The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1898-09-16
THE LETTER
FROM CAMP.

- many-rufiied skirts as much as
possible over the whole window seat:
"Lovey, dear. such n nice letter from
poor old Freddy. lie says-listen 10
TINS: The weather IL lndustriously Gu
gagged IN rninlng rapid blows upon our
dcfenselcss camp and the wind Is en-
dcavoring to fold my tent about me and
bear me up TO my rightful place In the
world. Everything In sight, blankets
ana bed Included. Is soaked and feel
as II were running a pawcshop as l
gaze around on the cheerful prospect
scudday just stopped In rs wet as
sponge, but as clipper as q sparrow.
He says; III you're writing TO Betty,
tell her that she could wipe up the floor
with me now, as she always used to.
with some real advantage to the floor"
l am writing this. my-er-er-'"
Esteemed friend" suggests the little
girl whom every one has come to call
Loyey Dear. an endenring title be-
slowed by the irresponsible Bobby
Smythe who chased her all around the
garden with siphon Of saltwater one
afternoon In endeavoring, 80 he said,
to perform the ceremony of baptism In
perfectly legal way.
Tint the name fits her goes without
saying. for, however droll he may be,
Bobby is incapable OF that would-be
funny sarcasm which makes unkind
cuts OF ones small eccentricities Of ap-
pearance or personality. and II she were
not Just the sweetest. gentlest, and al
together most lovabie OF young crea-
lures Mr.. Smythc would have dubbed
her otherwise or not at all. At any rate
be never would leave O loophole
through which a less chivalric nature
might poke ridiculo.
Betty laughs and bushes charming
ly. Eyes. thanks" says she, that's
t-er--- Where was /? o, yes. L
am writing this. my esteemed friend. on
the back Of my mess plate. which Is
the only writing desk the quarters af-
ford, and my impressive style makes
II 60 "ker-plunk. ker-plunk" at every
word. have placed n few Jumps Of
moist sod beneath my feet to keep them
ont Of the pleasant pool OF water which
has found resting place In the tent
and as sit here moro or less drenched.
| must confess my-er-er-estec
friend, that tho damper which has
spread itself over my person threatens
to even pcrmeatc my patriotism. and
don't believe anything except n sunny
letter from you VIII dry It Off. cannot
help. under these circumstances. turn
ing n longing, retrospective eye upon
that dear old room where, Mt about this
time In the afternoon, Lovey Dear, in
her gray gown, was wont to pour ten
for thirsty mob while you and |
turned up to treat them to-perhaps I
ought TO say lnfiict them with-what
Bobby Smythe with n perverted and
distressing sense of humor called a
"Dcweyctt," lingering ON the EFT, as he
always fingers at any suggestions of
eat"
Betty pauses to laugh gayly.
THAT was good" cries he Freddy
is awfully funny, don't you think.
Lovey DearY
mo. l don't think" answers Lovcy
Dear. In gently injured way. To dis.
parage. be II ever 80 lightly. that home.
ly. obstrcpcrous young Bobby Is always
TO step on the tail Of her coat
20. wen. dear" says Betty. "Robby's
appetite Is such an Acknowledged sue.
cess that"
Il have caten my way into even the
most reserved lnrders of the social set. "
finishes n cheerful voice from the door
way. "IIowdy. glrlsl knew you'd be
glad TO see mel Betty singing my
praises, as usual7 l declare the wa,
that old lady does rave over me. II /.
embarrassing. really. But cannot con
scicntiously give her encouragement
Lovcy Dear. there is such difference
In our ages, and for me 10 wed Bett,
would he mating May to December
would It notf Pom my soul. as motto,
how aged ana decreplt she Is getting 4
reminds me Of a story
"uelpl Helpl Helpr cries Betty
family.
"Of storyY says Lovey Dear, en-
couragingly. though Bobby needs none
! An entire room full OF people all pro
! testing violently against hearing one o
his tales have. nevertheless many
/ time been made TO stand and hearkei
, 10 the bitter end. for no man has eve
been known 10 prevent Bobby spinning
: yarn which he thinks funny or appro
D pirate. Therefore, II goes without say
: Ing that Betty's appealing wall has n
% effect
The girls laughed lightly. possibl,
from the force of habitual politencss
and Bobby. as usual. doubles up an,
bowls at the wit OF HIS own yarn. Pee
pie. unkind critics. are wont to ascrlb
Bobby's persistence OF anecdotes to thi
laugh Of his They say he roars so bin
self and makes such noise that h
thinks every one else is enjoying IL
Bobby" remarks Betty. when at ias
y Mr.. Smythe's mirth has subsidized; :"
has Just occurred to me that you AZ