The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1909-02-03
The Presidents Ride

begone expression on his face and,
throwing himself into an easy chair,
heaved a deep sigh Charlie was one
OF the handsomest men ever knew
and withal the most lovable. He and
l had been classmates and chums at
West Point, had served together in the
SpanIsh-American war and we're now
stationed at the same post
whats up. Charlie7" / asked.
"I've been ordered to take the presi-
dents ride"
"well." said alphabetically, "don't
you think you'll be able to stand III"
II know / won't"
Charlie was lazy-laKy on drill, lazy
in quarters, lazy in social life, lazy ev-
erywhere except in battle. II required
a fight to put energy into him, but It
did. His case always reminded me Of
prominent Confederate general in
thls-the general when an engagement
was coming on never could settle down
to the work before him without riding
out TO the firing line. Then be would
ride back ready 10 listen to orders
Charlie lost oil bis Incidence under the
rattle OF rides and the boom Of big
guns, besides becoming brave as a
lion.
II tell you what you do, Charlie"
suggested-"put In all your time be-
tween now and the ride exercising.
Get off some Of your surplus flesh and
harden your muscles"
"oh, I'm too bigr'
That told the story exactly He was
big man. and the accumulation Of
inertia had got ahead OF him. I per
suaded him to let me train him, and I
worked with him right up to the day
OF the ride. But 1t was no use.
never could get him up in the morn.
Ing He would eat anything he fancied.
In short, he wouldn't train. The con-
sequence was that when he started
on the ride he was sure TO fail. My
heart sank when we left for the start
ing point, but encouraged him so far
as possible. was to take the ride
myself and hoped to stimulate him.
I told him might find a way to pull
him through. but he shook his head
despondentiy.
We hadn't gone ten miles before I
saw the game was up for Charlie.
From the very start he looked tired,
and every mile we rode he lost breath.
The sweat was rolling down his fat
cheeks. and he was the picture Of mel
ancholy. We had gone over about half
the distance when. making an effort.
be spurred beside me, putting. Keeling.
a blush white hue on bis face, and
told me he was going to drop out. We
were riding past country place at
the time, and saw him turn in at the
gate. That was the last | saw OF him
on the ride.
On reaching my quarters the next
day found an order to go to France
to be present at the army maneuvers.
was gone six weeks and on my re-
turn received note from Charlie say
ing that he had been unable to leave
the house where he had taken refuge
and wished me to go to him.
took train and. getting of at the
nearest station, drove to the house,
prepared for a sad sight Judging by
his appearance when had seen him
last, he had probably strained some
vital part. and I feared to find him
forced to give up life as well as the
army. On reaching the house I sent In |
my card and was ushered into his
room.
There sat Charlie IN an easy chair, |
surrounded by every luxury, putting |
fragrant cigar. His color was the /
healthiest, and his flesh was his usual |
220 pounds. A white headed old lady |
went out Of the room as | entered It
and left us alone together.
'T've sent for you, old man." he said,
''to get me out Of a hole. | haven't
yet been retired and am amenable to
discipline. In fact, I'm here
without leave. | want you to go to
and fix matters up for
me-"
tT'll send a surgeon to see you. He'll
give you a certificate, suppose. OF dis
ability"
mo. he won't" replied Charlie
sim not sick"
'Well. then, what's the natterg
Charlie reached out. pushed a but
Ton, maid appeared and he told her
% ask her mistress II she would honor
him with her presence. In few mo-
nents a pretty woman Of about TWEEN
weight stepped into the room and
stood. so to speak. at attention.
THAT'S what's the matter" said
Charlie. ''Mrs. Edgerton. permit me to
present one of my most esteemed
brother officers. Colonel Brewster, call .
d sometimes r. Rooster by those who
owe him, gentleman and soldier
very inch. Colonel. Mrs Edgerton is
o honor me with her hand. retire I
rom the army into matrimony."
/ could have been knocked down
With feather. While all us fellows :
lad been galloping over the country to
'revent being retired the big, good ma
ured, winsome, lazy st. Clair had
ropped out Of the race into the arms !
t charming widow and a splendid
ortune.
Mrs. Edgerton had taken pity on
DOR st. Clair from the day he had rid
en- up to her house and had given him
9th meat and drink. Every day after
hat he would say that he must be :
one. and the widow would say that
e was not yet recovered. Before he
ras considered out of danger he had