The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1906-03-08


Day was breaking when Mr.. GRAY
climbed the stairs to his room. There
were two flights, the ascent of the first
Of which occupied about half an hour
Of Crailey's Invaluable time, and the
second might have taken more of it or
possibly consumed the greater part of
the morning had he received no assist
ance; but, as he reclined to mediate
upon the first landing, another man en-
tered the hallway from without, as
cended quickly, and Crailey became
pleasantly conscious that two strong
hands had lifted him to his feet and
presently that he was being borne aloft
upon the newcomers back. It seemed
quite journey, yet the motion was
soothing, so he made no effort to open
his eyes until he found himself gently
deposited upon the couch in his own
chamber, when he smiled amiably and
looking up, discovered his partner
standing over him.
Tom was very pale, and there were
deep violet scrawls beneath his eyes,
For once in his life he had come home
later than Crailey.
First time you know said Crailey,
with difficulty. you'll admit first time
completely incapable? Often needed
guiding hand, but never-quite-be
fore"
Yes" said Tom quietly, sit is the
first time l ever saw you quite fin
ished."
Think I must be growing old, and
constitution refuses bear it. Disgrace
full to be seen in condition, yet celebra-
ton justified. H'rah for the news!'
He waved his hand wildly. "Old red,
white and blue! American eagle now
kindly proceed to scream! Star span
gled banner intends streaming to all
the trade winds! Sea to sea! Glorious
victories on political thieving exhibi-
tion-no, expedition! Everybody not
responsible for the trouble to 20 and
get himself periodically killedr'
What do you mean?'
"Waterv' said the other feebly. Tom
brought the pitcher, and Crailey, set
ting his hot lips to it, drank long and
deeply; then, with his friends assist
ance, he tied heavily moistened towel
round his head. Gail right very soon
and sober again." he muttered and lay
back upon the pillow with eyes tightly
closed in an intense effort to concen-
trate his will. When he opened them
again, four or five minutes later, they
had marvelously cleared and his look
was self contained and sane.
Haven't you heard the news?' He
spoke much more easily now. ut came
at midnight to the Journal
mo; I've been walking in the coun-
try
The Mexicans crossed the Rio
Grande on the 26th Of last month, cap
tured Captain Thornton and murdered
Colonel Crook. That means war is GER
TAIN
1T has been certain for long time,''
said Tom. "Polk has forced it from
the first
Then it's pity he can't be the only
man to die!"~ 80
"Have they called for volunteers ~
asked Tom, going toward the door.
mo, but if the news is true thew
will"
Yes" said Tom, and as he reached
the hallway he paused. "Can I help
you to undress?''
Certainly notv' Crailey sat up in
dignantly. Cant you see that I'm per-
rectly sober? It was the merest tenn
porary fit, and I've shaken it off, Don't
you see? He got upon his feet stag
gered and came to the door with infiru?
steps.
You're going to bed, aren't your"
asked Tom. you'd much better"
NO. answered Crailey. Are your"
mo. I'm going to work."
you've been all up night, too, haven't
you?" Crailey put his hand on the 9TH
ers shoulder. "Were you hunting for
me-"
mo; not last night"
Crailey lurched suddenly, and Tom
caught him about the waist to steady
him.
"Sweethearting, tipping, vingt-et-un
Or poker, eh, Tom?'' he shouted thickly,
with a wild laugh. ''Ha, ha, old SNUG
face, up to my bad tricks at lastr' But,
recovering himself Immediately, he
and slapped himself smartly on the
brow. Never mind; all right, all right
only a bad wave now and then A
walk will make me more a man than
ever"
you'd much better go to bed, Graf
ley"
II can't. I'm going to change my
clothes and go out"
"Why"
Crailey did not answer, but at that
moment the Catholic church bell, sum-
moning the faithful to mass, pealed
loudly on the morning air, and the
steady glance Of Tom Vanrevel rested
upon the reckless eyes of the man be-
side him as they listened together to
It's insistent CALL Tom said gently, al
most timidly:
You have an-engagement?''
This time the answer came briskly