The Lamar register., 1900-01-10

he said emphatically. But unfortu-
nately, you are favorite, and besides.
it's an established fact that, if man
wants to commit folly, everybody
hastens to help him. So let us so,a
The regiment to which the young
men belonged was stationed in the
next village. After severe battles and
arduous marches short respite had
been granted, but the men were to
move in few days. Constant hustle
pervaded the usually quiet hamlet and
was specially noticeable around the
colonel's quarters When Roland an1
Maxwell entered, they found several
officers there. The commander him
self, man advanced in years, with
grave but kindly face, stood among
group of his subordinates, apparently
discussing something with them
Il am glad you have come, doctor,"
he said to the surgeon. t'I was Just
going to send for you. Lieutenant
Davis has reported that two of his men
are ill, and the symptoms appear very
grave; he fears fever, and begs to have
medical assistance as soon as possible.
You will ride over to the outposts.'
"I'll go at once" replied Maxwell.
i hope it will prove false alarm, as
has happened several times, but we'll
soon ascertain
Certainly. l am especially anxious
to have reliable information concern
ing the nature of the disease. The
outbreak of an epidemic would be ex-
tremely inconvenient just now. When
do you expect to be back?"
In three hours. If necessary. But
had intended to ask leave of absence
until evening on accoun. of another
matter, which l should like to attend
to at the same time
tof course if you wish.' said Bur-
ney, absently. only send me some
good news"
The bet in my power. AT any rate,
there is no time to lose. l will go at
| once
The colonel nodded assent, and the
other officers now Joined in the CON
yersation. The subject was discussed
in all its bearings If these cases were
really the first in an impending epi-
demic, the matter was very serious.
| At last Maxwell took his leave: but,
in the act of going, approached his
friend, who was standing silently at
the window.
DO you still persist in your re-
solver" he asked. under his BREATH
Certainly. As soon as get my
leave l shall ride over"
And perhaps be shot on the way.
Good luck to you!''
Thanks for the kind wish.'' said
William, angrily. Perhaps it will he
fulfilled"
Hardly Men who, like you, are
| forever butting their heads against a
wall. generally have uncommonly good
| fortune. Where the rest of us crack
our skulls. they push the stone apart.
Farewell, Will"
He left the room. Doctor Maxwell
did not spoil his friend by pretty
speeches; that was evident. He took
leave of the young officer who might
| perhaps be shot on the way as care
lessly as if there was nothing in pros
pect save an ordinary ride. William
scarcely needed it: his mind was filed
with other thoughts, and he availed
himself of the first pause in the con-
versation to approach the colonel and
request brief private interview
Burney opened the door of small
room adjoining. and the two men en-,
tered.
We'll. Lieutenant Roland, have youl
anything important to ask?" said the
colonel, when they were alone
81 merely wished to request short
leave of absence" replied the young
man. with apparent calmness There
is a family matter to be arranged
which is of the utmost Importance to
me-
"And which you can arrange while
on the march ~
"At least I hope so. intend to visit
relatives who live on plantation only
few miles from here I have Just
learned that l was in their immediate
neighborhood."
The request was not singular. and
was easily granted, yet something in
the young mans face attracted the
colonels attention. and he inquired:
What is the name of the plantation
YOU desire to yisit?"
William hesitated moment, then
slowly answered:
Springfield"
Rrrney started