Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1907-12-14

peer down the line OF recumbent fig-
ures. ITO be perfectly frank with
you. sergeant, the stun has held out
considerably longer than I believed IL
would. judging from the way those
dough boys Of yours kept coping az
every shadow In front Of them. It's
a marvel 10 me. the mutton-heads they
take into the army. Oh. now, you
needn't scowl at me like that. Wy
man: I've worn the blue. and seen
some service where a fellow needed to
be a man TO sport the uniform. Be
sides. I'm not indifferent. old chap,
and Just so long as there remained
any work worth attending 20 in this
skirmishing affair. ] did Il. didn't II
But tell you. man there IS mighty lit
tie good trying to buck against Fate,
and when Luck once finally let's go OF
a victim, he's bound 70 drop straight
to the bottom before he stops. That's
the sum and substance Of all my
philosophy, old fellow. consequently I
never kick simply because things hap
pen to go wrong. what's the usef
They'll 90 wrong just the same Con
sequently. upheld by my acquired
philosophy. I'm merely holding back
one shot for myself. as a sort OF grand
finale &c this fandango. aud another for
that little girl out yonder."
These words were uttered slowly.
the least touch OF lazy draw appsr-
ent IN the low voice, yet there was an
earnest simplicity pervading the
speech which somehow gave II i'm
pressiveness. The man meant exactly
what be said. beyond the possibility Of
q doubt The old soldier. accustomed
20 every form OF border eccentricity,
gazed at him with disapproval.
Either you're the coolest devil I've
met during 80 years OF soldering" he
commented. doubtfully, ~or else the
crsziest Who are you. anyhow?
half believe you might be Bob Hamp-
ton. OF Placer"
The other smiled grimly. You have
the name tolerably correct. old fellow:
likewise that delightful spot so lately
honored By my residence. In brief.
you have succeeded IN calling the
turn perfectly. so far as your limited
information extends. In strict conf
dence I propose now 20 impart 20 you
what has hitherto remained a pro
found secret. Upon special request Of
a number Of influential citizens Of
Placer. including the city marshal and
other officials. expressed 10 mass
meeting. I have decided upon desert
ing that sagehrush metropolis 20 its
just fate. and plan 90 add the infu-
ence Of my presence TO the future de-
velopment Of Glencaid. 7 learn that
the climate there IS more salubrious.
more conducive toslonE living. the ciu-
zens OF Placer being peculiarly excit-
able and careless with their ere
arms"
The sergeant had been listening
with open mouth. The hell you say"
he finally calculated.
The undecided truth. every word OF
IT, 10 wonder you are shocked. A
fine state Of affairs. isn't Il. whom q
plain-spoken, pleasant-mannored gen
tleman. such as I surely ana uni
versity graduate. BY all the gods. the
nephew OF a United States senator
and acknowledged 70 be the greatest
exponent OF scientific poker IN this ter.
ritoTy.-should be obliged 10 hastily
change his chosen place OF abode be
cause OF the threat OF an ignorant and
dcpravod mob. Ever have a rope dan
gled in front OF your eyes. sergeant.
and a gun-barrel biting into your cheek
az the same timer Accept my word
for II. the experience IS trying on the
nerves Ran perfectly square game
too. and those ducks knew a.: but
there's no true sporting spirit left in
this territory any more. However,
spilled milk IS never worth sobbing
over. and Fate always contrives 70
play the final hand IN any game, and
stocks the cards TO win"
a breath OF good. honest prayer
would serve better than anything
else" groaned the sergeant. soberly.
The gray eyes resting thoughtfuny
on the old soldiers haggard face be-
came instantly grave and earnest.
Sincerely I wish I might aid you
with one" the man admitted. but !
fear. old fellow. any prayer coming
from my lips would never ascend very
far. However. I might try the com
fort OF hymn. and you will remember
this one. which. no doubt. you have
helped TO sing back In Gods country"
There was moments hushed
pause, during which a rife cracked
sharply out in the ravine; then the
reckless fellow. his head partially sup
ported agair st the protecting bowlder
lifted up a full. rich barytone in rendi.
ton OF that hymn of Christian faith
Nearer. my God, 70 Theel
Nearer to Thee
Zen though IL be q cross
That raiseth me.
stu all my song shall be,
Nearer. my God. TO ThSei
Nearer Thee"