Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1905-07-26

I Z.
without second glance. and yet he is
one OF the most famous commanders
of his time. The brain behind the
pale, wan-like brow has won a dozen
celebrated battles; the thin, white
hand has waved armies to a score of
hardwon victcrles.
BE seated. gem emen, A beautiful
night Gcod-eveni u, my lord. Good
evening, Mr.. Hamilton, he says,
speaking in the purest English.
asleep, Sir Heron? ! have just been
tc the magazine-you have done the
work thoroughly"
Heron bows.
Il am glad you think 50, general"
Charlie Hamilton offers his cigar
case.
"A cigar. general"
But he little man declines with a
smile, and with swift fingers rolls up a
cigarette; then he seats himself be-
side the FIRE ami chats. but they can
see. one and all, by his manner that
he has como among them with some
desperate purpose; and presently he
breaks off in some careless remark
and locks at PieIpCint.
How is the water?" he asks.
Pierpont shakes his head.
"Short-very short" ne says.
The general mods thoughtfGlly.
Yes" he says, as if he did not know
, almost TO a quart how much the fort
held, yes, was afraid SO; and bread
is running low But there is con-
10Y near"
Every man looks up with sudden in
terest. The general mods.
Il was advised that supplies would
be sent by the twentieth. 4 they
have kept their word at the other end,
those supplies are now just outside the
enemy's lines. We must have those
supplies, gentlemen
There is an intense silence as he
looks around.
IF l am right in my calculations,
those supplies are waiting in the west
fork, down in the valley; they are
waiting to pass the lines. We must
g,t them in, or give up the game"
Never" exclaims Charles Hamil-
tCIi.
The general inclines his head, with a
mile. and puffs his cigarette.
1t seems to me, gentlemen" he says,
that the only way to SET those sup
plies into our midst is BY creating a
,;iv,'s:oh in an opposite Erection, and
withdrawing the enemy's attention
! from III west
We must make an attack on the
east. aad, While the enemy is engaged
there, must slip the convoy IL on the
west new, gentlemen"-and his keen
gray eyes flash around the hut-"whc
rolunteers to lead the attack"
Instantly all spring to their feet,
but foremost among them stands
Heron, his tall figure towering above
The rest.
4 win leal the attack, with your
permission, general"
There is a courteous but reluctant
silence.
The general looks with calm scrut-
my into the pale, stern face.
you want the lions share, Sir
Heron" he says, quietly. You were
in command at the magazine today,
and on the ramparts yesterday"
quite right general" says Charlie
Hamilton, eagerly. IT'S my turn this
time!" But an eager denial from the
others browns his voice.
The general looks from one to the
other.
Just what I expected" he says. with
a proud smile 'You cannot all go
gentlemen; and you all want to go"
There is a moments silence, then
Heron's deep voice breaks it.
Let us cast lots" he says.
The general mods, and Pierpont takes
letter from his pocket and tears 1t
into six pieces.
The man who draws the signature
wins" he says, and with a laugh he
| throws the pieces into his cap.
One after another they draw in turns,
and keep the piece hidden in their
hands.
Now, says the general. and each
cxamines the fragment eagerly
Among chorus of disappointed
murmnrs, Heron says, quietly:
Mine
The general mods, calmly
Il could not wish for a better man, -
he SAYS. ceurteously. IF you will be
hind eRu>... to come TO nv quarters,
Sir Heron. we VIII arrange Good
might gentlemen" and M goes as
quietly as he came
Heron puts on his coat. reflls his
uine. AID, with a goodnight" steps
out
Charlie hamilton fellows bin, ana
..ys har5 upon his anoaldeI
Heron turns
''Well?" ne says.
Hamilton is silent far a moment
then he says, in a troubled voice:
7 wish youi give n Up Heron.
wish YOU would lel me take your
giace7
Heron shook his head.
Look here" says Hamilton, anxious
~, this is no work TO- you, I'm an
older hand at tais sort Of fuu than YOU
lnow-anl-ani-i anow wna this
means"
Heron laughs hi rare laugh, short,
mirthless laugh.
so 10 T. he SAYS. "Wha. then ?"
Just this" replied Hamilton, that
moving what this means. I think you
ave no right to 20 IN for #. Any
no OF MS has Q better -igft than -ou
sc have all been here longer t1au