The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1906-05-31

the party entered the card room took
occasion 10 ask him. The major dove
into the pocket Of his coat and pro-
duced a card which he handed Blakes.
ly. 1t read:
Augustus ". Bush. LII D., Chap
lain 124th l. n G."
The young man gasped in a new
spasm Of surprise. This. then, was
his sisters iancee-the devoted young
priest whose beautiful spirituality had
won her earnest, honest heart Blakes-
ly had been abroad for several years
and had just returned. He never had
met Bash. and in view OF all the cir
cumstanees he scarcely felt he would
care 10 meet him again.
But even while he burned with in.
dignation al the hypocrisy and decep-
ton this clerical mountebank had
practiced on his sister, he sat in won
der and smazement at the conduct of
the Rev. Bush-at the tricks and sharp
practice he used to win the money of
the others at the table-at his swag-
gering. devil-may-care air, at his
ribald stories and vet more ribald
songs. al his free drinking and more
than occasional blasphemy. The whole
performance was not bad or disgusting,
except that it was wholly without the
pale Of an honest priest
Blakesly pondered for several days
as 10 what to do about it, He was a
man of the world and not at all Puri-
tanical in his judgment of men. Nor
did he make it a practice TO dip into
other peoples affairs.
But this was so tiagrant-so plain
so simple a case Of red-hot sport
hiding in the guise of the clergy that
he felt it his duty to warn his trusting
and unworldly sister. Still, so con-
servative was he, that It required sew
eral days hard thinking before he
could convince himself that this was
the right course.
Then. with the Blakesly directness,
he told the whole pitiful story-and
fed before her tears. That same night
the Rev. Augustus w. Bush was rudely
aroused from the sweetest day-dreams
he had ever known by a note from
Miss Dora, which shattered those day
dreams into smithereens.
But dormant in Rev. Augustus ".
Bush, chaplain. lay the old Dusty"
Bush, football player, oarsman and
crack wrestler of his class. and after
repining for several days Dusty" got
the better Of the Reverend" and he
marched to Miss Dora to demand an
explanation-nor would he submit to
by the girl who answered
the door, He forced his way into
Miss Blakeslys presence and de-
manded an explanation with a vigor |
and initiative which, while it did not
enhance his spirituality in Dora's
eyes. gave her a new insight into his
manhood-which after all is the real
thing in the eyes of woman.
Thus forced she told him the dread
full tale and pointed at him the finger
Of scorn and stamped her pretty foot
many times.
After the outburst was over, Bus
ty" (for it was Dusty" now laughed
a great laugh, and demanded to face
her brother.
"Yes, III face him." said Blakesly,
dropping his napkin and striding to
the reception room. THE whelp, to
dare make such a blufrl"
The two men faced each other in
silence for a moment, then Blakesley
began to feel the red blood creep into
his face and neck. Dusty" stood his
ground calm and assertive.
well, III be dished," said Blakesly,
weakly. This is not the man saw.
But look here. Is this your card?1
1T is" replied the chaplain.
well. there's some mistake" re-
turned Blakesly, desperately. But
where we're you in Tuesday night?"
Where was l. Miss Blakesly?"
asked the chaplain turning to the girl
Tuesday night? Why, here. Of
she replied. That's the day
we arrived and | sent you the note"
well" said Blakesly, gulping des-
perately. ITS on me and I'm an ass.
But please tell me who in thunder it
was gave me this card"
The chaplain pondered a minute
then a great light broke upon him and
be laughed until it got beyond a
augh-he whoOped
1T was the major" he cried, still
slapping his legs. I'VE tent together,
and in my haste to respond to your
note / got into his coat. I noticed it
when I took it Of. Naturally he took
what was left"
After their laugh. Blakesly quietly
withdrew and the lovers made up in
he old, old way. It did cost Blakes-
y many bottles, however, nor did Rob
srtson escape scot free. Even the
chaplain became Dusty" once more
md bought a supper without wine)
It the club.
City Of Strassburg.