The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1899-11-12
HER WOUNDED SOLDIER SWINGS TO SHIELD HER FROM sHA

our best friend when we were in Homo
lulu. They told me. too, that you de-
sired to go by the Doric, but feared she
would be crowded." he continued, turn
ing to Mr.. Prime. There q one vacant
stateroom now. It's occupants have de-
cided to stay over and visit the islands.
There will be, l think, another" And
drawing letter from an inner poke.
he calmly turned to Nita. now shrink
ing almost fearfully behind her sister.
The colonel gave this to me to hand
to you, Mrs. Frost, on the chance of
your being here. He will arrive by
next weeks steamer, and, pardon me,
it is something l think you should see
at once. as change in your plans may
be necessary.
1t was vain for Margaret to interpose.
The letter was safely lodged in her sis
ter's hands, and with so significant a
message that it had to be opened and
read without delay. Gayly excusing
herself, and with~a low reverence and
comprehensive smile to the assembled
party. she ushered her sister into the
long parlor, and the curtain fell behind
them. Then followed a few minutes of
brisk conference upon the lanai. the
Marsdens pleading against. the father
and daughter for, immediate return to
the hotel. there to claim the vacated
rooms aboard the steamer. In the
eager discussion, pro and con, both
young soldiers Joined, both saying go"
and promising to follow by the Sedg-
wick. In this family council despite
the vivid interest Armstrong felt in the
result. neither Amy Lawrence nor him
self took any part Side by side at the
snowy railing over the breaking sea
they stood almost silent listeners. Sud
denly there came from the front again
the sound of hoofs and wheels. loud and
distinct at the start. then rapidly dying
away with the increasing distance.
Miss Lawrence turned and looked in
quiringly into the eyes she well knew
were fixed upon her. Mrs Marsden
hesitated one moment. then stepped
across the lanai, peered into the parlor
and entered. 1t was a minute before
she returned, and in that minute the
decisive vote was cast. the carriage or
lered.
"Oh. I ought to have known how it
would be IL | left you a moment" she
cried despairingly-, on her temperance,
little folded paper in her hand. But
at least you must stay half an hour.
We can telephone direct to the dock
and secure the staterooms. if you must
go on the Do-ic. Yes" she continued
lowering her voice, they are not going
farther until Colonel Frost comes. Mrs.
Garrison explains that her sister was
really too ill and too weak to come out
here, but she thought the drive might
do her good. She thought best to slip
quietly away With her. and bids me say
good night TO you ALL
SO when next day the Doric sailed.
four new names appeared upon the pas
senger list, and the last men down the
stage already trembling on the rise"
were two young fellows in white uni
form. who turned as they sprang to
the cock and waved their jaunty caps.
Join you in ten days at Frisco"
shouted the shorter of the two gazing
upward and backward at the quartette
on the promenade deck .'Oh, beg a
thousand pardons." he added hastily. IS
he bumped against some slender object.
and wheeling about to pick up a flimsy
white fan, he found himself face to face
with Witchie Garrison. kerchief wav-
ing. beaming. smiling throwing kisses
innumerable to the party he had so
lately left. The hot blood rushed to
his forehead. an angry light to his eyes,
as she nodded blithely, forbearingly.
at him. Dear boy" she
cried, in her clear. penetrating treble.
how could you be expected to see any
one after leaving-her?' But Cows
arm was linked in his at the very in
slant and led him, glowering. away,
leaving her close to the edge of the
crowded dock, smiling sweetness. bless |
ing and bliss upon a silent and unre- !
sponsiye group, and waving kerchief