Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-01-07

EETSNLN. Dlack Jared paper tnaC COW
EASSA) cred its walls was fairly hid
den from sight by selected illustrations
cut out of leading weeklies, these Illus
trations being arranged with Il nice
eye to convenience, right side up, the
small sized pictures low down, the lar
ger ones higher.
Tonight the parlOr was more home
like than usual-and festive, for fam
fly party filled it, Here was the
hostess, carrying huge iced cake and
taking account of the seven'S behavior;
the seven themselves, eager, though
somewhat repressed. and doing full
justice to their portions; their father,
thankful as he passed the coffee, that
$50 much good had come out of some
misfortune: Frank Jameson. mother
and sister on either arm; Marylyn Lam
caster, looking dimpled consciousness;
close upon her every move a certain
young lieutenant who east longing
glances toward the half lighted gal
lery; the surgeon, ungratefully rele-
gated to Il corner, but solacing himself
in his cup; David Bond, his wrinkled
old face benediction, and, lastly, Dal-
las and John.
Lounsbury was his former self. save
for the plaster strips that had sup
planted the bandages. Everywhere at
| once, he put the grip of two men into
his well arm, smiling upon all like
the very genius of happiness.
And Dallas-Mrs. Oliver had offered
| to sew her plain white dress for the
| occasion, but she had chosen-since
| her John must of necessity come in his
wonted attire-to appear in the simple
| frock she had worn the night they met
in the swale. Above it her hair was
| braided and coiled upon her head like
| a crown. Her cheeks were a glowing
red. Her eyes shone.
All was bedlam., Tongues clattered.
Cups ratified. Laughter rose and fell.
| The seven, having no chairs, sat in a
line under the leadership of Felicia
and kicked their heels on the floor
Then-interrupting-a knock, loud,
peremptory.
The company stilled. Jameson open
| ed.
| There stood jolly figure-the suit
ler's-apple round head and all.
well. Bfakely?" asked the captain.
| Blakely hung his weight on a foot
| and. coughing behind his plump hand
bobbed his answer. "Steam's up, sir"
| Lounsbury had the center of the
floor. He kept it, reaching out to bring
Dallas beside him, They stood while
the others crowded up to give them
well wishes. 'a
Last of all came David Bond. "My
daughter, my son. he said, 'God bless
YOU
Lounsbury slipped Dallas hand into
his arm. Then the door opened for
them and they went out-together.
|
"John is a good man." said the
evangelist, land will make a good hus-
band" He was seated with Fraser or
the gallery watching a light in mid
stream dance its way through the
| dark.
Fraser sighed happily. she's dear
girl" be murmured, looking back to
| where the lamp WAS moving about in
/ divers spare room. She'd make q
wife for prince"
Presently he reused himself with
another sigh. You ought to see the
way we fixed up the shack he said.
white kick up curtains on the win
dows-that was Mrs. divers idea
rose berries all over the mantei-
Marylyn did that: I stuffed the fire
place full of sumac; then Michael
sprinkled and swept out, and we GOV,
cred the floor with Navajo blankets"
Little place looked coy"
"CoZy as could be-
A little while. and Fraser sprang up
They're there." he cried. "See, see,
They're home!"
Far away ON the bend the eyes of
the shack were bright
And you, Mr.. Fraser?" asked the
evangelist.
"Marylyn and will wait for the
colonel. Won't be long now. Shall
you be here?'
II think not. The Indians go tc
Standing Rock next week. 1 go with
them"
Poor Charleyw said Fraser huskily
He won't go. poor old chapr'
!, Hardly poor, Mr.. Fraser" There
was triumphant ring in David
Bonds voice. Few men gain as much
as he by DEATH"
Il know. Even the captains proud
of him now"
They fell silent.
; Now from the tent rows that re
placed the barracks rang out the trum
pet. sounding the days last call. The
two, turned their heads to listen
The call ended. The faint, waverine
notes Of the echo died away upon rivel
and bluff.
They turned back to the shack agair
and saw its light go Pickering out.