Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-05-10


Desert"
Don't they hang them, or shoot
them for that"
Not In time OF peace? A man Is
no good II he doesn't want to stay;
so we seldom look for them. The
worst that could happen is a couple
OF years in the Charlestown naval
prison. But It's too bad. He's
good man"
Good? Yes, good to put in coal,
and sweep, and carry things, and be
spoken to as you would not safely
speak to servant" she answered,
quickly. But he must not. It's so
disgraceful"
While the officer was contriving a
safe answer to her pulling compari-
sons, she arose with resolution In
her eyes; then. while he held up .
depfecatory hand to Mr.. Arthur, who
was about to speak. she marched out
and through the train to where Dick
sat alone In the rear car. looking out
on the river and shipping.
Mr.. Halpin." she said, as she
took her seat beside him.
He turned and the anger left his
face. Reaching up awkwardly, he
got his cap off and held 1t in his lap,
while he stammered: Miss Arthur.
I didn't--how do you do?"
mr.. Breen has Just told me that
you mean to leave the navy--to de-
sert"
Yes. I've had enough Of IT,"
But you know the consequences!
1t will ruin you"
ITS hard to ruin a foremost
hand. Miss Arthur"
But the disgrace--think OF It.
Please do not"
He was silent. and his hand shook
as he gripped his cap.
you know" she went on, II was
in a way connected with your leaving
school and home. and I've always
wanted to tell you how sorry and
ashamed I was, but you never came
back and YOU cannot wonder that
I want to see you succeed"
There's no success in the navy"
he answered doggHdly. The law for
bids It. After years Of service and
hard study. l might become a boat
swain or gunner, and there I'd
stop. And l hate the life. No, Miss
Arthur. I'll succeed. I promise you
that. I'll meet him yet as an equal. "
"Who?"
Mr.. Breen: but I've no chance in
the same ship with him. He's got
his knife into me now"
Docs he bully you: Oh, I no.
ticed-I was so sorry. Promise me,
please. that you will not desert.
For my sake"
II did something once for your
sake" he answered. insanely, land
got tho worst OF It all around. Here's
one result After four years service
I may be body servant-a bag car
rier-to the man you are to marry"
She started up, with two very red
cheeks. and left him. At the door
she halted and turned as though she
would have come back, but he was
staring sullenly across the car, and
the train was entering the New York
terminal. So she Joined the others.
II can do nothing with him." she
said to Mr.. Breen. He is angry
and-he has never forgiven me. But
you can reason with him."
II? Why should II"
"You must. You have ill-treated
him There he goes now--between
the cars: hurry
But why? What for! What am
to do"
Catch him. Talk with him. Ex-
plain what | cannot, Apologize to
him. Yes. you. Put aside your dig
nifty for him--for me. Please
hurry. Oh, please. He turned up
the street"
I'm in for IT," said the officer,
dryly. "All right: III do all can
for him. Here. Mr. Arthur. will you
please leave the grip in the parcel
room at the station, with my name.
I'll report. Miss Arthur, II I live
through It, but ought to have some
brass knuckles, or club. Good
day"
He fastened on and up Park Row
after the tall blue figure which he
Id see over the heads Of the
crowd. Zone sometimes wonders.
he muttered. as he lodged along
Just what constitutes conduct be-
coming an offlcer and a gentleman
As an officer. ought to call a police
man: as a gentleman. must do as
I'm bid like little man-run after
this unlocked scrapper, pat him on
the back. soothe his injured feelings
and forever lose his respect for me
as an officer"
He took kis eyes of Dick for q
moment or two as the crowd impeded
him, and when he looked again he
was not in sight.
CHAPTER XIII.
When Dick had left the car he
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