The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1908-12-01
A Lovers Test.

They were all yOung, and several OF
them had left sweethearts behind
them. The conversation turned upon
what action these sweethenrts might
take with regard to a lover who fnDle
back to them minus an arm, a leg. en-
eye or any other member.
"BiIly," said Sergeant Tom Evans
70 Corporal McGee. what do you
think Jaqueline would do II you went
back TO her with all your front teeth
knocked out by a Mauser bullet or II
you'd have to sport wax noseT
'Don't know" replied MCGEE
thoughtfully. at the same time taking
several quick puffs on his pipe.
"1f l were one of you fellows" pur-
sued Evans, who have girls waiting
for you I'd go home disngured just
for test"
"How would you DO that2" asked
McGee. evidently interested iu the
proposition.
oves Gn eye or a 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
es soon as they were alone together
the latter said:
TON, I've a mind to try what yor
said about mutilation on JaQuellne
when return"
Good for youl You'ii know then
whether she's true. noble girl or sim
ply looking out for a fellow TO give
her home"
So Il was arranged that when they
returned Evans should so to Miss
Thatcher and announce che melnu-
choiy news that her lover had lost his
left arm in battle and carry q release
from her engagement on the pnrt OF
her fance. II she desired TO see him
nc was to 30 to her with bis left arm
twisted In the small OF his back. an
empty sleeve and a military cape
thrown over his shoulders.
Well, the war ended--aIl wars end
some time--apd the cousins went home
safe aud sound. Evans carried the
message and came back with the well
come information that Jaqueline would
love Billy Just ms wen without the
arm as With II. even more.
"Goodr exclaimed Billy enthusias-
tically. y knew she was true blue.
There's no use now OF keeping this up.
I'll 60 TO her with two arms"
And make her so mad she'll cast
ycu or. You'll have to play the one
armed soldier til 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
matter"
Now. there is this about men-in
any serions matter connected with a
woman they Will stand by one another
even TO the most neforious 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 be
found her with her handkerchief to
her eyes evidently weeping for his
misfortune She threw her arms
about his neck aud sobbed on his
shoulder. Then suddenly disengaglng
herself. she exclaimed:
"oh, Billy, did ! hurt your poor
armg"
mo" replied Billy ugubrIously.
"You know IT'S gone. thought you
wouldn't want me with nothing but
one arm und a stump to fold you in"
BILLY. how could you think that?
When you went TO the war. didn't
give you the ring with your coat ~
arms on the seal and didn't you put
Il on the little finger OF your left har /
and swear 10 wear II there tiIl your
returnf II you have kept your OATH
that Is all require Of you. Did you
bring back the ring Billy, dearT'
Here was a situation. Tom Evans
had foreseen that the ring must have
been shot away with the arm. He
told his corEin thar IL be had It on his
finger during his interview With his
fancee he would probably get into a
corner. He suggested that Billy let
him wear the ring for awhile. and Billy
consented
The ring" said Billy in a tremulous
voice-"that was the hardest part Of
It. II went With the arm"
Poor feilowr
Billy forced out couple Of tears.
DO you know. Billy. dear. said
the girl encouragingly. that there f.
a good spirit which takes care Of us
/ lovers"
mo-" said Billy. II never heard OF H."
There is. And when that horrid
cannon ball took on your poor arm
the good spirit caught the ring. pulled
g on the poor dehd 6ngeT and brought
Il to me.
what do you mean1' exclaimed hi.
/ ". alarmed
II mean what ! say This lovers
friend. dying on the wings Of the wind.
I crossed the gulf of Mexico and. NOV
Ing northward. one night when wns
asleep sllpped the ring on my own
finger There found It when !
| awole."
McGee started
Jack. you muGins. what are you
giving meT
"rhe ring
She held up her hand. and there on
the forehngeF was the slgnet