Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-10

these official papers was letter in hand
he knew. The name signed to it was little
known outside Of naval circles, but in a
year the world would be ringing with it.
1t was an appeal, an appeal to his con-
science. to his honor. to his sense Of duty
from a brother officer, an old man greatly
his senior In rank, who had been second
father to him; an appeal to his loyalty, to
his patriotism as officer, and finally an
inspiring expression Of confidence which
was balm to his soul, and the theme Of the
letter. the text Of 1t, as it were, was, stick
to the flag!
THANK God!' he said, laying tie letter
down. Thank God that decided before 1
broke the seal!"
ing up the road. He ran TO the window
and looked toward the gate. The light in
fantry was just turning into the avenue
and coming toward the house. The SOL
diers were accompanied by great multi
tude OF people on foot. on horseback or in
carriages. What had Willis said? They
had elected him their captain! Him! He
laughed, though there was little mirth in
the sound he made.
Well, he would meet them fairly and
squarely now. He would tell them frankly
and boldly before father, mother. friends
and sweetheart. Thank God they were all
there! 1t could all be done in one blow.
He ran to his closet, drawing off his
clothes as he went, and then put on others
that he selected as quickly as possible.
The troops were at the porch now. He
could hear the rafting of musket stocks
on the walk as they were brought to ''or-
der arms and then to parade rest" Has
THY buttoning his coat, he turned to meet
Willis in the door.
Good heavens Boyd" said the boy.
glancing at him anxiously what did you
do that for? Won't you take them off?
NO" said his brother, brushing by him.
Come on"
Followed by Willis, Peyton ran down the
stairs he haH nd "a
porch. There Immediately before him were
drawn up the company Of rifiemen. Sur
rounding them was great concourse of
people. On the porch stood his father and
his mother and sister. The old mans face
was flushed with pleasure, his eyes were
shining with proud and happy light On
one side stood Bob Darrow, handsomer
than ever in his becoming uniform. There,
than he had dared even to dream of her,
was Mary Amman. The color was burning
In her dark cheeks: her eyes. too, were
ashine. Her eager glance dwelt upon his
face almost lovingly as he entered the
porch. and the next moment comprehended
his clothing with start of surprise. Fol-
lowing her example. they all looked at
his tall. slender figure and noticed with
establishment that he was clad in the full
uniform of an ensign in the United States
navy. even to his sword. which he he'd
lightly by the scabbard in his left hand
But they had no time to comment on the
SiEguiarlLy OF MS actlOn, Tor another sharp
command rang out:
Company! Present arms!'
Colonel Peyton. ladies and gentlemen,
and especially Mr.. Boyd Peyton," John
stone. the lieutenant of the company, began,
with an eloquent gesture compromising
everybody, "as you know, the rifles have
been without a commander for over a month
owing to the death of our late lamented
captain. We have been carefully deliberat-s
ing since that sad event as to the choice Of
our next commanding officer. We are proud
to believe. sir that 1t is high honor to COM
mand company like this. whose ranks are
filled with the best blood of Alabama. We
believe that IL the company has opportunity
OF battle 1t will prove its mettle, and we