El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1912-05-29
Both Sides OF the Shield
BY the Late Maj. Archibald Butt, U. S. A.
by b A Love Story OF the Soufb Old New
Copyright by Va NIO NO"D'' NN "H4
Continued from Previous Issue).

and soon we would start again. I cared ,
not how many times the traces might
snap or how long it took us to get to
church while opposite TO me sat Miss
Ellen, her eyes laughing into mine
every time the horses were brought to
a stop
Bud, the harness is getting pretty
DID," said the colonel with grave diSni-
ty when Bud halted the coach for the
fifth time, 1 think, and just within
sight of the old church.
yes, father, it must be considerably
older than / am answered Bud cheer
fully, as he used the last bit Of Irvine
he had. But il will hold together an
other six months, 1 reckon smiling
into the coach at Miss Ellen and me-
DO you think the coach will hold
together that long, Bud2" neryOusly
asked Mrs. Turpin, for her faith in the
vehicle was but little; indeed, she had
suggested using the wagon before We
started.
How can you ask such a question.
Mary2" said the colonel showing an
nOyance. Has it not lasted ever
since George Washington visited Au-
gustav 1t win be here when we are
gone and serve your grandchildren
well yet, I'll be bound" at which Miss
Ellen cOlOred and Bud laughed heart
lily.
Bud drove to the back Of the church,
where there were long rows of horse
stalls. There were several old coaches
standing by, but none as ancient or as
grand as ours, and I found myself tax
ing pride in the apparent antiquity of
the family ! was visiting and remem-
Der quite well sneering at the newly
painted buggies which were lined
along the fence. We not only had a
pew well up under the chancel, but
occupied place of honor among the
middie-aisle aristOcracy. 1 had never
heard Miss Ellen sing and did not know
now whether she was soprano or alto.
1 was tempted SOrely TO look around
just once to see her in the organ loft,
but so many eyes were fixed on me
that / kept mine fixed relgiOusly on
the minister. After sermon the Tur-
pins held quite a reception under the
pines in the yard, and L was given an
opportunity of seeing in what respect
they were held in the county. Several
of the young men invited me to hunt
with them and offered me their guns,
shells and dogs. We know Bud is
you say the word we viii ride by for
you some day this week" Miss Ellen
was the center OF attraction, and ev-
cry man tried to edge himself within
the circle that surrounded her in order
TO receive enc passing remark from her
at least. She seemed entirely uncOn-
scious Of the influence she eXerted
in her limited sphere, yet apparently
took this homage for granted, or so 1t
appeared to me
I'VE must have a dance in the hall
while Mr.. Palmer is here" / heard her
saying to some of the girls who were
standing near, at which they immedi-
ately set up such a clatter and chatter
as hundred sparrOws might be eX-
pected to make upon the first warm
day in spring. The following Friday
was settled as the day, and all, boys
and girls as well, agreed TO come
Thursday and help cook the supper for
the party, and each agreed to bring
something Margaret Robertson said
she would bring all the sugar needed
Tor the cake, Bert Simmons promised
three quarts of cream for the sillabub,
and Jim Barrett said he would make
UP the rest that might be needed: Ruth
Howard would donate flour, and an
other offered chicken for the salad;
and so on down the list
Be sure TO bring them picked.
George Adams" said Miss Ellen, laugh
ing, to the lad who had donated the
chickens. for if Sally StOvau is there
you will be of no assistance, as we
know from experience. And two OF
YOU girls must come prepared to spend
the night of the ball TO help clear away
the remnants next day" All yOlun-
teered, and Miss Ellen had a hard
zine to choose between them, so highly
waS this honor priced. The rector,
coming out and hearing what all the
chatter was about, delivered a lecture
upon the frivolity of youth and ended
by saying:
And if no one has seen about the
music, promise to furnish that as
my share 7 will bring my old violin
and be one Of tbs band myself" which
announcement was greeted with ap-
plause, for 1 heard Afterwards that
no one could keep such good time as
Mr. Lamb, and the darby DaEd always
played better when he led.
That afternoon a number Of older
people in the county called, and Miss
Ellen served tea on the shady side OF
the house under the porch. Later Bud
and / rode horseback He took me to
see the camping ground of Gen. Sher-
man, which Miss Ellen had pointed
out to me the night Of my arrival and
from there we took a circuitOus route
home He told me many of the diff
culties Of farming in the county. We
passed number Of farmers, and from
each learned something and stored up
in my mind many a quaint anecdOte for
my letters from these simple country
folk. One time when Bud had ridden
forward 10 consult someone about get
ting extra hands rode up to a stolid
looking individual whom 1 saw sitting
on a rail fence near by whiting |
stick. His beard and hair were IN
kempt and his whole attitude was one
Of supreme Indifference TO his sur
rOundingS.
Good morning" I said.
same to you" he answered without
looking up to see who had addressed /
How are your crops this yearg' I
asked.
Poor" was his monosyllabic reply
Good last year2"
"Nup-" With maddening Indifference.
4 hope your crops viii be better
next year" I ventured again.
Doubt it," was all he would answer.
The field back of him did not look en-
cOuraging. Despairing finally Of get
ting any Information from him, drew
rein, preparing to join Bud, adding,
however, before leaving
Well that's too bad"
With sudden animation he stopped !
whiting for a moment to look up and
remark:
'Tain't as bad as you think, my
friend; don't own this land"
1 rode off laughing at this quaint
conception of the value Of land. He !
had not intended to be either witty or
humorous, but was sincere in trying to /
disabuse my mind of false impression !
I might have of the extent Of his trOu- /
bles. When Bud rode up he explained !
to me that the man only EARNED on /
shares, and had he owned the land he !
would have been held responsible for |
the interest on the mortgage. Indeed, /
he said that to own certain of the /
land around that section was regarded 1
as a calamity.
That ride with Bud gave me much /