davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1902-12-14

and truest-hearted gentleman that It has
ever been my lot to meet
Il was one evening. after a bachelor
dinner at Maxwells house-his wife be-
ing in Scotland on a family visit-that
my friend told me the true story OF the
incident, in the course Of which Colonel
Jim" had lost his arm. and as a result
Of which he had to retire from the ser
vice in the heydey OF a most distinguish
ed career.
Perhaps you don't know" said Max
well, that Ferguson and I we're in the
same regiment He was fun major when
Joined as second lieutenant
Though there was a good fifteen
years difference Of age between US, we
became stanch friends. without belng
grandmotherly. Ferguson kept me from
all sorts Of tomfooleries. such as hot
headed young officers are 50 apt to in
dulge IN.
Our colonel was Harvey Fame. now a
major general and a K. c. B.. with a
large family OF daughters. and his house
was an attractive center for bachelor
officers. eligible and ineligible.
1T was not long before I discovered
that Beatrix Fame was more to me than
all the other girls Of my acquaintance.
Very soon. too. I was successful in
getting her assurance that I. In like
manner, was the veritable fairy prince.
"Of course confded in Colonel Jim,
who. though sympathetic, advised a wise
waiting until at any rate I succeeded
to the property which 1 inherited six
years ago.
Attached to the regiment was a GER
tain Captcin Holroyd, who was said to
be connected in some way with a mon
ster firm Of East end clothiers. Anyway
he was very unpopular with ali ranks.
Quite accidentally I heard, the day
after the recent affair at the Cosmo-
politan, that Holroyd was Dischman's
cousin, hence the fact Of the formers
knowledge Of what 1 nm going to tell
you about Colonel jim
This man Holroyd was an inveterate
gambler. and nearly always won. 1t so
happened that when ! came into the
Wharton estate there was a large &C
cumulation OF ready money which 1 i'm
mediately proceeded TO spend in right
royal style. Holroyd ever on the scent
for a pigeon to pluck. suddenly became
very friendly with me, and one day in
The Washington times., 1902-12-14

estimable individuals entrance-his
name, by the way, was Marcus Disch-
NANNY friend Maxwell came across
&c where 1 stood looking out of the
window into FiccadIIly, and shook hands.
asking me to excuse him for ten min
utes, and saying that he would have a
chat with me on his return. Complete
Wells departure, broken only by the
rustic of newspapers OF an occasional
cough
Then I was suddenly startled by the
voice Of Dischman. raised in loud alter
cation.
turned sharply round, and saw that
he was standing. straddle-legged. in
front Of the white-haired gentleman's s
chair, wagging his head and forefnger
in time to a stream Of angry abuse.
You've monopolized that paper ever
since I've been in the room, and for
how long before. goodness only knows,
Do you think you've bought the place,
just because you've been in the army?'
The occupant OF the armchair rose up
out Of it TO his full height OF well over
six feet. and calmly laid down the paper
he had been reading on the table be-
| side him.
1t was then that / noticed for the first
time that his right sleeve was empty. in
dicating the loss Of his arm.
Sir he said. with quiet irony. 'it is
evident TO me that you have not been
I In the army. inasmuch as the officer in
variably implies the gentleman"
The retort might have been injudicious
but It was certainly richly deserved.
Furious with passion Dischman ex-
tended his arm. and violently shook the
empty sleeve pinned up to the lapel Of
the others coat
You dare TO taunt mel Your he
shrie5ed- How came you by this? Not
/ in battle. No! Do you think I have not
heard Of a certain gentleman's little af-
/ fair with a certain young lady2 The
motor-car ride TO Brighton!-too much
champagne!-a spilll-and a smashed
arm? DO you think don't know? Bah!
you got your deserts, Mr.. Oflcer and gem
tleman,"
/ The rest Of us thought Il high time now
/ 20 interfere. for the wretched cad was
/ evidently contemplating further violence.
/ The matter. however, was suddenly
taken out Of our hands
The Washington times., 1902-12-14

