Albuquerque daily citizen. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1895-1903, 1899-12-02
BOB ROMANCE.
A Cavalry Oncer whose IDEAS Of
Matrinosy Got . Severe
shock.

The presence Of q young cavalry off,
GER in Chicago lately and his suisse
quent evolutions in the saloons OF the
city have furnished the deDouement ola
"bob-tailed" nan Of the Spanish
war.
The young man, who begged the re-
porter to refer to him merely rs Jack
son, registered at a downtown hotel
and then struck into a do~uble-quick for
the clubs of his friends. After the rus
tomary shuttle Of Introductory senti-
ments, the lieutenant burst out:
Say, fellows, I want you to get me
into Chicago society"
There isn't any in the summer" re-
piled one of the group. Besides, we
couldn't anyway; we have our reputa-
tons to look after, and we don't know
what you and Hobson have been doing
out there in the Philippines"
This and similar gibes were evidence
of the fact that only a full confession
would suffice, and one by one the men
were taken aside and allowed to view
the photograph OF a beautiful young
woman. The warrior swore by the
blood Of n hundred victories that he
would find the original OF that picture
In the event of failure he expressed .
desire to be eaten alive by the rlnp-
mos.
None Of them recognized the young
IN They introduced him to co-es
of other society men and women, but
they all stared blankly at the photo
graph and shook their heads. In final
desperation Lieut.. Jackson produced In
evidence:
Chicago. ILL.,. April II. Isss.-My Dear
Lieutenant: l have Just seen your likeness
In an April magazine and take the liberty
OF writing to you to ask n favor. Am get
ting old, ! am nearly q. and begin to fear
that l shall never be married. Now, all
the spinsters ! ever knew gave as the rea-
son OF their single state the plea that their
lovers went away to the war and never
came back. | believe that the present war
again offers the same opportunity to every
young woman.
"And this is the favor; In the event OF
your death In the war will you give me
permission TO say that we were engaged to
be married3 inelose my photograph and
remain sincerely. X. Y. q,
General Delivery. Chicago Post once"
The return mail carried an affirma-
tive reply from the young officer, to-
gether with his photograph. Though
he begged her to write TO him. he never
received any further communication.
He served through the war in Cuba
without wounds or sickness, and was
then transferred Il the Philippines,
where the climate undermined his
health. Two weeks ago he landed in
San Francisco on sick leave, and came
immediately to Chicago on his will
o'-the-wisp mission.
After days Of continued search the
young woman vas identified as a prom
inent member Of North side society,
and a mutual friend volunteered TO call
with the officer on the following even
ing.
At the sight OF the bronzed face and
sound of the name the girl was startled
out Of her self-possession, but rallied
during the pleasantries sufficiently to
continue the conversation.
Lieut.. Jackson has called" said the
friend maliciously, ito assure you Of his
best wishes"
"Oh. how nice Of you. lieutenant"
she exclaimed, with visible relief. And
can't you stay for a wedding too2 1t
will be next week"
The officer looked %mystihsd. "You
don't mean to say you're engaged ?" he
gasped.
why, yes; didn't you know it2" she
replied, with a scowl at the mutual
friend.
But I-you-why, your letter."
"Oh, yes, | know, lieutenant. But we
were to be engaged only in case you
died." was the consoling response
Chicago Tribune.