The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1906-02-23

| happy lot as ever d0nned the khaki
The men who Had received orders
for the Philippines were lording 1t oveI
their companions who by ruling of tn,
Department were compelled to wait fol-
later orders. Every time q stay-at-homt
hove in sight he was made the target
for a volley' of chaff about his status
as son of Mars.
Hi there, Billy" called out q
tousled headed soldier from one of the
windows to another strolling by.
They'll never send you to the Islands.
The 'Pinos would ketch you fust
thing"
They'll never ketch .ou If you kin
run fast enough" said Billy.
Three cheers for Loot'nant Bates"
somebody howled as the tall young Of.
ficer hurried past. A flush rose to the
roots of his hair when he touched his
campaign hat in acknowledgment of
the three lusty cheers that rang
through the yard. Bates was popular
with his men and his detail had much
to do with their good nature in leaving
for the Philippines.
Everything was In confusion. Shouts
Of Goodbye" mingled with the laugh
ter and tears from many hearts. OF.
fcers hurried here and there getting
things in readiness to start and when
the young people from the post ell
bowed their way through the crowd
Bates was nowhere to be found.
He failed to materialize as starting
time drew near and it was decided to
institute search for him. Margery
was not the only post girl who had
been casting sleeps eyes at the young
officer and while she absolutely refused
to move, saying she would wait for
them to return, she could not view the
other girls solicitude With composure.
"You people go ahead" said Mar
gerry, "and I'll stay here. I'm absolute
ly so tired can't go another STEP"
20, don't be unsociable, Margery,
come on" they urged, but Margery
was obdurate.
'T'll 60 over there with Mrs. Brooks
and Captain Stiles" she said, "and then
you can fad me when you come back"
"All right" they said and off they |
went.
Instead of seeking Mrs. Brooks and |
Captain Stiles Margery stayed Just
where they had left her and there she
vas when Bates lodging here and |
here through the crowd almost knock
I'd her down.
II beg your pardon, Miss-Margery!"
le gasped.
eyes," she said, looking about her in
evident confusion.
Pardon my awkwardness, but
where are the folks? I've been looking
Ill over for them"
They're looking for you, too," said
Iargery. 81 was just going"
Going? Where?"
"Home."
Surely" said Bates, "you were
;oing to wait and see the fellows off,"
"Well, I've said goodbye to all of
hem but you-so now I guess-I'll
o." and little hand fluttered out to
i'm. He took it and as he raised his
ig campaign hat with the other, Bates
7as at a loss just what to say.
us that all?" he pleaded. what
ave I done that you are not going to
fish me a safe return?"
II do, though" Margery said.
''Well, that helps" Bates said lame
7, because when fellow is thou
ands Of miles away from-from-
it's good to know that-er-
verybody will be glad to see him
ack."
I'm afraid I hurt you the other
ight," Margery blurted out, forget
ng all her resolutions of Indifference.
But didn't mean to-" she added
astily.
"I'm sure Of that" the young Of
GER said.
He was so near and his very near.
esq made her deliriously happy
ates saw the others returning from
leir search for him and his last I
lance slipping away. His determine {
on to never again speak to Margery Il
love took fight and he began another
asty plea. When she showed no sign |
even interrupting him he told it all
'er again and begged that she would
1t send him away without at least .
le word of encouragement. =
Give been fighting so hard to make y y
yself believe didn't care but 1t g
ont do, Margery. It's so hard to 20 =
way from you, dear, and-but here I (
q saying the whole blooming thing S
er again." 9
"well. don't you mean it," Margery s
uted. s.
MEAN it? Mean it, little girl? Il
can it so much that T" "
''You awful man." chimed in one of q
Q girls as the post crowd came up, II
he trains about to go and we haven't y
minute to talk to YOU" -
"I'm mighty sorry" said Bates, "but .,
q been busy" q,
How busy?" asked one of the party 81
d everybody looked at Margery. "
You'd better get aboard, Bates" said IL
ung Somers, one of the officers left b,
hind. "She's about to 60. Take hi
re Of yourself, old RAN, and don't to
the fever" tt
Bates had eyes only for 81
e. Needless Of everybody and every ~
ng he took Margery in his arms and - y
, chung to him for one brief, happy ~ ~
'ment. Amid the cheers. from hun ~
eds of Threats Bates leaped on the
IT platform Of the last car as the
in moved swiftly out of the yards.
e bell changed, hats and handker- -
efs we're waved vigorously and the p,
It band burst forth with the stirring de
aims Of "The Girl I Left Behind of