horsepower Panhard. which they were
eternally pitting the one against the
other.
Colonel Jim always drove his car
himself, but Colonel Fame, not being so
expert. employed a French chauffeur at
fabulous wages.
"Wel. It seems that the day before
I recovered consciousness my Iandlady
who. up to then. had no clue to the
whereabouts Of my friends. came across
a letter Of Beattie's while getting some
clean linen for me out Of my portman-
teau Without stopping to think who the
writer might be she al once wrote 70
her. and. as it afterward appeared. gave
very exaggerated account Of my con-
dition.
When my landlady's letter arrived
the coloners motor was waiting at the
door for him on his return from pa
rade.
without pause or thought my fool
ish. loving little girl imperiously or
dered the driver to set Off for Brigh-
ton there and then. silencing his OBJ
jeetions with threats Of her fathers
displeasure II he disobeyed her.
Was there ever such mad iour-
ney. a journey. too. at which her social
world would hold up it's hands in holy
horror.
"On through Guildford. Tunbridge
Wells. Horsham. till the outskirts Of
Lewes we're roIched. And there the
trouble began.
"The chauffeur had insisted more than
once on descending at certain inns and
refreshing himself with brandy.
by the time Lewes was IN sight the
man was in a state Of semi-lntoxica-
tion. and was quite incapable OF con
trolling the machine.
CHANGING to turn her head at this
point. Beattie saw coming up behind
them at racing speed half a mile or so
astern, another motor. which. even at
that distance, seemed strangely famiI-
lar to her
Nearer and nearer It drew. the stu
pe1ed Frencllman in charge Of the
leading car becoming more and more
unable 20 steer It.
ut was at a bend IN the road that
the catastrophe happened
"On the right hand was a high bank.
and into this the driver made to run
Beattie's car
The Washington times., 1902-12-14

vited me TO pass a week with him at
Brighton. Glad OF a change, and hav-
ing easily obtained leave. 1 left Aldershot
with Holroyd without acqualntlng Col
onel jim OF my intention.
AS matter Of fact, l knew perfect
ly well what would be his advice. and.
therefore. l evaded it, l did not even
tell Beattie, but wrote her on my ar
rival at Brighton
All went well until the third day. ex-
cept that lost heavily at bridge to
Holroyd when. after a dinner TO which
Holroyd had invited two or three other
men. We all adjourned for an hours
stroll on the pier.
Whether it was that. being unused to
excessive indulgence in wine. had
taken too much champagne. or whether
was seized with sudden Illness. 1 can
not exactly say. I only know that BY
some unaccountable means managed to
fall from the pier into the sea. getting
a nasty smack through coming into con-
tact with one Of the iron cross grid
ers.
L remembered nothing more till I
found myself alone in my Brighton lodg-
ing' wretchedly I'll. and very much
ashamed Of myself.
The doctor who attended me. a splen-
did fellow, told me that Holroyd had
returned to Aldershot without troubling
TO find out my real condition.
That night late. a further surprise
was In store for me. Beattie. accom-
panied by Colcnel Jim. the latter with
a seriously injured arm. arrived at my
diggings in Warrior Square.
1T was soon apparent that Colonel
jim was in bad way. my doctor, after
a brief examination Of the injured arm.
declaring that immediate amputatIon
was necessary.
IAN the time I was in absolute tx
norance Of how the accident had hap
pensd or how Il was that Beattie
had come to Brighton in Colonel Jim's
company.
Il was not until the operation was
over. and Mrs. Fame. who was wired for
at once, had arrived to look after her
wandering daughter. that 1 learned the
whole story from Beattie's lips.
"As some little explanation OF what
took place, let me say that both Col
onel Fame and Colonel jim were ar
dent motorists. each possessing a twelve
The Washington times., 1902-12-14

by a miracle OF mercy he could not
turn the steering wheel. over balancing
himself and falling out under The
wheels In 'front.' which passed over his
body.
Though beWildered and panic-strick-
en-. Beattie caught hold OF the gear with
both trembling hands and tried 10 keep
the car straight What would have
been the resgit Of her efforts it is bard
70 say. though It is almost morally
certain that in the streets Of Lewes she
would inevitably have come to grief.
Now for Colonel Jim's part In Il.
Putting on the pace for a dnal
squirt. he raced alongside OF the run
away. managed to stop his own machine,
at the same moment ieaping on TO the
other one.
Selling the steering wheel with his
left hand-his right arm was broken on
the leap-he wrenched it around and
brought the car to fun stop
Then appeared the representative OF
the law. who. running back. discovered
that the chauffeur was fatally injured.
The rest you know. though there Is
one little thing more which will tell
you in confidence. as it renders, from
my point Of view, all that Colonel jim
did that day the more heroic.
"Beattie told me. more than a year
after we we're married. that some words
that escaped her rescuer's lips rs be
reached her side in the flying car. con-
vinced her beyond all doubt that he
loved her. and that he risked his life
for the sake Of a woman whom be knew
had given her heart 10 another man.
How Colonel Jim came TO follow after
Beattie was owing to a servant az the
house. who overheard her orders to the
chauffeur. telling him. as he drove up
in his own machine directly afJerward
and inquired for her. He knew that her
action would compromise her with her
friends and society. and, in her interests,
decided TO persuade her 10 come back.
"Of course the dear old fellow had
to leave the service. though he has
since got his step on the retired list.
Now, what do you think Of him. Tai
bot2"
Think Of him" I said. why. that
for man among men. I never expect
TO meet another Ike Colonel jim.
CAS- you certainly never willi" said
Maxwell raising his glass. Here's TO
Colonel Jim. and Gcd bless HIM"
The Washington times., 1902-12-14

