New-York tribune., 1903-06-30
CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER AAlN.
EXCHANGE THE LAUREL FOR THE OLIVE
Thus in hospital at Ciudad Rodrigo. ended my
campaigning: and here in a few words may end
my story. The surgeons, having their hands
full and detecting no opportunities Of credit in
a small bugler with splfntered ankle, sent me
down to Belem. splinters and all. TO recover;
and at Belem hospital just as the surgeons were
beginning to congratuI-ae themselves that. al
though never likely to De fit again for active
service I might in time make fairly active
hospital orderly. the splinters began to work
through the flesh; and for two months lay on
my back in bed and suffered more pain than has
been packed into the rest of my life
The curious part Of it was, having extracted
the final splinter, they promptly tnvalided me
home. From the day limped on board the
Cumberland transport in the Tagus, leaning on
two crutches. I began to mend; and within
twelve rronths-as may hereafter be recounted-
I was back again. hale and hearty. and march
ing with no perceptibIe limp on the soil OF
Spain.
But I must not. after ALL conclude IN this
summary fashion. And why? Because scarcely
had I set foot in the Cumberland when a voice
from somewhere aulidships exclaimed
MY blessed Parliament
I looked up and found myself face to face
with-Ben Jope!
And you've grownr' he added. we shook
hands.
But Ben. I thought you were married and
settled?"
He turned his eyes away uneasily
whoever said so told you laundering lie
Nobody told me-" said I; ''but when you left
me understood
NV lad" he interrupted, hoarsely, Il couldn't
do It. I went straight back. same you saw
me start-now don't say word till you've heard
the end o't-I went straight back, and up TO
the door without once looking back There was
a nice brass knocker to the door q never de-
MED the woman had some good qualittes); so l
fixed my eyes hard It and said TO myself, II
there's peace to- be found in this world-whtch
was a Bible text that into my head-the
heart that is humble which is the case with
may look for IT here And with that shut my
ewes and let fly at it, though every knock
brought my heart into my mouth. Now guess:
who dye think answered the door? Why. that
chastity boy of hersi There he stood. all freckles
and pimples: and says he grinning:
"Mr Benjamin Jope
Moderately well, hope
I couldn't stand it. I turned tail and for
my life"
But was that quite honorab ble2" / asked-
Amt I tellin' you 10 wait till I've done You
don't suppose 1t ended there. do you? No: I'd
passed my word to that sister of mine. and my
word must keep So I went back to synondss
who was that pleased to again youd
have thought I'd been half round tie world
and I ordered up three -penn'orth Of rum and
pens and ink to the same amount: and this is
what wrote and I hope you'll get it by heart
before you're in hurry again 10 accuse Ben
Jope of dishonorabe conduct-'Respected
Madam I wrote. this is to inquire II you'll
marry me Better late than never, and please
don't trouble 10 reply. I'll call for an answer
when I wants it Yours to command. b Jope.
N B-We might board the boy out Symonds
found a messenger and I told him on no ac-
count to wait for answer Now l hope you
call that acting straight
Well but what vgaG -ne answer" L asked
He hung his head. ITO tell you the truth
ha'nt called for il yet You notice 1 didn't
specify no time. and being inclined for wage
just then I tramped 1T down to Falmouth and
shipped aboard the Marlborough, postofice
packet. for Lisbon.
And you've been dodging at sea ever since"
said I. severely.
IF you'd only seen that boy protested Mr.
Jope.
I'll call with you and see him a. soon as ever
We reach Plymouth" I said; but you passed
YOUR word. and your word you must keep"
You're sure twill be safe for you at Plyu-
outh?' he asked. and (as I thought a trife mis-
chievously. How about that Jew
"Oh that's all cleared up"
He sighed. Some folks has luck To be sure
he may be dead" he added. with attempt at
cheerfulness-
THE Jew?
NO the boy.
could hold out no hope Of this. and he
soled himself with anticipating the time we
would spend together at Syrrondss- For, II
you're iuvalided home. they'll discharge you on
leave as soon az we reach port.
Unless they keep in hospital said l.
seThen you'll have to make of II on the
voyage"
II feel like that. already. But the mischief is.
I've no home TO go to-
There's Symonds's
Il might give that address. to be sure.
..Damme," cried Ben a bright thought
struck him. why couldn't adopt your
THE lady might find that an inducement"
said l. nodestly.
Il wasn't exactly looking on it In that light.
he confessed But with boy apiece she and
miea mt start fair"
THE Cumberland weighed anchor on Nav
and dropped it again under Staddon Heights on
the Doth of that month To my delight the
garrison surgeon at Plymouth pronounced me