The Lamar register., 1900-03-14

From Springfield? What were YOU
doing there?"
Very different things-some pleas
ant, some disagreeable. In the first
place. l had to bring Lieutenant Ro-
land from behind iron bars. then to
secure the worthy Mr.. Harrison, who
wished to brand us as spies; then to
subdue all Springfield, including a
justice of the peace, and, finally, to
act as best map-all in a single hour.
think, gentlemen, have accomplish
ed the utmost amount possible within
this brief time"
The officers glanced first at one an
other, then at the speaker whose love
of banter they knew, and the colonel
said disapprovingly:
Don't jest, doctor. Such things
are no laughing matters. II Roland
is really here, why doesn't he report
at once?"
Because he is escorting Mrs. Ro-
land to his quarters. One can't blame
a man who has been married only
three hours. If he cares first for his
young wife. He will be here pune
tualIy at sunset"
His wife? Do you mean Miss Har-
rison?"
Pardon me, 1 mean Mrs. Roland,
who has accompanied her husband. l
mentioned that l attended the we'd
ding
The words sounded SO plain and
positive that doubt was no longer
possible. But Maxwell was now as
sailed with questions from all sides.
Everybody pressed forward. and he
found himself compelled to relate
briefly what had happened
Our return was accomplished with
out the least danger" he said in con-
clusion. ''In an elegant carriage and
accompanied by a lady, we were be-
yond the pale of suspicion and reach
ed the outposts safely, where Lieuten-
ant Davis received US with the utmost
courtesy and went into raptures over
Mrs. Roland. But he is right Will
liam is a daredevil and incorrigibly
obstinate, but we must admit that he
has good taste. His wife is charm
ing"
The last remark seemed to interest
the younger officers extremely. They
wanted to learn all sorts of particulars
about Mrs. Roland and were greatly
disappointed when informed that the
young bride was very much agitated
by her fathers death and probably
would see little of her husbands COM
rades for some time.
"Ah, there comes williaml" he ex-
claimed. interrupting himself. Con
gratulate him. He wears his new
dignity somewhat timidly."
1t was really William, who had come
to report his return. He was warmly
greeted by all. The colonel especially
received him with great cordiality.
Welcome, Lieutenant Roland! Here
you are at last! Doctor Maxwell has
already told US the whole adventure
of which you were the hero"
Not l but John Maxwell was the
hero" said William. holding out his
hand to his friend with ill-repressed
emotion. Had it not been for him,
should have lost happiness and life.
| shall never forget what he did to-
day"
Maxwell Iaughingly refused his
thanks.
Let that pass. Will: we shall
wrangle again at the very next oppor-
tunity Germans and Americans al
ways quarrel, and our armistice won't
last long. Today l risked my life for
you; tomorrow you will, perhaps, per-
II yours for me; so we shall be quits.
AT any rate, you returned punctually
at sunset!"
He pointed toward the window. The
sun was just sinking below the hori-
zon, and its last beams were fading.
Yes, I gave my word of honor that
would do So" said William, with
the deepest earnestness. But that l
kept Twas able to keep it-I owe
to you alone"
THE END.