IT was the smoke room Of the Cos
mopolitan Club. I'm Piccadnly.
/ had stroHed In for the want OF
something better 20 do. and without
any Thought or idea Of anything or
anybody.
There were only about half a dozen
members present. to one only Of whom
Charlie Maxwell. i'm his pre-nuptial
days an inveterate globe trotter, as
myself still was-I was personally
known.
I just nodded to him, as I saw that
he was engaged in conversation with
an individual whom ! never remembered
TO have seen at the club before.
Though he was sitting back in the
depths Of a big armchair, 1 gathered
that he was tall and athleucauy built.
His hair and heavy mustache were
snowy white. yes his features had that
look OF perpetual youth about them
which some men retain TO the close even
OF patriarchal life.
But it was not so much the wonder
ful youthfulness Of the man q reckon
cd him 10 be al least sixty years OF age)
as the almost wOmanly expression Of
tenderness In his ewes that attracted
me. II did not detract one iOta from his
manliness; it simply supplied the one
thing necessary to make that manliness
perfect and COMPLETE,
was on the point Of leaving when
there entered the room man for whom
I, IN common with most Of the club
members. had an unmitigated dislike.
Coarse Of speech, ostentatiously vul-
gar in hls manner. and, in fact. an alb
solute Impossible" from the social
point OF view, IL was perennial source
Of wonder with everybody how he could
ever have been admitted TO "Cosmopoll-
tan" membership.
1t was rumored that ne was the mil
Honaire son OF a deceased East-end
ready made" tailor Of Semitic descent.
and that he owed his admission among
us to the largely exerted influence OF a
certain impecunious peer. his great
friend. and one Of the original promot-
ers Of the club
The truth Of this could not be exactly
proved although after events showed
that for once rumor did not act up to
its reputation for lying
Almost Immediately after this very
The Washington times., 1902-12-14

Leonard Vancourt hailed a hanson. and,
stepping into it, was soon bowling in the
direction OF the Carlton. Il am afraid
that I have made a fool Of myself" he
soliloquized- Il made sure that she
would have stopped me before ! left the
house; or course. it's all most unearthly
rot to think for moment that l could
live without my little Celia. A day would
be bad enough, but two months-I have
half mind 10 turn back and say that 1
was only bluGng. only / should look
such an ass il did might have kiss
ed her before I left. though, Poor lit
tie grille. she half raised her face to
mine when I said good-by and-oh am
going to chuck this FOOLS game and shall
toddle back. and she can stodge me with
high eggs and salt bacon as much as she
jolly well likes. II she viii only take
me on again. Cabby. -"
His sentence was never finished. for.
as he pushed open the trapdoor above his
head. the pole Of brewers dray crash
ed into the side Of the hanson.
When Leonard vancourt came to his
senses it was 20 find himself swathed in
bandages lying in bed In 2 darkened and
familiar room, while eurled up beside
him on the immaculate counterpane. sat
Celia. her slim fingers cooling his fever
ed brow.
"Hulio. girlie," he exclaimed, with a
weak attempt at hnarity. Il haven'r
gone after ala. you see."
"Are you sorry. Len. that such is not
the ease?" she queried gently, nestlinq
her tear-stained cheek against his.
Would you mind. dearest-I mean
Ceiia-if I said that was glad2o he
asxed slowly.
Mindi Oh, Len, you are the dearest
ooy ID al the world," she cried, i'm
pulsively. Il thought that you would
have come back. but when l found that
you did not ! just sat down and wrote
to the Carlton to ask you to. dear
And ! hoped that you would call me
back. Celia" he said. delightedly. and
when I found that you did not. grille.
thought that l would just come back
and say that you might do any mortal
thing you jolly well liked. If you would
only take me on again. Celia"
She passed her hand caressingIy over
his cheek.
call me grille" she whispered. hap
PLY. You know, dearest, how l hate
Celia
Il DON'T" vancourt replied. fondIy. q
love her better than the whole world!
Kiss me. girlie!"
The Washington times., 1902-12-14
y THE CHDITuLATION OF CELIA =
* Love Story.

