Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-05-16
three Of the ladies Of the regiment.
was new departure at the most

~So>~AASsAss
was o new departure at the post.
Day after day, then, was she to be
seen. each morning about 10 o'clock,
on her way to her patients, and with
them she would stay until orderly call
sounded at noon. There were four meh
in hospital when she began; there were
seven men at the end Of the week, and
the doctor said she was making it too
attractive place after all.
Next thing, said Wilkins, "she'Il
be after beatifying the gyardhouse. -
Mrs. Mainwaring found that telling
her niece what people said about this
fad of hers had no effect whatever. So
she went a bit further and told her
things people really had not said, but
might say. This, too, fell harmless.
Afternoons and evenings Miss Leroy
was ready to devote to social duties and
Mrs. Mainwaring, but the morning
readings to the men in the convalescent
ward went on without interruption or
noteworthy incident an entire week.
Then came change in the arrangement.
True to his colors, Mainwaring was
out at the hurdles ten minutes before
anybody else that afternoon, and loudly
hcalling for Blake to come and make
good, his word. He came soon enough,
Mrs. Ray and Mrs. Blake, two charm
ing women, with him. Presently out
rode Captain Billy on his old favorite
Dandy, now a sedate steed over 10
yeers of age, after him strobe his Irish
groom Hogan, leading beautiful little
bay mare, all points and elasticity, a
spirited, dancing creature, with dainty
head and legs, brilliant eyes, pretty
pointed ears and satin coat that fairly
| glistened. The hurdles were at the edge
of the drill ground on the northeast side
of the post, and no sooner was the party
| sighted from the barracks than num-
Der Of troopers made their way to the
fence, and with appreciative eyes stood
watching at respectful distance the
preparation for Stella first lesson with
sidesaddle and skirt.
Among the men was Sergeant Merri-
weather, still discolored as to his face,
but an interested spectator for all that.
Mainwaring, Ray and Blake were 10
riding dress, Mainwaring and Ray in
saddle, and Mainwaring's first below
was, Nov, where's your English sad
dep
Coming" said Blake coolly, and
pointed toward the stables, whence, at
easy gait, tall, slender soldier came
riding troop horse, carrying some
thing over his arm. Blake recognized
at once Ray recent acquisition, Hun
ter. Mainwaring stopped glazing at
Blake, turned and gazed at the new
conner with all his eyes, and then
whirled in saddle toward Ray and ejac-
ulated, well, I'll be d--dn' There
were times when even the presence Of
ladies couldn't restrain Mainwaring's
impulse to verbal outbreaks.
| Thought you had whole troop OF
rough riders. Ray," said he, after again
| glowering at the newcomer until no
/ grew tired O. the calm indifference
which rewarded his gaze. "This amt
one of your lit, is it? I've seen him be
fore. +"
Eyes, the day you persuaded him not
to enlist, laughed Ray good natured-
ly. II roped snim in afterward Then,
lowering his voice, Hes got hand
on horse's mouth as light as a
| Shild's.''
The tall recruit had dismounted from
his own troop horse. and, having
thrown the reins over picket of the
ience, was now quietly approaching
Stella, with light English saddle in
bis hand. Hogan, dismounted, was pet
ting her glossy neck and speaking sooth-
ingly, but the pretty creature, with ears
erect was switching about, apparently
hunting for something at which to shy,
and the ladies' furs gave her ready ex-
cuse. The moment Mrs. Ray stepped
forward to pat her, Stella backed vigor-
ously, dragging Hogan with her, and,
despite Rays practiced hand extended
to aid, back she persisted in going until
she bumped into the hurdle post This
furnished excuse for kick and a plunge.
Ray sprang from his saddle, and, telling
Hogan to look after Dandy, himself took
Stella's bit and began Blue Grass expos
tulation, which seemed moro intelligi-
BILE than Irish. AT all events. the met
tlesome creature quieted down long
enough to admit of Hunters approach.
and that tall. silent young soldier quick
ly set and girthed the saddle, and then,
at nod from his captain, vaulted on
her back, Ray letting go the moment
the reins were gathered.
And then did Stella dance nimbly,
daintily about. playful and spirited,
but not in the least vicious, Hunter Civ
ing her head abundant room to toss and
maintaining only light and easy pres.
sure on the bit Mainwarine shifted dis
painfully at the uncavalrylike pose. the
long, fat seat, the knees far to the
front, the feet set home in the stirrupa
and away forward. He shifted still
more when Stella began to bound and
ourvet, and Hunter rose slightly in his
stirrups. riding lightly, springingly and
never thinking of sitting fast. Ray call
ed to Merriweather to bring one or two
men and come over to the hurdles, and,
without an audible word. the order was
obeyed, though it was remarked at the
time that tho sergeant besitated a bit,
possibly because Of his diafgured face.