The Newtown bee. (Newtown, Conn.) 1877-current, 1899-08-25
wo soldiers upon seeing each other be-

Two soldiers upon seeing eacn other be-
gan to blush.
why, man, you're here an hour too
began the major, but he quickly checked
himself. He remembered the old story
OF stones, glaes houses and neighbors.
nY-yes ~ stammered the other in an
apologize tone, "'you see my-my watch
is an ole-fashioned one an 1t doesn't think
1t generally is either that much too fast
or that much too slow. thought that
I'd set it right yesterday, but s'pose it
gained an hour during the night"
SWELL" interrupted Miss Hallam, with
the desire. of putting both at their ease,
''inasmueh as we are all here we had just
as well go to work, for the history's 8
long one and it will take several days, at
the very least, to thoroughly revise it.
La the plan agreeable to you?"
"Yes, guess we'd just as WE'LL" the
mai or assented.
The next few hours was spent in a
thoroughly unpleasant manner by the
two veterans. Capt Drundy was out of
humor because his little tete-a-tete had
been interrupted, and the ex-confederate
was inwardly grumbling and wondering
why in the ID the other had come so
early. Ever and anon one would raise |
his head and look out the corner of his |
eye at his opponent; then the observed |
one would do the same, their eyes would |
meet, scowling chances would be ex-
changed, and down the heads would 60.
In the meantime Miss Hallam read page
after page, inviting comments at the end
of each paragraph, remarkably few of
which were made. Finally, the hour for
dinner arrived and the pair arose TO de-
part. The second meeting Of the "com-
mittee on revision" had been as barren of
results as the first.
That afternoon the authoress received
large bunch of roses and with them a
card bearing the words: "From your
well-wisher, Maj Tobias Bloodgood."
She was not little surprised to re-
ceive the flowers, but her surprise gave
way to wonder when in the evening the
old veteran made her formal visit. At
first she thought that he had come only
ON business, but this delusion was soon
dispelled by his informing her that he
had ssjust dropped in for little chat"
The flying time served only TO increase
these little attentions, until at length 1t
began to be whispered about that the ma
ior had become enamored with the fair
young lady who had written the prize
history. Several of the old confederate
veterans snorted at this idea, and assert
ed that it was more probable that Drum
dy wished to marry her 80 that bis pen
sion might be continued after his death
However, the old men decided to make
certain, and so, at an early opportunity
the subject was broached to the southern
member of the committee.
mo, sah'' was the emphatic reply
when the question was asked whether hi
had any serious intent in the direction o.
Miss Hsllam, ''emphatically no, sab!
am Just goin' over the histury, an givin
it q revision-a careful revision. Tit
book in its present condition Is not at al
suited for our needs. But what with he
good sense an my Knowledge, if tina
fool DEundy will only keep his moutl
shut, we will soon have it In admirsbl
form. That's all, sah!''
However, il such were the sj9r's in
tentions he was taking a very rounda
bout way Of carrying them out, and man.
believed, all statements to the contrar,
notwithstanding, that a deeper purpos
81 lay at the bottom than the one generally
accepted by the members of the southern
club. Still no one was certain, and 81
- everyone was forced to be content will
,ed the grayheads' decision that 'the.
"A guessed Bloodgood knew his business"
Thus time passed, and at length in tn
nt course of the revision the committee cam
,ic to the paragraph treating of the battle o
put lne rofAs. AS nAo Ooen eApe.''u' 'h
80 real discussion now began, and for sever
49,, hours the small hotel parlor was tn
w. scene of a fiery contest. Capt Drund,
a.. maintained the position that the bsttl
o,u had been an even one, and stated that n,
n argument could convince him to the con
trary; but the irate major would not lis
r,v ten to the assertion. He had been there
-ht he said, and had witnessed the fight, ant
1ot had likewise witnessed retreat of tn
Ne enemy's forces. They were the facts o
49, the Case, and, as such they must be pu
.be down in history.
While the discussion twas in progress
~. the author discreetly remained silent. 4
.ha smile, however, lurked around the cor
VA ners of her mouth as the warriors, wildly
TO- gesticulating, made their demands. A
length, weary from exertion, the veter
,oa ans were forced to take their seats, ant
+ho as they did SO, Miss Hallam arose.
-, "GeDtlemen," she said, II find grea
egt difficulty in endeavoring to determine
tho which Of you are right. So the best
,on have been able to do is to try and effect
ior compromise. To you, Captain, l ALLOW
90 the point IN question, and so will let m,
statement as to the battle stand as it Is
IN And to you, Major" she continued, turn
r;.n ing to the ex-confederate, ~ will decid
g the point which we discussed last even
ia ing in your favor
- "Bloodgood," remarked the old Uuiol
aa+ veteran few minutes later, when the,
Az we're walking up the street, 81 won 10!
7as point. told you that the battle Of Pin
Forks was an even one.'
;a;t ''Confound Pine Forks,' the majo
al growled. ST won her,-an' that's enough
:. for me don't want the earth. Comm
ot to the marriage?"
of