The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1899-08-25

~, oeIore. For ten long
So inuteS warrington was busy-won-
9efing all the time what Weary was
uolng down there between his legs and
now he liked it, and which of them
would die first. u 'noAn
men suddenly in a lull he heard
ialntly sound that sent the blood ia
nis mead with a rush-the scraping of
many boots over rocks hundreds Of
YARDS away, and the dim echo Of .
word OF command. He shouted and
nred his last cartridge above his head
t .ha' they might see the flash, and flung
sie empty weapon at white eyeball
that was too near to be pleasant, and
cut and pointed and slashed away with
renewed vigor. Down the valley and
over the rocks came hoarse, breath
Tess cheer and pith helmets cleaned
1alntly in the near distance. He an
s"ered the cheer with a croak and
went on carving and hacking as though
MS Toes still confronted him. But thew
did not wait to meet his friends. They
ielt. All but five, to whom even Brit
Ism troops were a matter of indifference
now, as they stayed behind, huddled
INTO the grim semi-circle around Lieu
tenant Warrington and Second Lieu
tenant Weary. When his men came
up to him they found him with Weary
in his arms leaning against the wall
OF rock, looking, as Private Bill.
more said, "as though ed 'ad a nasty
messy accident with reu paint"
Weary opened his eyes as he entered
the camp feet foremost.
Warrington, V. c." he said. and
tried to cheer. But the others did it
for him.
(2). At Home.
An afternoon IN early November, a
cosey room, bright fire. big armchairs.
piano, pipes, photographs and decan-
tels; male figure extended to enor-
nous length in one armchair, with
ieet stretched out on the hearthrug:
another male figure with back toward
the room, gazing out of window at the
unceasing rain. Thick clouds of to-
hacco smoke and silence.
"Of all the brutal, filthy, miserable
depressing days." said the man at the
window, suddenly.
weather seems to worry you, old
man, SAID the man by the fire, settling
down a little deeper into the depths
of his armchair. Third time in TWEEN
ty minutes you've got up to look at it
and talk about it."
Sorry. Vic" said the other, and
turning, he came slowly toward the
fire. Il nAlst be lively company to-
day. but this weather seems to upset
rnA altogether.
Not me-" said Weary, blowing a
cloud. I'm petty comfy, thanks. l
prefer rain in st. James to straight
in .Chukundra."
The other did not answer, but stood
nervGnsly opening and shutting his
hands over the cheerful blaze.
"By George!" said Weary, medita-
lively. 1T seems almost like a dream
now-all but the souvenirs we carry
eh Vary"
Warrington's hand went up to the
Hvid band that ran across forehead
nose and cheek. ard almost bisected
his strong face.
One comfort" Weary went on,
mine don't show. Not but what that
has its drawbacks" he added. with a
chuckle, mo one seems to believe they
touched me-think | got my sick leave
on the bounce. And can't continual
ly strip to prove it,"
Still his senior was silent Weary
edged round little to look at his face
Then his eyes opened and his voice
changed.
Warrington" he said, "d'you re-
member that very first dust up we had
the second day out from Kir Wallah?"
Warrington nodded.
THAT was my first taste of the walk
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES business, said
Weary, solemnlY; "apd ! was in hlue
funk, Couldn't help 1t. Knees all fab
by and face all twitchy when those bull
lets began Whispering and pattering."
Warrington laughed nervously.
II gave you the right sort of dress
ing down." he said.
1T pulled me through" said Vica-
ry; then, leaning forward, and still
more solemnly, Il say, what did ! look
like-all drawn up ana ghastly?" .
- bit, = adAitted Warrington.
look in the glass now" said Vica-
ry, in an awestruck voice, for Warning
ton was senior ciIicer and brother and
Ajax and Wellington and Lord Rob-
er;s all rolled into one, in the subaI-
terms estimation.
Warrington started, and looked not
at the glass, but al Weary.
"Ypu're right, young 'un," he said in
a moment, and dropped into the other
armchair, Tin i'll an awful funk at
this very moment
"Ohl" breathed Weary, and allowed
ne amazing fact to sink into his con-
seriousness.
Fact" said Warrington, and drag
ged at his moustscho anl gpawed the
IN heavens name said Ensign Vi
cary, what are you frightened OFF"
"Of one little girl could pick up and
carry undNr que arm," said Lieutenant
Warrington, Y. q. ."
Weary drew long breath.
"You gave me quite turn" he said.
IT'S serious, boy" said the other
man, bending his long, gaunt body for
ward, his gray eyes all alight. Il
haven't the pluck to face har,"
"Nama?n said Weary, iudicially.
Rivers" said Warrington. with rev.
=. ence; "Catherine Rivers"
pretty Kitty ttiverss" cried Weary,
old man, congratulate you"
Don't be a fool" said Warrington,
ongrlly, and walked to the window.
ION your good taste, of course" said
Weary, with a grin. is 1t a bad
case?"
# aEall--ask her to be my Wifa," sald
WARRINGTON with rush, ''as soon as
dare call-which | haven't done since
we've been back--mOre than week."
Weary whistled, rose, and started
yer to tho plano.
"Well, | should advise you to go and
have II out with - said. twisting
nlmselr round on the music-stooL
md r.