The Grenada sentinel., 1898-12-24
Brent was connected with the firm of

Brent was connected with the firm 0
Hudson 4 Shipley, brokers, but not in
very important capacity. John Hudson
knew the young mans worth and hat
thought seriously Of promoting him, for h
had noticed the ties that existed betwee1
him and Norah; but the young mans en-
listment had spoiled all that.
He simply said to the would-be hero tina
if he wanted to 60 he could have his desl
back "after the war" shook hands with him
and, entirely unconcerned, saw the regimen
march away, while the whole city went wilt
over its departure. That was John Bren
all over-nothing moved him.
just about that time Wiliams-Otho Will
l,ams-a man of maturer years than Brent
came upon the field Of action. He was
thorough business man, shrewd and not en-
tlrely scrupulous in his dealings when none,
was the object, but John Hudson did moi
particularly object to this.
In Norahs heart there was sorrow when
the boys went away. She had pighted hel
troth with Brent, and he told her aughingly
that Christmas would see hlm back, for the
war would end by that time, and they could
plan for a happy future.
Soon after the regiment marched came
Santiago.
Thrown into the front in the charge upon
San Juan hill, the -th was terribly deci-
mated. The boys were in the open, the
Mausers in the bushes
At first meager reports of the battle;
stories Of the gallant charge Of the -th,
but very little about the death roll, though
it was said to have been large.
The city waited; hearts grew sick as days
rolled by without much additional news.
Norah Hudson was not the only one who
waited under the strain. As for her father,
he thought but little of Brent; stocks were
rising and falling, and this interested him
more taan news Of battle and death.
At last came the most terrible OF all It'd
ings, for there is something more terrible
than death on the battlefield.
Arnold Brent was missing! Comrades
knew that he had gone into the battle;
they had seen him charging up the hill; they
had seen him in the foremost rank, but he
had not answered to roll call. There had
been but few missing, very few; but Brent
was among these.
Then came the waiting, the days of pain
full hope while the army and navy were
winning victories on other fields and at sea.
John Hudson's face assumed merrier as
oect He whistleu more. He received VIII
llams with more cordialty whenever he
'ame to town, took him home and made
;hlngs pleasant there for him. 1t was all
or purpose which the young girls heart
EASILY guessed.
The summer Of victories faded and the
autumn came. The leaves turned to gold
md then gave place to the garb of winter.
The regiment had been sent back, or what
vas left of it, and Norah had questioned
hose who took part in the historic charge.
They gave her but little encouragement.
Still, with woman's love and trust, the |
air girl waited. 1t was in her nature to
sait, for was not his promise that he would |
one Christmas still good?
John Hudson, sitting before his fireplace |
lat Christmas night, with the telegram IN |
lis hand, thought be saw the fruition Of |
herished hopes.
Williams would soon be there, and even
e the broker read he listened for the |
cunds Of the carriage on the whitened
rive.
"She won't hold back any longer" said !
'e. "Why, her mother always knuckled un-
er to me. I've been master here for years.
nd Norah knows that"
He stopped rather suddenly, for the door
ehind him opened, and he turned his
tartled face thither.
Norah stood regally in the doorway, her
andsome figure revealed by the soft light,
I'D looking straight at him.
"I-I thought you had retired, child"
aid John Hudson, stamrneringly, for he had
poken aloud, and wondered if Norah had
card.
Bless you, no, papa! This is the night he
as to come"
A frown darkened John Hudson brow.
"Put that idle hope aside" he answered.
You have had it tested time and again. The
hers who came home brought no cheering
'ws from Cuba. Norah, you must break
'is tie. 1t is my command"
"You command at last ?" said the young
RI, advancing. "Do l understand that
ust obey?" g.. a., !
"You must. Now!"
Norah crossed the room and halted at his
de, one of her soft hands falling like
ire snowflake on his shoulder
"He is coming" said she.
Brent? Impossible! You have waited
r months. A dead man cannot come"
It was "a hard, cruel sentence, but what
d John Hudson care! He wanted to snap
e ties that had bound Norah to her sol.
er hero. and cared not how harshly be
it.
'You loved your mother, sirl?" be sud.
My said, looking up into her face. I,
Her memory 10 the sweetest one have"
Very well. She never crossed me--long.
course, she had her ideas, hut from the
y Of our marriage was master here.p
rherp was no reply. Norah's look sought
. carpet as her feet and the clock ticked /
All at once John Hudson turned toward II
. front door. He had caught sounds thst .
smed to infuse new life into his veins.
MY guest l. out, yonder, Norah," ssid /
SskY. 4. III q 4 4 =. I'S'5 |