Walker Lake bulletin. (Hawthorne, Nev.) 1883-1926, 1901-06-12
A DESERTER'S FATE.
ECIL BUTTERwoRTH and Guy

a ECIL BUTTERWORTH and Guy
\ 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-
ly 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, 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 a 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, 1t 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 new element came
into the lives Of Lieut.. Butterworth and
Private Chadwick.
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-
lions.
Guy" said the lieutenant, one day,
forgetting rank In burst Of confidence,
II can't get away from those black
eyes. they follow me everywhere. they
are In everything see, but someway,
l doubt her sincerity"
81 have my doubts, too" returned
Guy, but knowing how much you care
for Nina, have refrained from men,
tioning them. have fancy myself
for the girl. Nevertheless. l 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
ixed-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 admirlng 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 If But
terworth had forgotten her. 1t 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 a griny
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 big officer.
NINA.
A pang went to his heart. A smoul-
dering fire famed up. In spite Of this