St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1897-05-07
A MODEST HERO.

Twenty-fourth and Eignty-r curtin
Infantry were sitting around their
mess-table in Castletown, the CAPT
tai of the Isle of Man, one evening
more than 80 years ago-that is, all
of them except one; but then, that
was only Jones. Nobody minded
ZONES; even his peculiarities had
begun to be an old subject for
chatting" and, indeed, he had paid
such small attention to their Chat
fng" that they had come to find it
little pleasure, and, after some weeks
of discomfort, Lieutenant Jones had
been allowed to choose his own
pleasure without much interference.
These were not eXtravagant. A
favorite book, long walk in all
kinds of weather, and a sail when
the weather was favorable. He
would not drink-he said it hurt his
health he would not shoot-he said
it hurt his feelings; he would not
gambe-he said it hurt his con
science; and he did not care to fllrt
or visit the bellies OF the capitalize
said it hurt his affections. Once
Capt. Dc Reuzy Iispingly wondered
whether it was possible to "hurt his
honor" and Jones calmly answered
that ut was not possible for Cap
tain De Reuzy to do So"
Indeed, Jones constantly violated
all these gentleman's ideas OF proper
behavior, but for some reason or
other, no one brought him to
account for it. 1t was easier to
shrug their shoulders and call him
queer" or say, lit was only Jones"
or even to quietly assert his coward
ice.
One evening Colonel Underwood
was discussing a hunting party for
the next day. Jones walked into the
room, and was Immediately ac-
costed:
Something new, lieutenant. |
find there are plenty of hare on the
island, and we mean to give puss a
run tomorrow. have heard you are
a good rider; will you join us ~
You must excuse me, colonel
such thing is neither in the way OF
duty, nor my pleasure.
"You forget the honor the colonel
does YOU" said young Ensign
Powell.
81 thank the colonel for his cour'
tesy, but can see no good reason
for accepting it. ! am sure my horse
will not approve OF it; and l am sure
the hare will not like it; and an
not good rider. Therefore | shoulC
not enjoy it."
"You need not be afraid" said TIT
colonel, rather sneeringly;" The coun
try is quite open, and these low
Manx walls are easily taken"
Excuse me, colonel, | am afraid
II | should be hurt it would caus,
my mother and sisters great alarm
and anxiety. am very much afraiC
of doing this"
What was to be done with a maj
so obtuse regarding conventional
ties, who had boldly asserted hi
cowardice? The colonel turne,
away, half contemporary, ant
Ensign Powell took Jones place.
The morning proved to be yer
bad one, with the prospect of ri:
ing storm; and, as the part
gathered in the barrack yard, Jone
said earnestly to his colonel:
Il am afraid, sir, you will NEE
with severe storm"
81 think so, lieutenant; but W
promised to dine at Gwynne Hal
and we shall get that far at an
rate"
So they rode rather gloomi
away in the rain. Jones attended
the military duties assigned him, at
then, about noon, walked seawar
1t was hard work by this time
keep his footing on the mario
quay; but, amid the binding spri
and mist he saw quite crowd
men going rapidly toward the gre
shelving Scarlet Rocks, mile beyol
the town. He stopped an old sail
and asked:
SIS anything wrong"
"A little steamer, sir, off the c
OF Man. She is driving this way, 6
indeed | fear she will be onta roc
afore ta-night."
Jones stood still a moment, a
then followed the crowd as fast
the storm would let him. When