The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1901-05-24
A DESERTER'S FATE.

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- ECIL BUTTERWORTH and Guy
Il \ Chadwick had been chums in col
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-
" opposite natures. Equal oppOrtuni-
ties had been given the two men to Sc
cure shoulder straps. Butterworth
alone took advantage Of them. 1.-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, 1 give them gladly, but gun
shall rest upon my shoulder; care not
:or the honors Of war;" For this speech
Private Chadwick was highly esteemed
0y his comrades in Company B, of the
Ninth.
Life in the home camp was drudgery
70 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 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
olack eyes and pretty face, smiling CO.
luettishly beneath crown Of inky
black hair. She fascinated one, charmed
The other. ButterwOrth was head over
heels in love with the girl. Chadwick,
.ess impetuous, was caught by her
sweet simplicity. Yet their friendship
lid not suffer; rivalry, rather than jeal-
busy, was the keynote Of their rela-
lions.
Guy" said the lieutenant, one day,
forgetting rank in burst Of confidence,
L can't get away from those black
Eyes, they follow me everywhere, they
ire in everything 1 see, but, someway,
[ doubt her sincerity"
Il have my doubts, too," returned
Guy, but knowing how much you care
:or Nina, have refrained from men,
ioning them. have a fancy myself
or the girl. Nevertheless, l believe
hat she is trying to inveigle us into
Joining the insurgent cause"
''Oh, Guy" exclaimed Cecil, nina Is
90 loyal girl to conspire for our ruin
n such manner. 1 laud her strong
belief in her fathers cause. But no,
lot that from little Nina
Private Chadwick said nothing. He
prayed for a call to the field to sever
his attachment. His hopes were real
Zed-but partially. The Ninth was
ordered to join in the chase of the in
;urgents, but the activity failed to re-
store to Lieut.. Butterworth his euuilib-
:ium of mind. Military duties now
)recluded further intercourse between
he two friends. In the excitement of
,attle Private Chadwick gave the black
eyed Nina but a small place in his
thoughts.
Private Chadwick lounged carelessly
front of his tent admiring the beau
les of the setting sun, which painted
he horizon with glory. He was think
ng of Manila and, for the first time
since he had taken the field, of the
)right-eyed Nina. He wondered If But
erworth had forgotten her. 1t was
pleasant to recall those happy days.
"S-s-S-s-t."
The sound interrupted his revery. A
lirty, ragged individual stepped from
behind the tent. Looking cautiously
| % the right and left he slipped grimy
BIT of paper into Chadwlck's hand.
Guy hastily tore open the note. He
.ead: -. H.. ..z-.- ,~
My Dear American Soldier: Prove to
ne that you love me. Join Us tonight.
Papa will make you a big officer.
~ ..>~ ~ w. t. ,szs..= NINA.
A pang went to his heart. A smoul.
lering fire famed up. In spite Of this