Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1897-07-10
CAPTAIN CLOSE
ny CAPTAIN CHARLES KING.
copyright, 1894, by J. D. Lipp!ncott Col
I.-CoNTINUED.

Quitting New Orleans after long
days sightseeing with his friends, he
lad sought berth In the Pullman ant
slept soundly until aroused by the porte,
after two o'clock to change cars at the
junction. Now he was wide awake
and, after the first few miles OF jolting
and grinding through the darkness, was
becoming chilled and lonesome-per
hnps n trife homesick. Twice had the
conductor hustled through the train,
rousing sleeping passengers and Sec
ing them safely OFF at dark and mys.
FERROUS stations where hardly glimmcr
OF lamp or candle could be seen away
from the mere shanty which served
us waiting-room and office. A heap
Of wood was stacked up near the stove,
and Lambert poked the waning en-
hers and piled on fresh fuel, whereat
young man who hadRot on at Coates
vile with shotgun and n big bottle
for luggage, and who had for nearly an
hour been singing sentimental snatchcs
to his own deep satisfaction, now smiled
maudlin approval and companionably
held forth the bottle. as good" said
he, in loyal defense of the stimulant
most courteously declined. "Bes' thing
you can take these co mawning's. Live
bout hyuh an'where?"
"No," said Lambert, civilly, yet hop.
ing not to be further questioned. He
busted himself again with the fire, then,
rising quickly, sought his seat.
But the young man with the flask
was grcgarious and bubbling over with
the milk of human kindness. He
promptly lurched after, and, Hopping
down on the opposite seat; sending
some Of Lambert's belongings clatter-
ing to the floor, held out his hand.
"'Scusc me, subj" he suffered. 81
hope l amt Tended you. My names
Potts-Barton Potts. We amt wha.
we were befo' the wah, you know. But
know gcn'l'm'n-cvery time. Hope
Il ain'-'sulted-"
"Not by any mcans!" protested Lam
bert, loudly and heartily. Don't think
Of such thing! ] simply didn't feel
like drinking; but I'm n thousand
times obliged to you."
THAI right. THAI all right" said
Mr.. Potts, grasping Lambcrt's hand
und shaking it imprcssively. ''I-hello!
Wha'z that"
Lambert's sword, encascd in chamos-
skin, had come in contact with the
strangers elbow and gone rafting
under the seat. Potts made precipi-
tate dive and fished ii out, regaining his
equilibrium after some little struggle.
Coin TO Quitman--too? THAI my
home. An I'm glad-meet you. |
know a gen'l'm'n-an' I'll stan your
frien'-1 mean it. Missur-Missur-"
"My names Lambert" said the lieu
tenant, quietly essaying to relieve Mr..
Potts Of the sword.
''Lammert? Glad--meet you-Missur
Lammert. Where'd you say You
b'longed?"
I'm going to Tugaloo."
"Tu-gloo?-Tha'z no kim Of place.
C'mawn to Quimman. Come to my
house. What n ellis thiz?" he broke
OF suddenly.
my sword" said Lambert, simply.
"Sword?--sword? exclaimed Potts.
"You goin' Tu-gloo with sword? You
Yankee Officer like thnt--wha'z name ?
--Close?"
"a Yankee officer certainly" laughed
Lambert. "Fve never met Capt. Close"
The effect of this announcement on
Mr.. Potts was surprising. 1t wcll-nigf
sobered him. He slowly drew back un.
I'll he sat erect, his head webbing bit
in spite of his efforts ut self.control.
Presently he began to speak, slowly and
impressivcly ut first, then winding up in
verbal entanglemcnt:
"Missur Lam-p-bert, didn't know
was talkin' to-Yankee officcr-but-
I'm a gen'rm'n, sub, an I stan by
wh-whn-I say. mean to stan your
fricn', sub; but as TO- that o,h-felluh
seem in ell first"