Connecticut western news., 1901-10-31

Come, sir" she said, allow me to help you to mount. Dapple, take this gentleman down the river road and at your utmost speed" Dapple uttered a sagacious whinny, but the soldier hesitated. "Why. don't you mount, sirY' cried the girl impatiently. "Win, you remain here and ruin both yourself and meY' He yaulted into the saddle without Q word.
 Away, Dapple, like the windp cried Irene, and the little mountain pony shot off like an arrow.
 
 The war was over, and once more over the blasted and desolate homes of Virginia peace and freedom reigned. Captain Rutherford made 1t his busi- ness to go back to the Potomac hills and to Colonel Moreton's farmhouse the moment he was discharged from service. But where the stately old homestead stood he found nothing but a mass of ruins. and of Dapple's mis- tress not the slightest tidings could he obtain. ..-
 Three years went by, and the ex-cap- tain found himself the wealthy heir of Gn old uncle and took himself off on a tour amid the Swiss mountains. Dap pie went with him, as he always did since that eventful night when the brave little pony bore him safely be yond reach of the enemy. He had been the captains inseparable companion in all his wanderings. He was with him now, ambling over the green Tyrol val leys and climbing the Switzer steeps.
 One September afternoon. when the captains tour was drawing to a close. somewhere in the vicinity of Mont Blanc he fell in with a travelling party from New Orleans. It consisted of ters and young American lady who was her companion and interpreter.
 Captain Rutherford found madam a charming woman. and while the young persons of the party busted themselves In spreading out a collation. under the trees he lay amid the long, rustling grasses listening to madam's pretty feminine chatter md in his turn relat- ing incidents and "reminiscences of his own war experience for her edifica- ton.
 Among other things he told her of Dapple and of his midnight ride among the blue hills of old Virginia.
 Madam was intensely interested.
 And the gallant little pony carried you safely throughf" she cried, with beaming eyes.
 Safely through, madam, with the enemy at my very heels." replied the captain.
 Miss Moreton," cried madam. twill you have the kindness to pass the claret cup? And. pray, Captain Ruther- ford. whatever became of DappleT
 The captain raised himself to a sit ting posture.
 "Dapple, Dapple," he called. ''Come herer'
 From the forest shadows near at hand a small gray mountain pony came ambling forth. Madam Lenoir's companion. advancing with the claret cup in her slim white hand. uttered a sharp little cry and wasted all the luscious liquor on the rustling leaves at her feet.
 "Oh, Dapple. Dapplew she cried.
 Dapple heard the sweet voice and knew 1t in an instant. He broke into a joyous neigh and shot like an arrow for the young lady's side. She caught his shaggy head and held it close to her bosom, sobbing like the silly child she was.
 "Oh, Dapple. my pretty Dapple. have rfound you at lastY'
 Madam Lenoir. comprehending the denouement, looked on with glistening eyes.
 Two weeks later the pleasant party was breaking up. Madam and her party were going back to France.
 And now, Irene," said the captain. ''how is 1t to be? You will not listen to my suit or accept my love? Then you will be forced to part from Dapple again. She Is mine by the right of pos session. I cannot give her up. Come, now, give you final decision-are you willing to part from me and Dapple foreverT
 Irene looked up with her old. glorify- ing smile.
 q could bear to part from you" she said wickedly, but never again from Dapple. If you take Dapple. you will have to take her mistress. too. Captain Rutherford"
 And the captain made no objection. A month later saw Dapple's mistress his wife.