The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1897-06-23
CAPTHIN CLOSE
BY CAPTAIN CHARLES KING.
Copyright, 1904, by ] B. Lipplncott Col
I.-CoNTINUED.

Quitting New Orleans after long
days sightseeing with his friends, he .
had sought berth in the Pullman and |
slept soundly until aroused by the porter |
after two o'clock to change cars at the I
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- |
haps a trifle homesick. Twice had the
conductor hustled through the train,
rousing sleeping passengers and see
ing them safely off at dark and mys-
terious stations where hardly glimmer
of lamp or candle could be scen away
from the mere shanty which served
as waiting-roolh and Office A heap
of wood was stacked up near the stove,
and Lambert poked the waning en-
bers and piled on fresh fuel, whereat
young man who had got on at Coates
vile with a shotgun and big bottle
for luggage. and who had for nearly an
hour been singing sentimental. snatches
to his own deep satisfaction, now smiled
maudlin approval and companionably
held forth the bottle. "'S 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 gregarious and bubbling over with
the milk of human kindness. He
promptly lurched after, and, Topping
down on the opposite seat, sending
some of Lambert's belongings clatter-
ing to the floor, held out his hand.
"'Scuse me, suh," he suffered. 81
hope l amt Tended you. My names
Potts-Barton Potts. We amt what
we were befo' the wah, you know. But
know a gen'lm'n-eyery time. Hope
Il suited"
mot by any means!" protested Lam
bert, loudly and heartily. Don't think
Of such a thing! l simply didn't feel
like drinking; but I'm thousand
times obliged to YOU
THAI right THAI all right" said
Mr.. Potts, grasping Lambert's hand
and shaking it impressively. "l-hello!
Wha'z that?
Lambert's sword, encased in chamois-
skin, had come in contact with the
strangers elbow and gone rattling
under the seat. Potts made precipi'
tate dive and fished it out, regaining hii
equilibrium after some little struggle
Coin to Quitman-too? THAI my
home. An I'm glad-meet you.
know a gen1'm'n-an' I'll stan your
frien'-I mean it. Missur-Mlissur-'
'My names Lambert" said the lieu
tenant, quietly essaying to relieve Mr.
Potts of the sword.
"Lammert? Glad-meet you-Missul
LaInmert. Where'd you say yot
b'longed?"
I'm going to Tugaloo."
"Tu-gIoo?-Tha'z no kin of place
C'nawu to Quimman. Come to m!
house. What n ellis thiz?" he broke
off suddenly.
"My sword" said Lambert, simply.
"Sword ?-sword? exclaimed Potts
"You goin' Tu-gloo with sword? Yo1
Yankee officer like that-wha'z name
-Close?"
"a Yankee officer certainly" laughed
Lambert. 1--WE never met Capt. Close.
The effect of this announcement o
Mr.. Potts was surprising. 1t well-nig
sobered him. He slowly drew back ur
Ill he sa: erect, his head wobbling a bi
in spite of his efforts at self-contro
Presently he began to speak, slowly ar
impressivcly at first. then winding upi
verbal entanglement:
"Missur Lam-p-bert, didn't know
was talkin' to--Yankee oficer-but-
I'm genl'm'n, sub. an stan o
wh-wha--I say. mean to stan you
frien'. sub: but as fo' that oth-fellu
-Closc-I'll seem in ell first"