Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-05-30

Lord only knew what he hadn't said to
peoples faces-what did the major do,
only that very day, but, in attempted
POPULARITY, pitch into the post surgeon
at the morning gathering of the officers
and try to chaff him about wanting to
be called colonel! 1t stung the honest
old soldier surgeon to the quick. 1t hurt
him sore, and he left the room dis
gusted.
And SO, when from the lips of this
tall trooper came the title he valued,
the post surgeon fairly blushed, for he
had been thinking intently over the
events of the morning. and, if the truth
must be told was wondering how he
could get square with Major Mainwar-
ing and here was possible opportunity.
Obedient to his superior's nod, the
hospital steward went out, closing the
door behind him.
"What is it, Hunter?'' asked the sur
geon kindly.
81 have come to ask, sir, if it would
be possible for me to return to my troop
tonight, and if the colonel could aid me
in any way to get furlough of 20 or
go days"
Colonel Connell looked up, perplexed,
even troubled. Both requests were un-
usual from old soldiers and never heard
of from recruits.
II fear not, Hunter. You see, there
are reasons why you ought not to at
tempt to return to duty yet, and what
can you allege as reason for furlough
M c0pp aftay. on1i
Urgent personal affairs, sir, ;, was
the answer, half smile twitching at
the corners Of the handsome mouth.
Even a trooper may have them, you
know"
Hunter" said the surgeon after a
moments pause, 1'be advised by me-
Don't think Of going back to duty for
two or three days yet and don't let any
one know you wish to leave Ransom on
~ account Just now"
For moment there was silence. The
soldier still remained respectfully at at
tention, standing close to thu door. The
surgeon had spoken impressively, ear
nestly, significantly, and Hunter could
not but notice it, could not but realize
that behind it there was some urgent
meaning or reason. yet he persisted.
II hope the colonel will pardon me, !"
he said. II will not refer to the fur
Tough again until can explain more
fully, which will be possible after I
have talked with Captain Ray, but, as
to returning to the troop, I beg that I
may not be detained here through-an-
other morning"
The surgeon was seated in wicker
bottom office chair, which he twisted
round, and so squarely faced his visitor,
looking keenly yet not unkindly into
the pale, handsome face. It was mo-
ment before he spoke.
u thought You greatly appreciated
those morning readings" said he at
last. "I'm sure the young lady has done
very much to make hospital life bear
able.''
1t was Hunters turn to color, but
before he could speak he had to spring
aside. Into the outer hall came banging
a burly form enwrapped in cavalry cir
cular. Where DR.. Connell?' brusque.
ly demanded loud, unmodulated voice.
Then, slap bang, with all his character
istio impetuosity, Mainwaring burst in
to the room.
Direct as ever, never noting or caring
who was present, he went straight to
the point. Hello, doc!" said he, loud,
gruff, yet hearty. Just the man I'm
looking for. Say, Truscott tells me
hurt your feelings this morning, and
I've come to 'pologize. didn't mean
id thing. It's all right. If you
want TO BIZ called colonel, why, colonel
it shall be. I'll issue orders calling the
attention Of the whole command to it,
if You like.
And then for the first time he became
aware of the tall soldier, now trying to
slip quietly behind him SO as to leave
the room. Mainwaring whirled on him
in a trice. Hello, you're up again,
are you? Well, this mans able to an
swer for himself now, see, doc--er--
colonel?'
But the post surgeon had risen from
his chair and held up hand appeal
ingly.
"He is still a patient under my
charge, sir, and is not restored to health
or duty as yet. I protest
"Oh, you needn't protest. I'm done
for the present. I'm giving way to ev-
erybody this evening, all on your ac-
count" Here the surgeon signaled sig
nifioantly to the soldier. and, silent
ly. wonderingly, Hunter withdrew.
'Tisn't only Truscott. My wife's
jumped on me with both feet; says I've
insulted you-done nothing but mako
enemies ever since 1 came into the -th.
Why, I've been catching it right and
left, doc-eolonel; haven't had mo-
ment's peace. What d'you think that
dash dashed long legged lath of man
Blake says to me not an hour ago, begads
lasked him if he thought you had any
right to feel offended, and he said if
you didn't it was only because every-