Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-07-20

start for the depot and home he was
in the condition known as mellow. He
thought everybody a good fellow. and
he thought every good fellow an old
veteran. and thus when particularly
keen looking good fellow asked him
into a barroom on his way to drink to
Old Glory there was no hesitation.
The major will remember to his dy-
ing day that he took brandy. He was
drinking the last Of 1t when he felt
sleepy and the voice Of the good fel
low sounded far off, When he came
to his senses again he was in bed ut
hotel and medical looking man was
saying to n young man who didn't look
medical at all:
Hell do now. but there vas time
when 1t was doubtful. He must have
got an awful dose"
Knockout drops, Of course"
"Oh. of course. Luc.;y for him he
has a strong heart. He'll be nearly
all right In the morning. but II you
can spare the time you'd better see
him home. He'll be trembly for two
or three days"
The major heard that much and won
dered and slept He awoke again at
midnight and sat up in bed to see a
young man beside him. He got dose
Of medicine. and then he suddenly ex
claimed:
"Here-what's all this? Where am
II"
Don't excite yourself. major"
soothed the other. you are at the
Revere hotel and very much better
than you were three hours ago. Sleep
and quietness are what you need now.
In the morning you shall learn ALL"
"But my bonds-my bonds" shouted
the patient.
Right there before you on the stand.
with your watch and pin-not thing
missing"
At daylight. when the man Of Mars
swung his legs out Of bed. the young
man sat by the window smoking and
smiling. He advanced and presented
his card and observed that he had the
honor Of already knowing the majors
name.
"Now, then, what's this all about?
And where's my wife and daughter"
was demanded sharply as the patient
reached his feet to find himself so
weak that he had to fall back on the
bed.
~ beg pardon. major. but as you
were on your way to the depot yester-
day afternoon you met an old soldier
and drank with him. He was a con.
6dence man. | entered the place just
as the knockout drops had put you
into his hands. You lost nothing, and
| brought you here and called doc
tor. You are pretty near all right
now. but shall see you home after
we have had something to eat. Don't
object. please. You are weak and diz-
zy yet"
The idea that he had been ninny
gruelcd the major. but he was too
weak to shout. He wanted to think.
but his brain was too sluggish. He
was. therefore. like baby IN the
hands of the other for awhile. Strong
coffee and Il bite to eat and the ride
to the depot braced him up. and as
the train started he suddenly eXciaim-
cd:
Good Lord, but what could they
have thought of my not coming home
last night:"
"0h. telephoned them from the no.
TEL" was the answer
"But-but- See here. young man.
how did you know where to telephone
to? By Jimmy. sir. are you the mash
er that met my wife and daughter iD
the depot?"
"Well. major" said the other. ITO
tell you the truth, | am. But I'm no
masher. and was trying to get II
chance to speak to you and introduce
myself properly when saw you ac-
costed by that confidence man"
"And you've been Of assistance TO
me! Why. sir. you've mashed the
whole darned family. Come along
with me-come along. sir-and meet
my daughter Kate. Lord bless the
masharp'