Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-08-26
The Story Of . Soldiers Struggle
By Brisadier General
Chr ri g. q Ks.

Der, there galloped into sight young
officer whose brave blue eyes and rud-
dy cheeks and fair, crisply curling hair
would have invited more than a single
glance, while the grace of his strong
yet slender form and his capital seat in
saddle would have made him marked
even among score of his fellows. He
rode with utter abandon, leaping his
mettlesome, excited horse over the few
obstacles along the fringe of willows
as though he and his steed had wings
and this was easy as flying.
Eric! Eric Langdon, sayw rang
out the brave young voice once more,
and then, as CLEAN of the sunshine
shot through the willows, his eagerly
searching eyes caught sight of the lone
figure, the object of his morning scout.
In an instant he had sprung from
saddle.
"Eric-you-you"- he began in al
most boyish eagerness. Stand where
you are, Ronald" he, commandingly
spoke to his beautiful horse and then,
unhesitatingly leaving him without
fastening of any kind, fairly leaped in
to- the timber and to the side Of his
friend. Whipping off his gauntlet, he
held forth his barred hand.
Remember Old Spots story, Eric;
what we used to hear from those cav
airy fellows-never give gloved hand
If you want to talk business with In
dian. or friend? Old man, you-you,"
and for q moment he paused partly
for breath, partly for words, and the
bright blue eyes seemed suspiciously
near brlmming, you've given me
bad night and d woeful morning. If it
hadn't been for Melville, God bless
him, don't know what I'd done. He
saw was just all upset. He said.
you may find him down by the river
He said thered be half an hour before
review and for me to tell you for him
for him, by heaven!"-and here the
young soldiers emotion was too much
for his eyes-"that you mustn't think Of
going until he had had chance to say
a word of friendship. Eric, what more
do you need to keep you from giving us
all the snp?"
Almost impulsively the elder turned.
tears starting into his own haggard
eyes.
"Did Melville say that, Rodney? Do
you-you're not making it better than
he did-God bless him anyhow-in your
loyal effort to-comfort me.''
Swear to it, Eric, If need be, and I
know it's what you deserve to hear"
Then, with rueful smile: even if you
did try to pull out without giving any
fellow chance. I missed you just
after lust after the Brocktons' func-
ton broke up. Woodrow and scooted
over to your room the moment we
could get away, and there was your
luggage all packed, but no sign Of you.
Couldn't find Hurricane either-wish
you could have seen that old niger sit
ting on the back steps crying this
morning-so started through the post,
scouting everywhere thought you
might be except-except'- And here
an honest blush went up to the young
fellows brows. "Well, it was o'clock
when left a note for you in the old
roost and when got in there again
and found my note there, but not you,
only old Hurricane boohooing at the
back. Listen! Yes, there goes adju-
tant's call. Eric, may tell Melville
you'll come? Steady there, Ronaldp'
he interjected, for the spirited charger,
well knowing the call, had whirled
about and was paving and snorting in
manifest impatience. His owner NOV
ed to his side, but his eyes never left
the form of his friend.
1t was moment before the latter
could speak. Meantime the young lieu
tenant had Yaulted into saddle and WAS