The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1898-07-19

A AS~ ~SESS"@S SHE S@FSH IA
fortune, but two male cousins had
died and a third had offended Mr..
Raynor, who, being able to dispose of
his property as he saw fit, had be-
queathed a few thousand to the off md
ing nephew, and the Bslconer estate to
Gertie.
The girl never to her knowledge, met
this distant cousin Richard; nor, in
deed, was she aware that she had dis
placed him. That had been kept from
her.
During all those years she had not
forgotten Tommy Atkins, the name by
which she persisted in speaking Of the
soldiers who had stopped her pony.
Although only a private, he was her
typical hero, q veritsble .Paladin.
1t was not surprising, therefore, that
one Of her first resolves, on realizing
what seemed to her unlimited wealth,
should be to reward her hero in q
proper manner.
Having ascertained that the Hert-
ASAN A0SAAAOA6 "OAO SGabAOACO q l. jill
bury, she visited a jewelers. shop and
bought an elaborate gold watch and q
massive chain Of the same costly metal.
The watch she left to be suitably en-
graved.
Presented to Tommy Atkins of the
First battalion, H~ertfordshire regi-
ment, by Gertrude Kingston, as a mark
OF gratitude"
II don't suppose that is the soldiers
name" Miss Kingston explained, but
1 want it put on the watch. He saved
my Life, and that was the name he
gave me-"
Having purchased the most expen-
sive purse the shop contained, she
placed inside it five bank notes. When
the watch had been delivered she set
out alone for Pembury.
To and fro before the door which led
to the officers quarters at Pembury
barracks Private CLOSEUP was doing
sentry go.
Miss Kingston stopped in her path.
SdA you GE4L AIO, IL h0ACO II
there is a soldier here named Tommy
Thomas Atkins9'
Private CLOSEUP grounded his Lee,
Metford.
That's my name," he said, with a
kno wing wink, then bringing his rife
to the shoulder smartly, he marched
to the sentry box, turned right about
face, and marched back.
At this j%uncture Sergeant Smith ep
peared in the doorway, smart in sash,
gloves and sword, and swinging a
natty cane Miss Kingston addressed
her question to him.
Somebody's been having you on
toast, MISS" he answered, interrupt
ing the explanation which she had
concluded was very necessary.
Stepping aside to make room, he
saluted an officer, who passed in-tall
and handsome, with a face bronzed to
copper color. The battalion had not
long returned from India.
THAT he is! exclaimed Miss Kings
ton. Il should know him any where.
Viii you kindly tell him that a lady
wishes to speak to him7 Stay a mo-
ment, she went on, producing her card
case. &c We him this card, and say l
am the girl whose life he saved near
B4lcomer about nine years ago. My
pony q away and he stopped it. I
.dA9 say he wall remember it."
H3c3ndu tied her to an orderly room,
gave her 3 chair and entered his com
mand,rg fic9r's quarters.
LssuIenan5 Colonel Graham, almost
the youngest officer of that rank in
the British army, had just taken eff
his gloves when the sergeant entered
and, saluting, gave him the card.
'L,dy wants to gee you" he said.
The colonel started. "Miss Kings
ton, Balcomer Hall!' he exclaimed in
tones of surprise. What the dick
ems does she want with me2 1 won't
see her. Tell her-teIl her-don't tell
her anything. It wasn'5 her fault"
This to HIMSELF Did she mention
her businese9'
mot exactly, sir. I was to say that
you saved her life about nine years
ago. Stopped a runaway pony, cir
She asked for q soldier of the name Of
Tommy Atkins-begging your pardon,
sir" added the sergeant with an ill
concealed grin.
Colonel Graham pondered for g mo
ment. by Jove! I remember" he
cried at length. she must be the lit
tie girl in a short frock who wanted
to give me O chilling, and begged me