Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-08-19
Don't you know mcY 1 am oscar.p

bis key from the Office, nodded to his
acquaintance Of the street and led the
way to the elevator.
Armitage put aside his coat and hat,
locked the hall door, and then, when
the two stood face to face in his little
sitting room, he surveyed the man
carefully.
What do you want?, he demanded
bluntly.
He took cigarette from a box on
the table, lighted it aud then, with an
air of finality, fixed his gaze upon the
man, who eyed him with kind of
stupef1ed wonder. Then there flashed
into the fellows bronzed face some
thing OF dignity and resentment. He
stood perfectly erect, with his felt la,
clasped in his hand. His clothes were
cheap, but clean, and his short coat
was buttoned trinity about him.
Il want nothing, Mr.. Armitage," lie
replied humbly, speaking slowly and
with marked German accent.
Then you will be easily satisfied .
said Armitage. you said your name
vas
"OscareOscar Breunis."
Armitage sat down and. scrutinized
the man again without relaxing his Sc
verify.
You think you have seen me some
where, SO you have followed me in
the streets to make sure. When did
this idea first occur to you?"
saw N'nIl nt Eppt Nf1.o,,
last Friday. ! have lbeen looking for
you since and saw you leave .,your
horse at the hotel this. afternoon. You
ride at Rock creek-yesy'
What do you do Dor u living. 1 Mr.,
Breunig? asked 4ArInftage.
Il was in the army, but served out
my time and was discharged few
months ago and caune to Washington
to see where they make the govern
ment-yes? lam going to South Amer
lea. Is it PeM-yes? There will be a
revolution"
He paused, and Arlnitage met his
eyes. They We're very blue and kind.
eyes that spoke of sincerity, and iideI-
ity, such eyes as Il leader iof forloru
hopes would like to know were behind
him When he gave the order,to char.a.
Then n curious thing happened. 1t
may have been the contact of eve with
eye that awoke question and response
between them. 1t may have been II
need Ill one that touched chord Of
helplessness in the other, but suddenly
Armitage leaped to lis feet and grasp
nh fila aff1, nod. 4,
soldier.
"Oscar" he said. and repeatedSyery
softly, "Oscar!'
The man was deeply moved, and
tears sprang into his eyes. Arlnitage
laughed, holding Him ut arms length.
None of that nonsense! Sit DOWN.
He turned to the door. opened it and
peered into the hall, locked the door
again, then motioned the man to u
chair
so kou deserted your mother coun-
try, did you. and have borne arms for;
the glorious republic?"
Il served in the Philippines-yes."
Rank. titles. emoluments, Oscar:"
Il was sergeant, and the surgeon,
could not find the bullet after Bi2l
Bend. Luzon. SO they were sorry auds
gave me certificate and So Il months
to my pay" said the man so succinctlyi
and colorlessly that Atrmitlge laughed. ,
You have done well, Oscar; honor,
me by accepting acigar."
The man took a cigar from the boxIl
which Armitage extended, but would
not light it. He held it rather absent
in his hand.and continued toi
stare.
You are not Notwithstanding.
but Your father
My father is dead, Oscar"
He was a good man, saidtthetsol-
lier.
Yes; he was a goodman, "sreIeateG
Armitage gravely. Il am alive, aud
yet l am dead, Oscar. DO YOU a.rlsp