The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1903-03-12
CHAPTER XXV.-CContinued.)

CHAPTER NNN.-tContinued)
At last battle was imminent. There
had been terrible girdings in the papers
at the long delay; all sorts of disasters
were prophesied the intrenchments were
pregnable-thousan of troops were
marching TO the aid of Arabia battle,
even if we were successful, must newt
ably be attended with fearful loss of life.
On the night of the 18th June did not
close her eyes. All night long she saw the
picture she had seen that night when
Dallas was trying on his belt and waving
his sword in the air. That had been
presentiment, she felt sure. On the NOR
row, or the day after, she would take up
the paper and read his name among the
dead, as she had done in fancy hun
dred times.
All the morning of the 18th she went
about looking like a ghost with pale lips
and hollow eyes. At noon Tom brought
the news TO her. Even he was elated and
interested this time. GLORIOUS news!-
tremendous victory; our loss compare
lively trihing."
A momentary sense of relief came over
June, to be crossed Immediately by mis-
giving. "A comparatively triiing loss
to a nation may mean hundreds of strick-
en- homes, hundreds OF broken women $
hearts.
She must ask the question.
1.-THE Guards?" she faltered.
Tom did not know: no particulars had
arrived yet; this was only telegram from
the station. But he would ride over him
self at once; for, even if he had been jeal-
GUS Of Dallas. he did not forget in the mo-
ment of danger that he was his cousin,
and was really anxious to hear of his
safety.
The time until Tom returned seemed
like eternity. Even then the news was
meager. The brunt of the loss had fallen
on the Highland regiments; it was
thought the Guards had not been active
ly engaged.
Mrs. Trevanion was to arrive that even
Ing. She would be sure to know.
Mrs. Trevanion came armed with the
latest intelligence. She had called in
Downing street before going to the sta
ton, and had heard the last intelligence
from personal friend. Foot Guards un-
der fire, but in second line.
The third week of Mrs. Trevanion's
visit was drawing to a close. 1t was a
duh, gray afternoon. June was COVER
ing over fire; she had a fit of shivering,
and felt more than usually unwell For
the last few days a listless feeling had
crept over her; she had no appetite, and
felt i'll and depressed She had refused
to have a doctor. but to-day Mrs. Ire
vanion had insisted. and servant had
been dispatched TO summon him.
IL wonder" said Mrs. Trevanion, show
Dallas is getting on? | don't think his
last letter was quite so CHEEKY as usual
He had looked forward so much to Cairo,
but it seems they are all disappointed
and disguSted with it, and would rather
be in the desert"
"Oh," exclaimed June, suddenly, with
her eyes fixed on the window, there is
Agnes. | am getting positively to hate
the sight of her"
Leave her to me-" observed Mrs. Ire
vanion. Il will talk to her"
minute later. Miss Ellesmere was
announced. She came in with longer
face than usual, and in her hand she held
an orange envelope.
AS June saw it, deadly chill took
possession of her; she shivered violently
her teeth chartered in her head.
Il have some dreadful news" said Ag-
mes, fixing her cruel eyes on June's face.
This telegram came for mamma from
Aunt Violet. She was out, and papa
opened it, Mr.. Broke died of fever last
night in Cairo"
Mrs. Trevanion uttered a cry. then.
starting up, ran to June.
She had turned white as death. and
was falling back Senseless in her chair