Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1904-01-29
I..S5 OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
CHAPTER XIx.-lContinued.)

Meanwhile Victor was speeding to-
Yards his destination. AT the first stop
1ing place Dr. Ralston welcomed him
and exchanged few words.
Il could not visit you at Stratmore
today, Victor, to see you off, owing to
press of business" said he, grasping his
aand. "Of course you will write to your
parents, and thus l can also hear of your
aoiRgs."
mo; l have already explained to them
ehe utter impossibilty of writing, and
will not change my resolution. Adieu,
dear friend, adieu"
A vigorous handshaking and the train
again dashed forward. At the third
junction Victor alighted and at once
boarded another train, which took him
% Plymouth. Ordering a cab, he was
driven to q hotel, where, after light
supper, he sought repose
In the morning he awoke refreshed,
and, after breakfast, repaired to the har-
Dor to enjoy the invigorating sea breeze.
yor long time he gazed upon the furi-
ops waves; then he hailed a passing SER
geant and inquired politely:
as Col Ralston at the barracksY
THE man responded with a military sa-
Auks and a short Eyes, SIR
You belong to his regiment? 1, too,
antend to enlist"
"Ah! you desire to have your name
snrolledY' said the sergeant, with sur
prise, fixing his eyes upon him.
docs it seem strange to you, my
griend? A person gets to see great deal
of the world when he is enlisted"
of course, when a person presents
himself as a recruit, l am in duty bound
90 put his name on the roll, but you seem
60 be sort of an aristocrat-and-the
lot of a soldier-h'm!, l fear, may not
4gres with your tastes. Now, listen,
air; you are doubtless acquainted with
E}ol. Ralston. Ask him for his advice be-
Sore you take such an earnest STEP"
You are a good fellow, sergeant;
can see that, and l thank you heartily
Sor your advice, but l took this resolu
zion long ago. 1 will serve OUT country
and earnestly endeavor to climb the lad
der from the lowest rung."
Seeing that Victor was in earnest, he
duly took his name and conducted him
20 che presence of Col Ralston. He was
10 Ehe guardhouse, having just completed
AIS tour of inspection.
"Ah! Victor, you here?" he question
I'd, cheerily, Fastening to the door with
two strides and with both hands extend
I'D. When did you arrive?"
Yesterday evening, and have already
given my name"
You don't mean 1t, Victor? You are
surely joking Is it a fact sergeant !?
Be asked, turning upon the officer.
The gentleman insisted, colonel and
II could not exclude him from the list"
"Of course, just like him. Show Mr.
Raymond to my apartment l wish TIC
apeak to him, and mark, not a word
sbout this to anyone. Understand"
Col Ralston quickly passed through
she camp, the sergeant and Victor fol
lowing Mt little distance. Once in the
house, he drew Victor into his private
,soom.
but. my dear boy, what is the matter
with YOUR he began. "Why didn't you
ask me for. advice frst?"
''Whyl Because l formed my reso-
a,tion long ago. AS highly as regard
vour counsel, colonel, you could not have
deferred me from my purpose I am ann
Ditiuw to advance to an honorable po-
sition by my own efforts, and l hope to
succeed"
4 y
and your father at Stratmore Castle has
actuated you. Come, Victor, tell me
openly; am l rightT'
ITO tell the truth, yes. Until then
Z was like vessel without a rudder,
driven on the open sea. Your remarks
guided ME to the safe harbor of project
and now must try to succeed and ad-
vance"
Il will certainly aid you in this endea-
vor; the main point depends upon your
self The opportunity to excel will be
offered shortly Already the rumor of a
mobilization is circulating. How you
must conduct yourself in your new posi-
sion does not need any explanation. How
aver, you must not forget one thing, be
ounctual and exact in your service, keep
yourself aloof from too close comrade-
asaip without avoiding them entirely. And
ono thing we must mutually renounce
and which | hope you will not regard as
uafriendiiness, | cannot invite you to
INV rooms nor keep up a friendly inter
course. 1t is on account % discipline.
AZ heart | am and will always remain
your friend
Il understand you, colonel. l have
sssready thoroughly studied the matter =
And you are still firm in your resolu-
tIenf'
Yes; and | have only one request to
ra,ake. Can it be granted? | have left
yay grip, which contains some valuable
Fsapers. Mt the hotel. My bill is paid. |
ssSt it there saying l would call for it. .
Certainly" interrupted the colonel.
~ viii attend to that Immediately"
Half an hour later Victor was intro
sSseed to his new comrades.
CHAPTER NN.
After six months service only, Vic
Zsr was promoted from private to SER
,reant. His past life. so far as COL Raj