Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1897-01-22


him, begging your pardon again, sir. {"
CITIZEN she doesn't know me? I'll see
her What coincidence! And she really
thought was private2 Did she have a
good look at me when passedp'
"Not more than glimpse, l should say,
SIR"
"Ahem! Crookett!"
A smart soldier servant entered from an
inner room.
II want you to change TUNES with me, "
said the colonel, "or lend me yours, any
way. You are about my size, think. "
When Miss Kingston entered, Colonel
Graham was standing at attention, with
his thumbs pressed tightly against the
seams Of his trousers in the stitfest, I've
just-swallowed bayonet attitude that he
could assume But his eyes said lawful
ly pretty girl'' as plainly as eyes could
speak.
''I'm SO glad to meet you again, she
said GIVE never forgotten you, and va
brought you little gift, if you will accept
it,"
Colonel Graham executed half right
turn and faced Private Crockett
"Is it against the regulations to receive
reward for doing my duty, sir?'' he asked
"I-I-I don't think So" stammered
Crockett, almost as red as the tllnic that
covered his manly breast
Miss Kingston looked at him in sur
prise, then glanced inquiringly at her hero,
whose bronzed features wore the most
wooden expression that he could summon
up. Evidently she suspected something.
But she produced the watch and chain and
the purse and presented them with u few
graceful words.
II had the name you gave me engraved
on the watch, she said "But that is not
correct, think.
''No, miss" answered the colonel,
glancing at the case. "1'hat was a joke
But Tommy Atkins will do very we'll 1
am very much obliged
1t was rather a singular coincidence that
Oh the day following her return to Bal
conner Miss Kingston should receive visit
from Miss Raynor, a spinster sister of the
late squire, who had hitherto for some
reason or other held aloof, and that this
once introduce the subject of her nephew
Richard.
"You don't know him, I think, my
dear, she said "He isa lieutenant colonel
of the army, and l must tell you that he
was always led to expect that he would
succeed to Balcomer. Unfortunately for
him he quarreled with your uncle, and in
consequence you are here, -
81 never beard word of it. Why did
he quarrel?'
"My brother wished him to marry Ger
tain lady, and Dick did not see his way
"What shameP' exclaimed the girl,
deeply interested. II am so sorry feel
that have no right to Balcomer. Can It
something be done? Is it possible to di-
vide the property"
Miss Raynor smiled
Wouldn't that be rather quixotic, my
DEAR" she asked.
II don't know" was the reply. 81
think ought to do it,"
Miss Raynor soon afterward took her
leave. But week later she paid another
visit to Balcomer
II have heard from Dick" she said,
land he'll call on you the first time he is
in the neighborhood. He says he doesn't
resent your being here in the least, and he
will be very pleased to know you.
Miss Raynor had scarcely been at Bal
conner Is minutes-devoted to praises of
her nephew Dick-when that gentleman
arrived and sent up his card.
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Graham,
First battalion, Hertfordshire regiment!"
exclaimed Miss Kingston, reading from
the card "Why, was at Pembury ten
days ago, and saw
"Dick?" interrupted Miss Raynor bland
~.
~ don't know. saw Private Tommy
Atkins, and, think, his colonel. It's very
funny The colonel looked and spoke like
a prince and Tommy Atkins like gentle
man."
The fo0tman retired Next moment the
colonel came in, and Miss Kingston stood
face to face with her hero, across whose
white waistcoat the massive chain she had
given him was proudly displayed.
"Why-why," she began, blushing al
most as red as Private Crockett when seat
cd in the officers chair, eve are old ac-
quaintances!
"And cousins" added the colonel, bow
ing.
"You saved my life!"
1T pleases you to say so. l have come
to thank you for your offer to share the
Balcomer with me-
"It would be pity to divide Balcomer,
my dears, +" interposed Miss Raynor, shalS-
ing her white ringlets archly. Isn't there
a better way to put things straight?
Answers.