Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1903-03-10
TWO KINDS
OF A HERO
By Edward Broderick
Copyright. 1902, by the


| 9 Copyright, 1909, by the 6
TX S. s. Mcclure Company Z
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you'd scarce expect one of his inch
es'- was the coloners comment. But
the gallant old soldier was ashamed
of his words. by George! 1t was one
of the bravest deeds ever seen on the
plains" he affirmed, "and we'll greet
him properly with band and a parade
and ball-the ball Of the season. Yon
must see to that, jeanne
The colonel's daughter lifted spar
king eyes from the newspaper. ut
was glorious" she breathed, eglori-
ousr' She bent over the paper, her
cheeks glowing. Over and over she
| had read the account of Lieutenant
Weisolrs gallant charge on the Indian
stronghold at Checauba gulch. All the
west rang with praises for the lieu
tenant.
Jeanne McDermont had lived her
twenty years hero worshiper. She
loved the colonel not SO much because
he was her father as because he was
her hero. And even the colonel could
point to no better days work than this
of little Lieutenant Weisolls.
Papa she called with a rather
timid voice.
The colonel after a moment spoke an
encouraging "WelI, Jeanne?"
r. she began, "I-Lieutenant Wei
soll-I never told you. He sked me-
lowell, he asked me. 1t was just be-
fore he left, and / was SO sorry for 1t
all. told him No."
"And now you'd change your mind,
you hero hunter, you" Her hand was
pressed over his lips.
The colonel sat and smoked Like his
girl, he was hero worshiper. Sud-
denly he remembered something and,
after moments frowning. spoke:
why. Jeanne. there's a little gossip
down In town. A broken down violin
player, fellow degraded by drink.
came two weeks ago looking for Lieu
tenant Weisoll. When sober, they say
he's quiet, gentlemanly man, sad and
thoughtful; but he's seldom sober. He
plays in the saloons and everywhere.
When drunk. he has given out that
Lieutenant Weisoll is his brother and
has told story that may be true.
They were, this story runs. power
ty stricken family. these Weisolls, when
John, the elder brother. and Harvey
were growing up. From his boyhood
John. skillful with the bow, was their
chief support. 1t was through his
friendship with congressman that
Harvey secured his appointment for
West Point. The younger brother was
given every chance to work his way up. |
John played at the smaller theaters
and at summer resorts and at beer
gardens. His weakness for drink was
fought and overcome by his hopes and
pride in his brother and the need OF UNI
firing work. Well. Harvey was grad
uated and came west. But now his
brother is hopeless and disgracefnl
drunkard. That's the tale.r
What does 1t matter what his broth |
er is? He is heroT broke in Miss
McDermont.
Eyes, know" said the colonel: ''but |
they say what broke down this mu-
stefan brothers will and-hearf, they
say. was something bit snobbish-- |
mean, considering the circumstances
on Haryey's part. The cadet was
ashamed OF the player. they say. OIL
course it is all gossip and drunken
players tatile. Perhaps shouldn't
have told you"
Yes answered the girl softly; at |
does no harm. won't believe d mean |
ness of the man who took Checauba |
That attack couldn't have been made
by Ala puppy"
1t was the evening of Lieutenant |
Weisolis homecoming day. The young |
warrior had been driven through the |
streets behind the regiments band |
through ranks OF cheering townspeo-
pie. Now. in the cool of the evening, |
hc was NdihihS bVAAr with bSduuE i
McDermont from the parade ground. I
He smiled Up at the tall girl and |
walked as be always did--eyes notice |
ably straight ahead. Lieutenant Wei |
soil never turned aside. The right of |
way he took. like many short men of |
pompous mien. as matter Of course. /
Harvey was not quite pompous. not |
even tonight when he felt his pride |
and happiness complete He knew |
that he had won more than glory.
He talked gayly of the romance In |
this frontier town and of how dreary |
1t had seemed at first. How | want
ed an exchanger' he cried. then softly, |
"And now want a life tenure,
She flushed and smiled ssWrfl. the |
old dust certainly has wonderful, |
roseate glow Behind them walked
the colonel. silent and thoughtful. and |
several ladies and officers
In the main street before the little
frame hotel crowd of town idlers
and soldiers were gathered. The
strains of violin music came from the
center of the group. and there was
hush over the square For once Lieu
tenant Weisoll turned aside aud cross
ed the street to avoid the men. Miss
McDermont's eyes were intent upon
them, but suddenly she glanced up at
her companion with something Of anx-
iety and doubt.
Some one on the outskirts of the
crowd caught sight of the lieutenant
and set up a cheer. There was in
slant confusion. and the crowd began
to break Jeanne looked and saw u
bent little figure standing By the hotel |
steps. He moved forward now and.
assisted by stout soldier. begun 70