The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1898-12-24

Brent was connected with the firm OF
Hudson & Shipley, brokers, but not in
very important capacity. John Hudson
knew the young mans worth and had
thought seriously of promoting him, for he
had noticed the ties that existed between
him and Norah; but the young mans en-
istment had spoiled all that.
He simply said to the wouldbe hero that
if he wanted to go he could have his desk
back latter the war" shook hands with him,
and, entirely unconcerned, saw the regiment
march away, while the whole city went wild
over it's departure. That was John Brent
all over-nothing moved him.
just about that time WILLIAMSBURG Will
lams-a man of maturer years than Brent
came upon the field of action. He was a
thorough business man, shrewd and not en-
tlrely scrupulous in his dealings when money
was the object, but John Hudson did not
particularly object to this
In Norah's heart there was a sorrow when
the boys went away She had plighted her
that Christmas would see HIM back, for the
war would end by that time, and they could
plan for happy future.
Soon after the regiment marched came
| Santiago.
Thrown into the front in the charge upon
| San Juan hill, the TIL 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 til,
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 than 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 a merrier as
pect. He whisted more. He received VIII
lams with more cordially whenever he
came to town, took him home and made
things pleasant there for him. 1t was all
for purpose which the young girls heart
easily guessed.
The summer of victories faded and the
autumn came. The leaves turned to golC
and then gave place to the garb, of winter
| The regiment had been sent back, or wha
was left of it, and Norah had questioned
those who took part in the historic charge
They gave her but little encouragement
Still, with woman's love and trust, thu
fair girl waited. 1t was in her nature tt
watt for was not his promise that he would
come Christmas still good?
John Hudson, sitting before his freplac,
that Christmas night, with the telegram IL
his hand, thought he saw the fruition o
cherished hopes.
Williams would soon be there and ever
as the broker read he listened for tn,
sounds of the carriage on the whitenet
drive.
"She won't hold back any longer" sait
he. why, her mother always knuckled un
der to me. I've been master here for years
and Norah knows that"
He stopped rather suddenly, for the doc
behind him opened, and he turned hi
startled face thither.
Norah stood rcgally in the doorway, he
handsome figure revealed by the soft light
and looking straight at him.
IL thought you had retired, child,
said John Hudson, stammeringly, for he hat
spoken aloud, and wondered if Norah ha'
heard.
BLESS you, no, papa! This is the night h
was to come"
A frown darkened John Hudscn's brow.
"Put that idle hope aside" he answered
"You have had it tested time and again. TIL
others who came home brought 10 cheern
news from Cuba. Norah, you must brea
this tie. 1t is my command"
"You command at last?" said the youn
girl, advancing. do l understand that
must obey?"
you must Now!"
Norah crossed the room and halted at hi
side, one of her soft hands falling like
pure snowflake on his shoulder
''He is coming" said She
Brent? Impossible! You have waite
for months A dead man cannot come"
1t was a hard, cruel sentence, but wha
did John Hudson care? He wanted to sna
the ties that had bound Norah to her so
der hero, and cared not how harshly b
did it.
"You loved your mother, girl?" he SUE
: denly said, looking up into her face.
"Her memory is the sweetest one have.
Every well. She never crossed me-lon
: OF course, she had her ideas, but from til
day of our marriage was master here"
l There was no reply. Norah's look sougf
the carpet at her feet, and the clock tickle
on.
! All at once John Hudson turned towar
, the front door. He had caught sounds tbs
: seemed to infuse new life into his veins
: my guest is out yonder, Norah," sal
he. He is punctual to the minute"