The National tribune., 1898-01-13

remember Hamlet's excuse for questioning
his father ghost, Thou comestin such ques-
tionable shape, e,-hum-humph The way
| in which you came was questionable enough
to provoke a sphinx" He broke out into
laughter again. ''Well,' he said, when il
was over, Il believe would like to ask just
one more question. Who sent you to me 20
" Nobody" in some surprise; came o.
| my own free will and accord -
| " Hum-humph. Never heard my name
before, suppose
1t was Clegges turn now. ''I-I think
| mean perhaps have heard the name OF
| Smith before" )" he said, solemnly.
And You mean to say you came just be-
| cause my name was Smith ?"
=" If there was any other reason l don't
know it, candidly.
Even my Christian name had nothing to
do with it, suppose?" Hum-humph."
AS | only know it begins with F. /
think not, said Cleggie.
You didn't know that / am connected
with the Christian Commission, and only see
soldiers at its rooms? Humph, humph!"
Not word. In fact, the Christian Com
mission and the Sanitary Commission are
known at the front by their agents rather
than their managers. / don't think | ever
hueW WHO were the latter.
Humph, humph.' Ny name is For
tunatus SMITH" He extended his hand to
the young soldier, who rose and clasped it
warmly. And, for oho Lieutenant, 1 am
glad to have the name of Smith, since it
brought me your acquaintance Humph.
humph! | must beg your pardon" lie con-
hnued, for putting you through so sharp a
catechism, m,-hum-humph, but, really, I
tDOIlUnt .1t first bod III, ioh on,
me; afterwards l was impeled to continue it
for my own satisfaction, n,-hum-humph!- j
from interest-that is, in yourself ard your
experiences"
Cleggie thanked him, and he went on.
9 DO You know that your view Of prison
life is an unusual one?'
- How so?" asked Cleggie
" have seen &C, d many exchanged pris-
onerS, said Mr.. Smith, and heard a good
many sad tales of their experiences hum
humph, but you are the first one who seemed
to find anything to laugh at"
" There was plenty to cry about, too
said Cleggie, seriously, "but what WAS the
use? A long face could do no good and
laughing helps others to forget what it does
no one any good to remember"
- No doubt, hum -humph, but not
every one appreciates the fact. Well, you
came out of the catechism all right | shall
be glad to furnish you the funds you require.
You ought to have a uniform, too.'
Time enough for that when / get my
pay"
But you might leave your measure here
and have one sent to you. You know half
the officers of the army are uniformed from
this city. Having once left your measure,
you can order what you want by mail, and
be sure you will always get the best quality
for the highest ce-hum-humph !" His
curious ejaculation expressed a variety of
sentiments, being sometimes humorous and
sometimes satirical. 3 But you will have
the consolation of knowing it will always be
the latest style, and a fit They are making
money hand over fist, and deserve it. BY all
means, leave your measure with them
1t might be a good plan" assented the
young officer, wondering where Mr.. Smiths
interest in his welfare would stop.
That's all right, hen-hum-humph
Now / want to make a bargain with you"
To be continued