Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1896-06-25
The i.ieutenant'S Story.

1t was dismal outside. for the rain
fell INCREASINGLY, but Mrs Traynor'
dainty drawing room looked the picture
Of comfort that dreary evening. lsa-
bella, Capt. Traynor's young wife, was
herself a picture worth looking at,
She has been the lcigring belle OF her
native city, before marrying the most
popular captain III the navy, who, many
Years her senior, was very proud OF his
handsome young wife, who was ad
mired by everybody.
The seaport town had long been
noted for its pretty girls and beautiful
women, and Mrs. Traynor, too sure Of
her own popularity to feel Jealous, was
sure to have some OF them With her
On this particular evening the captain
had brought home half dozen brother
officers TO help entertain his wife's
guests. They were scattered about the
room, chatting Gayly with the young
ladies. and oil of them more or less
jealous Of lieut.. Robert BliGhton, who
was the lion of the hour because he
had only Just returned ION his trst
long cruise, aud being one of the for-
lunate few who know lust how TO look
and say the unuttcluhle things that are
sure to make one taNGritc with the
fair sen. they petted him until he was
III fair way of being spoiled. as he
had rather a good opinion of himself
and knew his own merits in spite of
pretended modesty.
Tell us something thrilliugly ex,it-
ing urged Belle Talhy, flashing her
black eyes bewitchingly at the hand
some lieutenant.
J Zone ot your own love stories would
be all that, no doubt" said GOA Nc
Arthur shaking her blonde head vic
iously as she noticed the glance re
turned by the wicked bob to the black
eyed beauty.
Il asked for a story first" poutcd Eff
fie, and we don't want one of his love
stories, for we all have chance enough
before the winter is over to see and
hear plenty of our handsome lieuten-
ants affaires de occur, won't we
though" said the little tease, provok-
ingly.
IAN right, then" replied our young
hero, unabashed at being the center of
attraction II will tell of an adventure
we had just before we landed at Yoke
hama.
81 shall tell you Il story that is a
mixture of adventure, in which fire
water, love, and jealousy all figure
prominently. No. Miss Cora, ii Is not
one of my own love affairs; only wish
it were; but our lieutenant commando
Clayton Ried, is the hero of this tale,
and as he modestly objects to talking
of the matter as an act of bravery, l.
for one, shall tell his story, although
his reward was so great we all felt that
he was paid for the pain he suffered in
doing that which the rest OF us were
afraid to undertake.
"He rescued a crippled old man, and
the most beautiful young girl | have
ever seen present company excepted,
OF course. She was a stunning beauty.
though" continued the lieutenant.
Her eyes alone were enough to take
any man captive and we all agreed that
it was shame that Ried should cap
turC such a prize when he was the least
susceptible fellow among us; he was, In
fact, considered a woman hater, and he
seemed to shun them upon every occa-
sion, but he got bravely over that after
he rescued the little Princess, as we
called her
Capt. Lamond said that Rie1 had
been one of the Jolliest, best liked fel
lows in the navy until an unfortunate
love affair few years ago sourea him
so that he was like u different man. al
most unapprcachable to most people
who came in contact with him. We
were mighty glad Of the change in him,
although he coolly cut us all out with
out an effort while we were trying our
best to win. That he was the brlycst
among us no one disputes and that Is
why he is the hero of this tale of "cck
less bravery"
Whom did you say ?" asked Mrs
Traynor, in low voice, touching MS
arm gently.
Lieutenant Commander Clayton
Rted," replied Bob, wondering at the
look of intense jealousy on the fair
face before him, as she asked the ques
ton
What was this great act Of bravery
that the rest OF you dared not do
questioned Mrs. Traynor eagerly, draw
ing nearer to the story teller, as # she
were afraid she might lose a word o.
the tale in which she seemed to take
an unwonted interest
I will ell you said the lieutenant
Several miles out from our landing al
Yokohama we discovered a small ship
which lad run up the signal Of distress
and, upon getting nearer, we could see
she was on fire. The wind was blowing
a gale, and it was no easy matter to ge
within reach OF the doomed vessel, but
We made every effort 10 do So TIE
flames were growing fierce, and there
seemed no place where the small boats
truld min rloge IN hpr without danger