Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1899-04-20
=, ~-.



at is from Roger, Aunt Salome," she
said, when she had finished. Roger Sted-
man, Aunt Salome, our near neighbor."
Yes, [ remember him." replied Mistress
Leland, adding, mentally; land with no
great favor, either, the clodhopper."
Aloud she said: "What has he to say that
requires such urgency"
He has written that neither my father
nor my brothers were hurt in to-day's
fighting near my home, Aunt Salome,"
said Desire, quietly.
Her cousin Bradford uttered long,
low whistle.
by my faith, he's an enterprisng fell
low. The soldiers themselves are not yet
returned He must have sent his man
off before the guns were cold. I'd like to
see this Roger, on my word | would,
Desired"
Mistress Salome frowned. Praise of
Roger Stedman was not sweet to her ears;
still she was just, so she said:
at was kind of him to ease your fears,
Desire. He shall have our thanks at the
proper time. Does he say aught else OF
the days doings?'
"You can read it, Aunt Salome," De
sire answered, handing her the paper.
quested Mistress Leland.
Without a shadow of hesitation or en-
barrassment the girl obeyed.
Lexington, April 10.
"Friend Desire:
81 am anxious that you should know
that no one of your family has been hurt
in the fighting this morning. The regulars
tried to get the stores in Concord, but we
hoc nlnoco {IpH shall
keep them back every time they try to
trample on our rights. Dave was wound
ed in his side, but we hope not seriously.
thank heaven you are safely away from
these dreadful scenes. I send this by
faithful messenger who may serve ME
again. God keep you. ROGER"
Il like that fellow if he is rebel He's
of too good stuff to be on the wrong side
of this controversy Bid him bring his
next message by his own hand, and I'll
own myself muff if I don't win him
over into being a loyal subject of good
King George"
Desire scarcely heard this comment of
Captain Lancaster She was conscious of
but one all-absorbing thought, one intense
longing, whose strength amazed and al
most frightened her. Half an hour before
her heartbeat was not even quickened
by her Aunt Salome's playful allusion to
the possible lover who might change her
whole ife's course. Now it seemed to her
that nothing which could happen to all the
rest of the world would matter much
could she only know that one gallant
young British officer was uninjured. In
the twinkling of an eye the truth had come
to her. Until she met Gilbert Merridale
again face to face and saw with her own
ewes that his dear self was unframed, she
knew the moments would drag by on lead
en- feet.
Rogers message was welcome cloak
and natural explanation of the consterna-
ton which this lightning like glimpse of
her hitherto unsupported feelings for her
winters friend produced. No one dream
cd of the resoIute effort necessary on her
part to keep back the burning question:
Have you heard who of the regulars is
hurtr Her suspense was not of long
duration. While they were still talking
over the fragmentary reports of the day S
doings ii man came running to the house.
He spoke breathlessly:
your son George babe me tell you,
Mistress Leland, that he is bringing his
friend Gilbert Merridale to your home.
ready in the lower part of the house. The
rest he leaves to your care"
Tell my son George that all win be in
readiness for Lieut.. Merridale and any
others who may need nursing. He knows
the resources of his fathers house. All
of them are at the service of His Males
tvs faithful soldiers" was the DANES an
swer, graciously spoken to the messenger.
Then she gave orders to those of the
household who had focked in, forgetful
of the restraints of their position in their
eagerness to hear the news.
Cato, run for the surgeon, and bid DR.
Wales come at full speed, uninindful of
other demands upon him. Carson, make
ready my own bed for the wounded officer
Bradford, my son, see that your room and
your brothers are prepared in case of
need for them. Desire, love, fetch my
medicine chest and bring rolls of old linen
from the linen closet. Captain Lancas-
ter, kindly seek my husband and acguaint
him with these sad tidings, unless per-
chance, he has already heard them If
your engagements permit OF it | shall
deem it favor if you win meet my son
and assist him in easing this painful jour
ney so far as possible for the poor fej.
agony"
Thus she spoke, as one having rightful
authority. When all had flown to do her
bidding. she hurried to her spacious cham
Der, where Carson, her competent maid,
was busily engaged stripping the massive
mahogany bedstead of its usual dress and
spreading it with sheets of soft, old linen.
THAT is right, Carson. Nothing is more
grateful to aching limbs. | must off with
this fnery We have days and nights.
perhaps weeks, of hard work before u.s.
The provincials are of our own stubborn
English blood, and my heart misgiTes me
that it will not be short work to subdue
their determined spirits.
Desire, coming in presently with her
arms full of linen rolls, found her Aunt
Saieme comfortably attircd in petticeat