The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1909-07-21
A MAJOR AND
4 WASHER.
The Gruff Cid Soldier Conquered
In Spite of Himself.
BY SUSAN n. ENDlCOTT.

Copyright 1909, by Associated Literary
Press.
Major James Godfrey, q. S. A, re-
tired and living in his own villa with
wife and daughter, had several fads
and fancies to keep the family and the
neighbors busy, but one particular fad
was destined to get him into trouble
sooner or later.
He could read in his morning paper
with the greatest equanimity of MUIR
ders, rObberies assaults, thefts and
burnings at the stake. but when he
came across an item about a masher
he fired up at once and shouted out
that he would give $500 out of his own
pocket to see the scoundrel lynched or
sent to prison for life.
His daughter used to look at him in
wonder when he broke out in this
fashion, while the wife was discreet
~ silent. Perhaps the latter had flirt-
ed bit before giving her heart to the
major and he was remembering it in
his old age.
For three months Miss Kate had
wanted to attend an art school in the
city and receive instructions. During
those three months there happened to
be an unusual number of ''mashes' re-
corded in the papers, and the father
would not hear Of her even running up
to town to do a little shopping unless
he or the mother went along. He
was as firm as the rock of Gibraltar.
After a time, however, the record be-
gan to peter out, and as he was pleas
ed with what his daughter had already
done with the brush and had hopes of
her future the major finally gave his
consent. 1t was only eight miles to
the city, and then street car would
take her right to the doors of the
school. All she had to do. going and
coming, as the father told her over and
over, was to keep her eyes cast down
and her purse clutched tightly in her
hand.
Unknown to her, he took the same
train to the city with her for week.
and then, as nothing happened and his
rheumatism got worse, he left her to
AlttAC uCl way
Two weeks had passed when Miss
Kate came home one afternoon in a
futter. Her mother happened to be
out, and she must tell some one. She
therefore related to the father that
while on the street car en- route to the
depot and home some thief had snip
ped the chain of her purse and borne
the prize away. The prize held her
return ticket and a dime.
At the depot she found her tears
falling, but good Samaritan had
come forward and handed her change
actly say whether he was a grand
father or young man, homely or good
looking. He had spoken only a few
words and lifted his hat and retired
1t might have been a white hat or
black one-she could not tell. Obey
ing her father, she had kept her eyes
on the floor, and they were filled with
tears besides.
The major heard the story to the
end, and then he roared The man
who had taken pity on her financial
condition at the depot was a masher,
of course. He had followed her home
on the train. He would meet her
again and make the matter an excuse
for addressing her.
He was no grandfather. but a young
man and no doubt professional
masher. Miss Kate should have re-
pulsed him with scorn. She should
have had him arrested She should
have hired truck to bring her home
or walked if all the trucks were busy.
For quarter of an hour he ,scolded
and growled and then wound up by
saying that the art school business
was at an end. She could attend no
more. He would sit on the front We
randa with a shotgun across his knees,
and if that plotting masher even
passed the house he should carry
away buckshot. Tears were shed and
loving appeals made. but the rock of
Gibraltar was right there
Two weeks passed, and the masher
did not appear At least the major did
not fire upon any Of the young men
driving or walking on the highway.
The daughter felt that the stranger
had been actuated by the kindest mo-
tives. He had spoken just enough
not word more. He had not offered
his card. The fare was only % cents,
but she felt ashamed that she could
not return it. Had opportunity offered
for second meeting she would have
insisted on doing so.
Two weeks passed away, and then
the mother went to the city to do a
little shopping. She also came home
with a tale to tell. She thought she
was telling it to her daughter alone,
but il so hammered that tho mo ior .,-or