimen you'd be to
eend on ride like that"
ut wouldn't hurt me and it might do
me good. I ask it as a favor, major"
well, / won't. Howland's going"
lie rang the bell for his orderly and sent
that unduly erect individual to find
Lieut.. Rowland, give him the command
ing officers compliments, and say he
would like to see him in the adjutant's
office Immediately.
When the orderly had gone on his way
saluting, Briggs tilted back in his chair,
with its burnt ornament of @. NJ. D.,
and fingered his saber knot, and
watched the flies circling with faint
buzz in the center of the room. The
commandant turned his attention. to o
legal-cap document much underscored
and lined In red ink and glanced un-
easily at the door. The official paper
did not claim his attention long. "IIe
can start now and be back by noon to-
morrow"
Eyes" said Briggs, che can"
II suppose he'll see the reason for II"
81 suppose So" assented Briggs.
"He's II sensible fellow"
eyes, he's sensible" Briggs agreed.
The major felt that his junior officer
was not exactly encouraging. what
the deuce would you have me do then 2"
he snapped.
"Let me CO."
"You're as pig-headed as donkcy!"
Numbered the major. You shan't go,
1 tell you"
"All right, but I'd rather not be
around when you send Rowland. that's
all. It's a rude interruption of loves
young dream. You've my sympathy,
rs you've got the talking to do. Here
he comes. Shall help you out, or may
l go?" asked the brave soldier, rising
and looking longirgly toward the door.
go, go by all means, and leave me the
nasty job"
Briggs resumed mis- scat, his saber
clanked and he knocked down an Army
Register for 10. While he was picking
1t up Rowland came in. He was the
most promising officer in the regiment,
and was tall, and strong, and homely
He had n square jaw and straight
mouth, and the jaw looked squarer and
the mouth straighter just now. He fore
saw something unpleasant when he
caught sight of Briggs ard the ma jor
Briggs was small and thin, the major
was short and fat, and both were un.
usually impressed with Rowland S stat
ure.
"E-e-eh,". commenced the command.