The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-01-18

were rolled to the elbows. His white
duck trousers were spotted in numerous
places where they had thoughtlessly
been brought into contact with the
grass. He grinned.
Were making things sing" he an
nounced, somewhat unnecessarily, when
they had come nearer. Eth. kids?''
You're rightr The answer was given
in shrill chorus of childish voices.
This is the battle we're going to
fight, and we must wait till we can See
the whites of the enemy's eyes"
He looked at Miss Melville, who was
laughing. and the captain, whose lip
was curling with amused tolerance, and
his face became suddenly grave.
It's a sort of a kindergarten" he
said, apologetically. Pm surprised and
spirit of 1evity. I'll tell you it's no
ping-pong, this fighting battles Come,
kids
Miss Melville wiped the tears of
laughter from her eyes and gasped for
breath. The captain solicitously APP
preached with a camp chair.
Wont YOU" he began, then step
ped backward quickly, taking the chair
with him.
BERTHE say the action and in the same
cannon cracker containing sufficient
strength within its smooth shell to kill
horse. if exploded from below lay
spluttering not twelve inches from Miss
stricken face of the boy who, unable to
control his ZEAL had lighted the crack
er's fuse and had been unable to ex-
tinguish it as he had intended BERTHE
saw the captain retreat forty feet or
more and heard him frantically tell the
girl to jump. And he dashed forward,
scattering children to the right and the
left, his eyes blazing.
You-you coward!" he cried, indig-
nantly, to the retreating officer. why
didn't yOu-''
He threw the bewildered Miss Melville
aside with such force that she assumed q
tilted over one eye, her sunshade crushed
beneath her. He picked up the sputter-
ward the captain. His intention was OBJ
viouS. The cracker would have been cast
straight at that heroic gentleman's head
or otherwise, as the matter may be view
ed there was not time.
BERTHE, blinded, deafened, stunned, SEEM
ed to whirl, whirl, whirl like a top. And
when the force of the momentum was
His ring had fallen from his finger and
automatically Miss Melville had taken
hold of it. The world turned black Her
eyes closed. Her consciousness floated
away upon a moan.
When it came back and she again saw
things, knowingly, her companion the
ing fan; other ladies' were s also SOL there ere
AT a little distance. leaning in a pic
turesque attitude against a tree, was the
captain.
BERTHE, brave Bertie!" she murmured
Yes, DEAR, the lady began, talking at
once. Mr.. McFarlands been taken to
the hospital. Wasn't it lovely of him to
do as he did? He's not badly hurt-rot
so badly as might have been expected,
considering that one of those atrocious
denominations exploded in his hand His
eyesight is affected, though not perma-
nently, the doctor says. 1t was an awful
shock. wasn't it? So unfortunate for Mr..
Wareham's plans, tool''
Miss Melville struggled to her feet
Her face was drawn and white. Her
gown was crumpled and stained with
green.
Il shall go, I think she said, forcing a
smile. Thank you ever SO much for what
you've done for me. I'm sorry for M
captain, who came forward rendering lis
arm, lit is but little way home I'll not
incon- I'll not need you. Capt. Gorton
No, nor you, ladies. I should prefer to
go alone.
| She walked unsteadily across the lawn,
passing through the iron gateway into
the quiet street. At the first corner she
paused, glancing about her. No one was
| in sight. Slowly, for the muscles were
cramped. she opened her elinched hand
and lifted it to her lips. Then she placed
1 Berries ring upon her engagement finger.
illustrated Bits.