Gilpin observer., 1902-04-03
THE GRADUATE
BY G. w. HARTLEY.
Copyright 1854. by Daily Story Publishing Co.,

He was strolling along very con-
tentedly by the side Of Miss Page How
ard. with her fluffy parasol swinging
from his hand. They made the usual
West Point trio.
There was every reason why Stanton
should be contented that summer after
noon. It was one day within the end
of his graduation week and he had
managed to pull through SO far in pref
ty good shape. His family had come up
to sec him leave the Point and had
brought with them the winsome little
piece Of the South who was his COM
panion at the moment. 1t was perfect
day in early June and the path they
had taken was the prettiest one the
Point affords.
In the midst of SO many pleasant
things, Stanton was perhaps an un-
grateful fellow to feel discomforted.
1ut the truth was he had fierce de-
sire to smoke. He waited until they
were we'll along in the thick Of the
path, and then he turned to little Miss
Howard desperately.
II say" he asked, would you care
a bit il smoked a cigarette?"
She turned her chin up and looked
at him. Miss Howard's head was ex-
actly the height Of the third shiny but
ton below his shoulder. That button
was just over his heart.
Il certainly shouldn't mind" she
said, smiling. but can you? Is it al
lowed?"
well, to be candid" he answered,
NoIy ~ hi a(,r11 n,,l1
ing an Egyptian cigarette out from un-
der the inside band, ''it isn't. That's
why have to carry them in such an in
convenient place. But you know" he
added. there are some things a man
has to have whether they're allowed
or not"
Miss Howard gave a little laugh
"Such weakness!" she said, half con-
temptuously.
The man blew big pun out into the
still air with q momentary burst Of
impatience.
"Confound it," he said. "A girl can't
understand what 1t means to a fellow
that longing to feel tobacco between his
lips. to taste the little bite that it
leaves on his tongue. and to have the
admit it's my besetting sin. my one
vice. I've done without 1t here until 1t
seemed as II I'd go mad for 1t. Got rest
less. grouchy. fitful. no good for work.
Then, hang 1t all, l went and smoked.
Being caught and punished as though
I'd committed a crime was disgraceful.
OF course. but was more resigned to
1t because I'd had my smoke"
What did they do to your" inquired
Miss Howard.
20. guard house and demerits and
things" he answered. lightly. But I've
been careful not to exceed the limit
that the law allows an offender"
He smiled to himself as he said it.
Everybody knows that a record of nine
ty dement's between January and June
is enough to retire to civil life the most
promising aspirant to military glory.
"Mr. Stanton" queried the girl. tell
me. please, how many demerits you've
won since the first of the year."
Stanton looked down at her with a
twinkle In his eye.
WELL" he replied. banteringly. 81
counted up this morning. Just for fun.
and I found a score OF exactly eighty
eight"
"Oh!" said the girl with an indignant
storm Of exclamations. Il have no pa
tience with youA You are to graduate
tomorrow. You've been shut up here
four years waiting and working for
that day. And at the last moment you
can risk 1t all for . foolish bit of self
indulgence like this! A hne soldier.
you are! A splendid example OF dis
cipline! You don't deserve to belong
to the army! think I'll report you
myself"
, Stanton laughed lazily over her sud-
den wrath. She was SO little that Il
always seemed funny to him to see her
enthusiastically angry.
Its too hot to get excited. Miss
Tempestuous." he said. "Of course. I'm
delighted over your anxiety for my
welfare. but really I'm not running
ouch q risk as you think. II We should
meet an officer now. he'd sooner shut
his eyes and hold his nose than see
my cigarette or smell the smoke. That