The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1898-07-30
AT THE LAST MOMENT.

Of Wellington ana 1910, Out II Is
- now generally understood that
the real battle of Waterloo takes place
every Saturday morning at the station
of that name, when the special trains
start for South Africa. 1t Is desper-
ate struggle while 1t lasts, and the uni
formed men have an exceedingly warm
time of 1t, but they have always con-
quered before, and this encourages and
gives them enthusiasm. Mr.. John
Beste-the name was on the leather la
bel of his single portmanteau-Mr.
John Beste, down in good time before
the real tussle began, looked on with
interest. He was a tall, reseryed-lOok-
Ing man, with a short beard and the
brown complexion that comes to men
who have looked at the South African
sun.
sNo one to see me off," said John
Beste.. "a short mother was stepping
on tiptoe to kiss a burly youth, and t.e
sight gave him thoughts) "Of course
there is no one to see me off, he con-
tinued argumentatively. ''Why should
there beT"
Mr.. John Beste placed his portman-
teau in the corner Of a first-class COM
partment, and laughed little bitterly
at his grumbled soliloquy. A light
touch on his arm made him wheel
round. The sound of a soft voice made
him flush.
"Mr. Bester'
"Miss Langhaml Are you here to
say good-by to meY
''That was the idea," said the young
woman, brightly. Il suppose there are
others. How long before your train
goes"
about twenty minutes, Miss Lang
ham,"
"Only twenty minutes. am sorry
that you are going 50 quickly. And
you will see Mr.. Charterhouse, sup
pose"-she stepped aside to avoid q
juggernaut trolley Of luggage-"as soon
as you arrivep she resumed.
II can't possibly avoid that. Is Mrs.
Langham herer
my aunt does NOT know that have
come down. Did you want to see her,
Mr.. Beste?"
''Her presence" he said, gravely, sis
not indispensable to my happiness"
I'm afraid that you are inclined to
be a little unjust to her. You don'i
know her as well as do, Mr.. Beste."
''That is so. But Mrs. Langham has
made confidant of me during the tims
that 1 have been here, and--well,
think understand her."
"Tout comprehensive c'est tout par
donner," quoted the young lady.
mot in every case"
81 should like to know what VOL
talked about. 1t occurred to me at din
ner last night that"
upon my word, Miss Langham,
have half mind to tell you"
Half a mind is plenty, Mr.. Beste.
have special reason for wanting t
know. My dear aunt has not Away
the best tact in the world"
THAT" he said, dryly, occurred I
me-"
"Was 1t Of me that she was talking
i wonder? Was the objectY
ut was of you" he said.
"And my aunt said?
Am l bound to answer these quef
tions, my lord?'
A band Of Jewish financial gentleme
came along the crowded platform
forming an encourage to some impori
ant individual In their center. Wit
the enterprise Of their race, they force
the other passengers aside, and Nj
John Beste and Miss Langham wer
separated in the connection.
ssYou are bound" said the youu
Portla, returning, ito answer all tn
questions that are put to you for II
next fifteen minutes"
s'Mrs Langham," said Mr.. job
Beste, shifting his rug from one arm
the other, and bending q little closer
the bewildering hat and the charmin
face that it seltishly attempted to hid
MRS. Langham was extremely anxiot
that should convey certain inform'
ton to Mr.. Charterhouse. As manage
to Mr.. Charterhouse's valuable min
Mrs. .Langham seems to have though
that should be a oaluable what shs
Isay?--a valuable fellow conspirator
Go on" she said, quickly and viii
great concern.
Il wonder whether you can guel
what / am going to say r.
II hope am not guessing rightly.
4 rr1hlers