The record-union., 1897-05-22
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III.
1t happened that a little after 8
o'clock that evening Mr.. Belts had
visitors. The other clerks had waited
to see him close the store and after
ward has assured themselves that he
made his way to his boarding place.
The messenger, with the uniform and
sword, was waiting for him. Belts
who had lessened his bank account by
the required amount, paid him and car
ried the bundle to his room. A letter
from Amanda lay on the bureau. 1t
surprised him to find it there, for her
other epistles had reached him at the
shop, but in the mood which then con-
trOlled him he was in no haste to read
it.
AS he cut the cord about the bundle,
tore off the wrapper and caught sight
of the uniform his spirits began to rise
He put on the garments with reverential
care, and surveyed himself in the mir
ror with satisfaction. 1t was a small
mirror to be sure, and he had to view
himself in sections, but that drawback
was trifiing. 1t seemed to Mr. Belts
that he had never gaZed upon q more
soldferly figure. If only Amanda could
behold him, or, better still, if her father
could lay eyes upon him! Surely, that
hard-hearted parent would feel the
spell; were he pbdurate, there was the
| sword! How Roberts would cringe
before it. Belts laughed aloud as he
| pictured the old man trembling and
beseeching mercy. 1t was no wonder
that, in the rapture Of enjoying such
| a day dream, he failed to hear a faint
knock or notice that the door had
swung open gently, permitting three
men, grouped on the landing at the
head of the stairs, to observe all his
doings
False father, yield thy daughters
hand, or this good blade shall make
her fatherless." Belts recited He had
read the sentiment somewhere, and it
recurred to him opportunity.
Clear case" whispered one Of the
spectators.
"Delusion perfect another an
swered, softly.
Poor boy," said the third, and then
added, in louder tone: Mr.. Belts,
these gentlemen wish to see you for a
| few minutes"
His employers voice brought the
young man back to earth. He turned
beheld his visitors, and his new cour-
age was gone. His sword dropped. his
jaw fell, and he stood staring at them
in helpless confusion
Had Mr.. Belts deliberately planned
to convince his callers that his reason
was more than tottering his conduct
under the examination which followed
would have been a triumph He
stammered, hesitated, contradicted
himself. The medical men exchanged
glances.
Belts" his employer said. with an
effort you will do me a very great
favor If you accompany these gentle
men on little trip into the country
They will entertain you we'll. You will
go, won't you, at my request?"
1t was not in the power of poor Belts
to say no. He merely picked up
Amandas still unopened letter and
| thrust it into his trousers pocket.
Let him come just as he is" urged
one of the doctors, looking at his watch.
mo use to change his clothes 1t will
be a stiff drive to the station, as it is.
TO get the $50"
Without any very clear idea of what
was pCidiiiiiS illUl, the young man 1elt
his straw hat clapped upon his head
and himself led down the stairs to the
street and assisted to enter a carriage
The two strangers jumped in after him,
his employer called out Good -byei'
and then the vehicle dashed down the
street. As if in a dream Belts saw
this part of his journey completed, and
he never clearly understood the man.
ner in which he was led through the
station and ensconed with his escort in
a sleeping-car compartment Five
minutes later the train was under way.
| Except in the directions of military
glory and welded bliss, Belts imagi-
nation was limited. All his lie he had
| been accustomed to obey orders the
reason for which he could not surmise,
and it was with characteristic meekness
| that he suffered the strangers to car
ry him off from his domicile. Huddled
up in his corner, he sat for half an
/ t,1,,r WING nofhinr TIfr