The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1900-05-16

and, TO some extent, visited the same
houses; and IL was In this way that
Dewhurst's inherent jealousy had
ripened into pos tive rancor-for that
there was a member of the fair sex at
the bottom OF il is almost obvious.
The innocent cause of the trouble,
little dreaming of the mischief she was
creating, had thoroughly enjoyed the
rivalry of the two men, as every daugh-
ter Of Eve Is bound TO do, and she had
not made IL quite clear which Of them
was TO be favored, which is certainly
woman's privilege.
But Joe Redbolt was generally be-
lieved to be the lucky man, and Dew
hurst had vented his unmanly spite by
thousand annoyances in the office.
However, in love as in war, ii is the
unexpected that often happens. Joe
Redbot proposed. and was refused
po mt blank.
Now, most men, when they see, dan
gerous rival put out OF court bury their
animosity and even become generous.
But this was not the case with Fred
Dewhurst. Petty annoyances devel-
oped rapidly into daily insults. until the
morning when, as we have seen, he had
found an excuse to cut his former
schoolfellow adrift.
H.
Joe Redbolt picked up tie pile OF
coins. counted them deliberately, and
put them in his pocket.
Now, Fred Dewhurst." he said,
huskily. 1--WE are no longer master and
man, so that can say what think"
Dewhurst hooked rather alarmed. and
drew a small silver bell nearer to his
side.
"Oh. don't be frightened said Joe.
with a smile OF amusement. II am not
going to thrash you! II wouldn't be
fair TO hit a man your size!"
Mr.. Dewhurst tried to sneer. but only
looked nightly relieved.
II want TO tell you what ] think or
YOU" said Joe.
"Go on" said Dewhurst, with a grin.
Seeing that you've had the worst OF
IL all through, l suppose / mustn't mind
few spteful words"
II want to tell you that you're the
meanest cad I've met, and IL that poor
girl marries you I'm sorry for her.!
''In fact, you're so sorry" said Dew
hurst. that you'd even marry her
yourself. Capital And now you've
said enough, I'll wish you good morn
ing"
With a mighty effort OF self-restraint
Joe pulled himself together, and, res St
ing the impulse TO knock him down,
swung out Of the room.
He had lost everything-the girl he
loved, and the means OF earning his
living. He was alone In the world. with
no prospect but that Of commencing life
again I'm some countinghouse, and then
suddenly he remembered. Only two
nights before he had attended drill at
the headquarters OF his volunteer corps.
The men had been asked which of them
wished to join the &. /. V. for the
front. He thought OF the glow that had
burned through his veins. how he had
longed 10 offer himself and had only
been prevented by his feeling or obli-
CATION to his old friends business. Now
he was free.
That settled Il. Old England was in
need OF help from men such as he. He
was as sound as bell in windy and
limb. he had done his turn at volunteer
ing and could shoot more than a little.
Within half an hour his name was
entered as one OF those who were ready
for service at the front, and he was
ordered to go before the doctor.
That gentleman laughed at him.
IF we get 1900 men as fit as you are"
he. said 1--WE shall do well"'
daving successfully passed all the
tests and been duly enrolled as one of
the city OF London Imperial Volunteer
corps. he felt slightly easier in his
mind.
II must be confessed that he was In
that pleasant frame OF mind when
man firmly believes that there is no.
body to grieve over him, and finds
morbid pleasure In the prospect OF a
soldiers grave.
Most OF US get these attacks of de-