The Prescott daily news., 1908-11-28
A Lovers Test.

Half dozen United States soldiers were sitting in circle in Cuba smok- ing their pipes and talking of home. They were all young, and several or them had left sweethearts behind them. The conversation turned upon what action these sweethearts might take with regard to lover who came back to them minus an arm, leg, an eye or any other member.
 Billy" said Sergeant Tom Evans to Corporal McGee, what do you think Jaqueline would do if you went back to her with all your front teeth knocked out by Mauser bullet or If you'd have to sport wax noseT'
 Don't know replied McGee thoughtfully, at the same time taking several quick puffs on his pipe.
 If were one of you fellows" pur- sued Evans, "who have girls waiting for you I'd go home disfgured just for a test"
 How would you do that?" asked McGee, evidently interested in the proposition.
 "Oh. easy enough. A green patch over an eye or leg doubled up with the knee in a wooden peg would do the business Beggars practice those things every day"
 Evans and McGee were cousins, and as soon as they were alone together the latter said:
 'Tom, I've mind to try what you said about mutilation on Jaqueline when I return
 Good for you! You'n know then whether she's a true. noble girl or sim- ply looking out for fellow to give her a home"
 So 1t was arranged that when they returned Evans should go to Miss Thatcher and announce the melan- choly news that her lover had lost his left arm in battle and carry a release from her engagement on the part of her fiance. If she desired to see him he was to go to her with his left arm twisted in the small of his back, an empty sleeve and military cape thrown over his shoulders
 We'll, the war ended-all wars end cOLlc tlluc-uuu lut COuSiDS WeuL uOLuo safe and sound. Evans carried the message and came back with the well come information that Jaoueline would love Billy just as well without the arm as with it, even more.
 "Goodw exclaimed Billy enthusias- tically. "T knew she was true blue. There's no use now of keeping this up. I'll go to her with two arms"
 And make her so mad she'll cast you off. You'll have to play the one armed soldier till after you're mar ried or at least the invitations are out But since you were to be married as soon as you reached home that won't natter
 Now, there is this about men-in any serious matter connected with a woman they will stand by one another even to the most nefarious lie But in matters that are not serious the man will invariably stand by the woman.
 When McGee entered the room where Jaqueline awaited him he found her with her handkerchief to her eyes, evidently weeping for his misfortune. She threw her arms about his neck and sobbed on his shoulder Then. suddenly disengaging herself, she exclaimed:
 "Oh, Billy. did hurt your poor arm?'
 "No." replied Billy lugubriousiy. You know it's gone. thought you wouldn't want me with nothing but one arm and stump to fold you in."
 Billy, how could you think that7 When you went to the war; didn't I give you the ring with your coat of arms on the seal, and didn't you put 1t on the little finger of your left hand and swear to wear it there till your return? If you have kept your oath, that is all l require of you. Did you bring back the ring. Billy. dearr
 Here was situation. Tom Evans had foreseen that the ring must have been shot away with the arm. He told his cousin that if he had it on his finger during his interview with his fiancee he would probably get into a corner. He suggested that Billy lei him wear the ring for awhile, and Billy consented.
 "The ring" said Billy in a tremulous voice-"that was the hardest part of it. It went with the arm."
 Poor fellow!"
 Billy forced out a couple of tears.
 Do you know, Billy, dear," sait the girl encouragingly, that there is good spirit which takes care of u. lovers"
 "No," said Billy, T Dever heard of it.
 There is. And when that horrit 1 hall tnolr of .-a... .aaar x..