Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1901-11-14

'Dapple," the young girl called In her
clear, silver notes, "c0me here.'
In a breath Dapple was at her side.
The girl stood and looked at the gen
tie creature and then threw her arms
around his neck.
"Oh. Dapple. pretty Dapple." she sob
bed. lit breaks my heart TO part from
you, Goodby, Dapplen'
In the next breath she stood erect.
her eyes flashing through a mist Of
tears.
"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 sagaclous whinny,
but the soldier hesitated.
why don't you mount. slrT" cried
the girl lmpatlently "Will you remain
here and ruin both yourself and me?'
He vaulted into the saddle without
word
Away, Dapple, like the wind 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 ii his bust
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
,.f f.affra nj ,,f To- to
tress not the slightest tidings could he
obtain.
Three years went by, and the ex-cap-
tain found himself the wealthy heir OF
an old uncle and took himself off On
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. lie was with him
now. ambling over the green Tyrol val
legs and climbing the Switzer sleeps.
One September afternoon, when the
captains tour was drawing TO n close,
somewhere In the vicinity of Mont
Blanc he fell in with travelling party
from New Orleans 1t consisted OF
Madam Lenoir, her son and two daugh-
tiers and a young American Indy who
was her companion and interpreter.
Captain Rutherford found madam n
charming woman, and while the young
persons Of the party busted themselves
In spreading out collation. under the
trees he lay amid the long. rustling
grasses listening to madam's pretty
feminine chatter and In HIS turn relat-
ing incidents and "reminiscences of his
own war experience for her edlfica-
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 through" she cried, with
beaming eyes.
safely through. madam, with the
enemy at my very heels" replied the
captain.
Miss Moreton." cried madam. will
you have the kindness TO pass the
claret cup? And. pray, Captain Ruther-
ford. whatever became Of DappleY
The captain raised himself TO sit
ting posture.
"DappIe. 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. Dappler' she cried
Dapple heard the sweet voice and
knew it in an instant lie 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 10
her bosom. sobbing like the silly child
she was.
"Oh. Dapple. my pretty Dapple. have
I found you at lastf'
Madam Lenoir. comprehendlng the
denouement. looked on with gllstening
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 il to be- You viii not listen
TO my suit or accept my love? Then
you will he forced To part from napple
again. She IS mine 10y the right of pos
session cannot give her up. Come.
now, give you final decision-are you
willing TO part from me and Dapple
forever"
Irene looked up with her old. glorify
Ing smile.
4 could bear TO part from you" she
said wickedly. but never again from
Dapple. II YOU take Dapple, you will
have 10 take her mistress. too. Captain
rutherford"
And the captain made no objection.
: month later saw Dapples mistress
his wife.
Elm Leaved GoIdeurod.