The Elbert County tribune., 1902-08-21
Take Care, Captain Brandt"

| Himself something OF prdcucal
joker. It was natural that the dramatic
student Of human nature should be
suspicious lest he fall victim to some
deep-laid plot to bring down upon his
head the laugh that cuts SO keenly.
But Charlie looked as grave as n
deacon. Had he been attending the
obsequies of the man who was hung,
he could not have appeared more SOL
| emn.
Matters of this character always pos
sessed for him a peculiarly strong in
terest, and he was eager to CLEAN the
particulars
well. It isn't given TO most OF us
to see a man hung. and then meet him
afterward alive and we'll. Tell me
about 1t. Charlie. my boy"
There isn't great deal to narrate.
At the time an insurrection in Chill
was causing the most intense excite
ment, and some very bloody battles
we're fought about Santiago.
II chanced to be, as | said. in VAL
paraiso. One day found myself in a
crowd OF excited citizens and soldiers.
in the midst OF whom stood a prisoner
"a spy. caught red-handed. upon
whom they were about to execute sum
mary judgment.
THAT was Captain Nathaniel.
''The word was given. and heard
roar from FIVE hundred throats as
the wretch was jerked of his feet.
"One moment | saw him as he
dangled in space. hands and feet strik-
ing out wildly-a spectacle shall new
er forget to my dying day.
There came a sudden shot, and
Kedge fell to the ground in a heap
some one had cut the rope with a we'll
aimed bullet.
Immediately the deuce OF row
broke out. but bless you. the AFFAIR
died away as speedily as 1t began. and
then. gradually, it dawned upon the
minds of the crowd that great hoax
had been successfully carried out.
For when they looked for Kedge,
in order to complete their artistic lit
tie job, behold! the man who had al
ready been partially hung had disap-
peared. nor were they able to discover
him. though Valparaiso was thorough
ly searched.
THAT is my little story, and / am
almost ready to swear that our Capt.
Brand in yonder is the Identical
Kedge. grown a little gray in the SER
vice OF beating the world, but Just
the same old sixpence."
Artemus nodded. and they separated
for time.
But their meeting had not been un-
observed.
The ubiquitous baron had his eye on
them. and possibly figured out some
wonderful game as connected with
his mysterious conversation.
Charlie went back to Airline and
Capt. Brand. and the three chatted for
a while.
Then Airline graciously consented to
play several favorite pieces. while
Charlie idly glanced through book
made up of fugitive songs and music.
II was while doing this he suddenly
came upon an opportunity to make
another test of the mans identity. So
Charlie handed the well-worn book of
music to the fair girl.
PLAY that for mean old favorite-
always revives pleasant recollections.'
Charlie was SO situated that side
ihto IL hhttoSiNt pltl bidSs gave
him an excellent view of the man who
had arisen from the dead.
What Stuart had SO accidentally. yet
fortunately. come across was the Chi
lian National Hymn. He watched the
effect upon Capt. Brand
When the first rather weird notes OF
this Spanish-American music throbbed
upon the air. Brand sat bolt upright
upon the divan.
Involuntarily he seemed to gasp for
breath; his tongue partly protruded
from his mouth. as though he were
being choked. while his hand crept up
collar, as II to tear 1t away.
Charlie exulted in the sight 1t con-
firmed his suspicious.
There was no longer the faintest
doubt remaining in his mind.
This was the man!
Finally they said goodnight.
Charlie managed to whisper few
sentences in Arlines ear while the
captain waited at the door. so that
he was assured of seeing her again
on the morrow.
Capt. Brand led her away.
One smiling glance she sent back
over her plump shoulder-gods, what
a thrill it gave the bachelor who re-
ceived IT,,
Here was miracle.
He felt dazed-felt as though he
walked in dream. He who had scoff-
ed at such a ridiculous thing as love
at first sight who had always declared
the holy passion flower of slow
growth. founded upon mutual friend
ship and esteem. now discovered his
theory in utter ruin. and not only that,
but himself engulfed in the chaotic
debris.
Finally he aroused himself tn