Aunt Amelia did. anyway" smiled
vancourt unfeelingly. my spare cash
made her Southwark property boom in
manner which brought a smile to her
faeel She had me on toast. Celia"
She raped her knife impatienuy on
the immaculate damask. Leonard" she
remarked. with dignity, Z would have
you remember that you are speaking of
my relations"
Il have no desire t. rob you Of their
ownership. dear" remarked vancourt:
then added. as he commenced his break
fast in real earnest, L wish to good
ness that you would manage to see that
we get bacon for breakfast that is not
salty enough TO skin the inside Of ones
mouth. I don't believe that the trades
men would dare to sell such abominable
meat to anybody else but us"
Celia's face grew fearful looking as
she poured herself out a cup Of tea:
then, glancing across the table at the
somberly annoyed features Of her hus-
band. said. irritabiy:
Il never met such a growing man as
you are in my lifel The moment any
thing puts you out you quarrel with
your food. Goodness knows. I am fanci-
ful enough, but I don't find this bacon
bit salty"
"of course not. It is quite sufficient
for me to say that It is for you to de-
clare the contrary" said vancourt, an
grlly. Il never met such a contradictory
woman as you are in the whole course
OF my existence. am just about sick
Of it,"
And ! am tired to death Of you and
your grumbling." retorted Celia, flush
Ing with anger Everything that I do
is wrong l can't make out what on
earth made you marry mel"
Because I was a victim Of the throes
ot driveling lunacy. that's Why said
Vaneourt, savagely. Il wish now that I
had never set eyes on you. Why. ever
since my marriage / have never known
what It is to have a decent breakfast.
II don't get a high egg 1 get salt bacon
which a sailor would kick at. and II /
get neither Of those two things have a
piece Of fish which would disgrace an
East End cook shop put in front OF
me-"
He ssiffed Indignantly as. turning in
his chair, he picked up his discarded pa
per. and nattening It out sngrny, com
menced to read it's contents.
VERY wel, Leonard. said Celia. dig
nifty struggling with tears for mastery
ia her voice. "since you are as sorry
to have ever met me as I am to have
ever come across you will ask Aunt
Clarissa when she comes here"
81 tell you she isn't coming herei" in
terrupted Nancourt peremptorily. Il
won't have the old cat IN the house-so
there. I'm master here. kindly remem-
ber."
And am mistress!" retorted Celia
so Aunt Clarissa shall come and"
"What?"
And when she does II shall tell her
that-how unHnd you are-and-and ask
her TO take me away" continued Celia ir,
a faltering voice. unheedlng his inter
ruption. II never-want 10 see you
sagain-I hate you'll"
The Washington times., 1902-12-14
x x THE uNSDOKEN ANSWER. = y
\ Revelation Of a WomaRS Way.

CCT oOK here. Digby," observed
Guy Maxwell to his chum.
with that air Of superiority
which was peculiar to him.
there's only tomorrow left, and must
arrange to have few minutes with
Miss Lyttleton. She's the sort Of girl
who would make a fellow a real good
wife. rather think she likes me,
and the fact that am heir to a baro-
nef@y. with a goo1 income attached.
will have some weight. intend to have
a try tomorrow"
Digby Grant blew out a cloud Of
smoke in order to hide the expression
that erept over his face.
That means" said Digby. after
pause. that you intend to propose to
her tomorrow"
I don't see what other interpreta-
tion you can put on my words," rejoin-
ed Guy. rather irritably. You don't
seem very bright today; you ags tired
after your walk Your voice Is bit
shaky. Have something TO brace you up"
NO, thanks,' said Digby. forcing
laugh. But go on"
Well" continued Guy. Il have fallen
in love with that girl. Ny life VIII not
be a happy one II do not win her, I
have mentioned my intention 10 you. ola
fellow. because wish TO ask favor"
What is it?" inquired Dlgby, sur
prised. / cant help you to win Grace
i ought to say. Miss Grace Lyttleton,"
Yes. you cam" was the astonishing
rejoinder. Il simply want you 20 keep
out Of the way. YCu see. pusued Guy.
a trihe awl,wardly. 1--WE are always to-
gether. Now, l can't propose TO her
with you by my side, so I ~ant--"
"Oh. III clear out for the day." agreed
Digby. You ought to get a good chance.
I'm going TO turn in now. You will
have tomorrow entirely. and on the fol-
lowing morning we start for town. Good
night"
Digby Grant was not in a pleasant
mood when he reached his own bed
room. He, too, was in love with Grace
Lyttleton: he had been trying to ar
rive az a decision as to whether she
cared for him or not-whether ne would
be likely to stand any chance If he pro-
posed. He was not very well of. but
nevertheless he could offer her good
home, and he was rising in his proTes-
sion Now, at the last moment. Guy had
announced his intention of essaying the
capture OF Grace's hand and heart
Il can't go behind his back" NUT
tered Digby disconsolately. so I must
stand aside. Is she the sort OF girl that
would be captivated by the prospect OF
a title? ! hardly think so. yet she may
be in love with him. for women like a
masterful man"
II don't see that I have any right to
interfere," groaned Digby. Il must be
Off early, and go to-somewhere-for the
day!"
He was true 10 his word and Guy
Maxwell watched for his opportunity.
Miss Lyttleton was staying at the same
hotel. where her father had taken n
suite OF rooms to accommodate himself
his daughter. and his young son. a boy
Of fourteen. Mr.. Lyttleton thought il
a bore 70 be compelled 20 spend two or
three weeks away from his business, so
he had letters sent on. and spent
fair proportion Of his time in writing
his Instructions. talking to London on
the telephone OF rejecting over CONNER
cial problems in the smoking
Grace and Roy were left much to them
The Washington times., 1902-12-14

