Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1901-05-31
A DESERTER's FATE.


lege. The acquaintance formed
there was cemented by time into fast
friendship, and when war was de-
clared against Spain both offered their
services to Uncle Sam. But this friend
ship, SO strong, was one of diametrical-
ly opposite natures. Equal opportuni-
ties had been given the two men to Sc
cure shoulder straps. Butterworth
alone took advantage of them. THE
Government has need of educated men
as officers" he said, in accepting lieu
tenancy. The sentiment Of his friend
was: IF the country has need of my
services, give them gladly, but gun
shall rest upon my shoulder; care not
for the honors of war;" For this speech
Private Chadwick was highly esteemed
by his comrades in Company B, of the
Ninth.
Life in the home camp was drudgery
to Lieut. Butterworth. Chadwick, as
eager as any to strike blow at the
dirty Spaniards," as he termed them,
took the matter more philosophically.
He submitted to the inevitable grace
fully. When, at last, the order to break
camp was given, there was some regret
that the Philippines were the objective
point. Nevertheless, it was a jolly
crowd that unpegged their tents and
rolled their blankets, preparatory to the
departure for the coast.
The trip across the continent and the
life on the transport, lessened, in a
measure, their eagerness for action. To
stand once more on firm, steady land,
with no longer the pitching, rolling
deck beneath their feet was content
ment for time. Barrack life in Manila
was begun. Then a new element came
into the lives of Lieut.. Butterworth and
Private Chadwick.
Nina was Filipino girl. She was
the daughter Of an insurgent leader.
Lieut.. Butterworth and Private Chad
wick had fallen prey to her swapping
black eyes and pretty face, smiling CO.
quettishly beneath crown of inky
black hair. She fascinated one, charmed
the other. Butterworth was head over
heels in love with the girl. Chadwick,
less impetuous, was caught by her
sweet simplicity. Yet their friendship
did not suffer; rivalry, rather than jeal-
ousy, was the keynote of their rela-
tions.
tGuy," said the lieutenant, one day,
forgetting rank in burst of confidence,
Il can't get away from those black
eyes, they follow me everywhere, they
are in everything 1 see, but, someway,
l doubt her sincerity"
81 have my doubts, too," returned
Guy, "but knowing how much you care
for Nina, 1 have refrained from men,
tioning them. have a fancy myself
for the girl. Nevertheless, believe
that she is trying to inveigle us into
joining the insurgent cause"
"Oh, Guy" exclaimed Cecil, nina is
too loyal girl to conspire for our ruin
in such manner. l laud her strong
belief In her fathers cause. But no.
not that from little Nina"
Private Chadwick said nothing. He
prayed for call to the field to sever
this attachment. His hopes were real
ized-but partially. The Ninth was
ordered to join in the chase of the in
surgents, but the activity failed to re-
store to Lieut.. Butterworth his equilib-
rum of mind. Military duties now
precluded further intercourse between
the two friends. In the excitement of
battle Private Chadwick gave the black.
eyed Nina but small place in his
thoughts.
Private Chadwick lounged carelessly
in front of his tent admiring the beau
ties Of the setting sun, which painted
the horizon with glory. He was think
ing of Manila and, for the first time
since he had taken the field, of the
bright-eyed Nina. He wondered IL But
terworth had forgotten her. It was
pleasant to recall those happy days.
"S-s-s-s-t."
The sound interrupted his revery. A
dirty, ragged individual stepped from
behind the tent. Looking cautiously
to the right and left he slipped grimy
bit of paper into Chadwick's hand.
Guy hastily tore open the note. He
read:
My Dear American Soldier: Prove to
me that you love me. Join us tonight
Papa will make you a big officer
NINA.
A pang went to his heart. A smoul.
dering fire famed up. In spite of this
evidence Of her insincerity, Guy now
realized that his feeling for her was
more than mere interest In the girl. He
was disgusted to discover his weak
ness.
"Get out of here" he said in harsh
voice. go tell the one who sent YOU
that my hag is dearer to me than all
the world. and before l leave it / will
die. Co."
The effort cost him pain. He crawled
back into his tent a miserable man. The
sun had set.
Private Chadwick's SICK" comment.
ed his comrades.
One ran with the news to Lieut.. But
terworths tent. It was empty.