The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1907-12-13

a long breath. And now, SIR" he
said, you will understand why we
Greggs are a proud race. We stood by
our native land In her time of direct
need. Can your family match this
record?"
The young man shook his head.
"I'm afraid not, sir. One of my
grandfathers was a clergyman, sir,
and the other was a physician"
The old man waved his hand as If
dismissing an audience.
"Then, sir, you must give up all
thoughts Of marrying Josephine. The
Greggs have too much pride to ally
themselves with a family whose patri-
otic sacrifices date back only to the
Civil War. Look up your forefathers,
sir, and If you find anything report to
me promptly. Good afternoon"
Good afternoon" said the younger
man.
The young man went away feeling
blue. He had dreaded this necessary
interview, and now it had turned out
much worse than he expected.
He found Josephine - waiting FOR
him on the side porch
She read his face as he came near.
"WellT' she said.
"Bad" he answered.
"Did you approach father as I told
you?"
There was very little approach
about 1t. He met me more than half
way and bowled me over"
I'm afraid you blundered."
mo, l didn't. l didn't have time"
He frowned at her. "Why didn't you
tell me about the battle Of Lake Erie?'
Dear me, did he mention that?"
"Dld he mention is! Why, he pretty
nearly fought it all over again. Be
cause l didn't have a grandfather
there I'm going to lose you. know
what I'll do-I'll consult a lawyer"
The old man looked up from his
writing.
"How are you, Stewart?" he said.
as he waved his hand toward a chair.
I'VE don't see much Of you of late?
You mustn't let that little disagree
ment stand in the way of our contin-
ued friendship, my boy"
THANK you, Mr.. Gregg" He hest
tated. II am here on a somewhat pe-
culiar errand, sir. If you remember
our talk last month you will recall
that you advised me to look I'D the
records. | have done so, sir and the !
result in one instance is somewhat sur
prlsing." He paused and drew the
big envelope from his inner pocket.
"May l read this communication. sirP
1t Is quite brief.'
Does it concern meY
Tit may interest you, sir"
"Read it."
George slowly unfolded the parch-
ment-like sheet.
"'Otlice of the British Admiralty.
Bureau Of Naval Enrollments, No. II
CurZon Street, London.-Sir: Your
esteemed favor of the 9th ult. has
been passed upon and duly certified to
this department, In answer to your
request concerning the enrolment of
one Horatio Gregg, possibly in the SER
vice of Fl, B. NJ. during the conflict I
between Great Britain and the United !
States, sometimes called the War of '
1872, l have the honor to inform you '
that the records of this office disclose {
the fact that one II, Gregg was en-
rolled as a member Of the crew of his
British majesty's ship Detroit, Capt. {
Barclay commanding With every con- s
slderatlon of esteem, | am yours to {
command, Ponsonby Hawkins, Secre- |
tary."
The old man stared at George,
let me see that letter." he said.
George handed 1t to him.
ut would appear" he slowly said. I
that my estimable grandfather was .
On the other side. l begin to believe d
he wasn't there at ALL" He spoke a e
little sharply. "Of course, this mustn't g
20 any further" he said o
4Not SaAu HeuIBe.
The old man deliberately tore the Il
etter into little bits and tossed them y
nto the waste basket. 9
"How about Josephine?" George II
asked. Il
"I'll leave that to Josephine If she ~
wants you, have no objection" II
THANK you," said George and was 81
If like shot. u
He found Josephine waiting for him y
IN the side porch. IL
She looked up anxiously. 81
"Well7" she said. o.
Il have met the enemy" George p
oftly chanted, "and you are mine. &c
v. r. Rose in the Cleveland Plain Ia
Dealer. 1t