selves. which was fortunate from Guys
point OF view
'The boy will be Off somewhere. and
she viii be alone so far as her rela-
tives are concerned mused Guy. with
great satisfaction Il can manage to get
her to quiet spot somewhere inside CT
out. and the thing viii be done"
He had to wait some time for his
chance during the morning. Other gen
tlemen appeared TO claim a goodIy share
OF her attention. and she was playing
tennis in the spacious grounds Of the
palatial hotel Roy. too. seemed to be
lodging about" as Guy inelegantly
phrased il, more than usual However.
the much desired opportunity presented
itself at last and be found himself alone
with Grace Lyttleton
May j have the pleasure OF a walk
and talk with you in the garden. Miss
Lyttleton," be asked gallantly You
must feel warm after that game. and the
flowers are worth seeing. I am going
away tomorrow. and I should Ike this
last day Of my stay here to be the hap
7.est"
She glanced at him shyly. half fright
ened. but bowed and said briefly that She
would like q walk among the flowers.
4 think she guesses what is coming
said Guy. eSultantly to himself That
makes my task easier,"
They went into the garden. and, after
a few steps he suggested that they
should seat themselves on rustic
bench.
In spite Of his masterful disposition,
Guy felt little nervous about begin
ming. He nerved himself. and said.
Miss Lyttleton. / have asked you 20
come here because
oh. here you are" chlmed in a shrm
voice. Nice in here. isn't it2 Cot room
for me?"
And Roy Lyttleton took a seat next TO
his sister.
What do YOU think OF Mr.. Benson g
play. Mr.. Maxwell? Not up to much. is
it?" asked the boy.
Guy made some kind Of reply mochani-
calIy. He wished that young gentleman
far away. but he had 20 conceal his an
noyance and be pleasant.
Guy Maxwell laid himself out to make
another opportunity for the afternoon.
He suggested TO Roy that there was good
scenery for an amateur photographer in
the neighborhood Of Roukham. about
three miles away, and that the day was
a perfect one; Roy appeared 10 catch at
the idea, and Guy was hopeful
Guy felt just a tride mean at the
thought Of spying on Miss Lyttleton in
order 20 discover which way she went
for walk. but he did it, and was re-
warded by seeing her alone on the cliffs.
This is a fortunate meeting. Miss
Lyttleton,' be declared. raising his
hat suppose we go to the base of
that cliff? There is a pretty nook. in
visible from here. and it would form
a pleasant afternoon excursion. Don't
you think so?"
Grace Lyttleton murmured that it
might be so. but she was afraid to
undertake any climbing on account Of
the fatigue
1T is really very good Of you to
take so much trouble 20 make my stay
agreeable. Mr.. Maxwell" she said
charmingly but 1 fear that it is "a
thankless task for you"
She looked at him with a STRANGE ex-
preston, which he Interpreted favor
aaly. lie stretched out his hand to take
hers.
I'm going to Rookham tomorrow or
the next day. Mr. MAXWELL" said a
welI-known voice behind him.
Guy nearly uttered rude exclamation.
but he smothered IL and resigned himself
10 the loss Of another opportunity.
The evening alone remained. and Guy