Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-08-01

THE CAPT AIN.
Story the Ten Thousand Dollars Bequeafhed Ramos
Luis Sanchez of Santiago de cu5a to the Poor of His City
By ALLEN FRENCH.

By ALLEN FRENCH.

was load on his breast, and in his
mind ran ever q formula: Five per-
cent on ten thousand dollars is five
hundred dollars year. Five hundred
dollars will pay rent at home ,
servants wages. Five percent o.. y
thousand dollars is five hundred dol
lars year. Five hundred dollars will
pay rent" On. heavens. To get rid
of the idea-anything. He attended his
duty rigidly, spared himself no work.
But always the idea forced its return.
He even woke himself in the night
with the words: Five percent on ten
thousand dollars is five hundred dol
lars q wear"
Tom" said his colonel. whats UP?
You're not right in your mind"
Oh said the captain. its moth.
ing. It's just-business. Home af-
fairs"
The colonel looked sober. Home
affairs, old lad. have no place for us
just now. Haven't We enough to do
as it is? What's UP? Are the girls sick?
Isn't Mary we'll"
They're all right" said the captain.
Their letters are very cheerful. But ]
can't help thinking. you know, what
IL L"
Yes" said his c:assma;e. looking
him in the eye. Il know-the old san
stroke. this cursed climate. and all tho
rest. Look here. Tom Strong, may l
say straight word to you?"
"Of course"
Well. if you mean TO stand the eli.
mate. quit worrying Get Mary and
the girls of your mind. look cheerful.
and keep yourself in good spirits. Tho
climate won't breah you down as fast
as you are breaking yourself. Since
that little skirmish the other day.
when you I'D SO well, you've COMO
about moping See here, that Cuban
that was killed was fond OF you >.
isn't the loss of him that weighs on
you?"
He? Oh no, Ha. ha: Oh. no.
We'll. go easy now, old fellow. Give
yourself a rest
The colonel went away Within
three minutes the captain. left alone
was saying 10 himself: Five percent
on ten thousand dollars" He went
out to the trenches. and fer the yici-
GUS pleasure in it tried his hand at
sharpshoot:ng
Those weary days before Santiago
were terrible to him. The news of the
naval victory scarcely made him smile.
Five percent on ten thousand dollars
-" And in what should he invest the
money? For Heavens sake. Tom"
cried his colonel. the whole Spanish
fleet wiped out. and yet you say never
word"
IF only" thought the captain,
there could he another skirmish. and
| could get killed. The money would
be found on me; no one would know
and the girls"
But he was in no more skirmishes.
The city surrendered. The captain waE
among the troops that took possession.
In day he saw enough of S2ntiago's
poor TO realize what might be done
with the money in his pocket. Real
ly,' said his colonel TO himself. Tom
is growing terribly haggard. Come, old
man, he said. we've OFF duty. Let's
stroll about the place.
They stood before the city hall. and
heard the words of one of the generals,
speaking with the Cuban Mayor. I'VE
will do villa; we can But we need
money. much money. Immediately"
Alas" said the Mayor. we have
little. There will be much misery
The CAPTAIN stepped forward. sa-
lu;ed with ashy face. and found him
self extending 4 packet To the general.
Here" he was saying hoarsely.
here The general took it, 1t was too
late for the captain to take it back
Ten thousand dollars said tho
general in surprise. What is this
for?"
1T is for the city. From Ramon
Luis SANCHEZ
Ramon Luis Sanchez exclaimed
the Mayor. One OF our cxiles."
He is dead said the captain.
His name shall be placed on a
tablet of bronze" cried the Mayor
And yours. 100. my friend.
Never mind me-" said the captain
lie saluted and turned away. The col
onel followed and caught his arm
rom-'
The -aptain shuddered That is
over nave been a coward"
Colonel" said the general from be-
hind. Il must speak with you" The
captain went to his quarters alone.
1t seemed hours before the colonel
entered. Tom" he cried. Il under
stand He held out his hand
The captain refused it. I've been
a coward"
Come" said the colonel. do you
suppose | would have been any better.
or as good? Don't I know the fear OF
starvation half pay? Even as colonel
I've been no better off than you as
captain. My family is larger than
yours"
Il know" said the captain.
But thank heaven" cried his CON-
rade, its all right now, II I'm retired
tomorrow! Congratulate me. Tom!
The general gave me the news this
afternoon. I'm advanced. | am appoint
ed brigadier'
Il can't congratulate. I'm jealous
Another month of this climate. and
I'll go under Half the regiment is
sick with me-
Kxt-4 IN falr rA1- ne