Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1904-12-24

hills nor cuiyartS Then. inst as the
Circle Bar was Ii sight. Its twinkIIng
lights telling OF the presence OF q walt
ing passenger, there came . sudden
'.hissl" and the captain was awakened
from his dream by q quick turn into
the grass alongside the highway and
short uncompromising stop. Moth
ing for 1t but the unbundling OF tools,
the careful inspection OF piston and
igniter, the rafting OF chains and the
hammering of bolts.
The solitary horseman or in the dis
lance kept on his way and cared not.
II he knew, that the captain was swear
ing at fate and his machine out there
on the wind-swept hills,
But even breaks may be repaired.
and finally. with grim sentiment OF
revenge. the captain pulled the lever
out to the limit and raced on his way
toward the Circle Bar.
II was dark now and the lights in the
front OF the automobile were dimmed
by the dust OF the road; hence the
captain did not see until he was at
the very gate that lady on horseback
was approaching him. When he did
see, 1t was too late. Her horse gave
great swerye and. though avoiding
the frightsome machine, struck Its side
against the barbed wire fence, She
was assisted to the ground by her cow
boy companion-pres groom
and the captain led her to the auto
mobile.
so sorry. Miss Landefs-didn't see
you--yes, Hero shall be cared for
here, sir, take the horse to the barn
and order him looked after
II think he had better come with
US, suggested Miss Landers. Il prom
Used him, you know"
well" Then to the cowboy: Come
back here and get in---I'll take you to
the fort The man bowed silently
and went to the stables.
A few minutes later the automobile
was on It's return journey. Swimming
the frozen ground and carrying its trio
Of passengers toward the scene of the
evenings gayety. Before II came into
the circle of light that marked the
driveway the cowboy accompanying
the captain and his fair passenger
slipped from his seat beside the latter
and hurried away in the darkness--but
what did the captain care? He handed
Miss Landers into the hall joyfully and
forgot that the other had ever lived
But he did not forget the lieutenant
Inquiry soon told him that the young
err officer had left the fort soon after
dinner and had not yet returned. Then
in moment came an orderly to say
that Mr. Burton was in his room.
"ETe may go under guard until to-
morrow" ordered the captain savage
ly. "Then will take up his case. Let
us'start the cotillon," with low bow
to Miss Landers. She had heard his
orders and turned very white face to
her partner as she took his arm. She
led the cotillon and received with
grace the favors heaped upon her--but
all the time she was thinking of the
lieutenant spending his Christmas eve
under guard.
Then came the supper and after that
the Christmas tree. The officers were
made happy with remembrances from
the men; the men smiled at the little
tokens from the officers-for out on
this frontier post had grown up q
cameraderie between those stationed
there that knew no rank or station.
When the tree was emptied there en-
sued a hush as Miss Landers came
down the center OF the mess hall, her
stately form held proudly erect and
her eyes shining with new light
Before the captain she curtsied with
old-fashioned ceremony. The whole
company waited to hear her words
ut used to be the CUSTOM" she be-
gan, "for the king to grant on Christ