Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1913-02-20

Tho instruments Kept UP contInu-
Gus Clicking.
had escorted her, who had remained
silent, now entered the conversation.
Have you been receiving some bad
news, Miss Mitford?" he asked sympa-
thetically.
''Oh, no."
Maybe some friend OF yours has
gone to the front, and" interposed
the first officer.
We'll, supposing he had" said Caro-
line. would you call that bad news"
Il don't know as you would exactly
like to"
Let me tell you" said Caroline, "as
you don't seem to know, that all my
friends have gone to the front"
There was an emphasis on the pro-
noun which should have warned the
young soldier what was about to &C.
cur. but he rushed blindly to his DOOM
II hope not all, Miss Milford he
replied.
yes. ALL" rejoined Caroline. making
the "all' very emphatic, FOR il they
did not they wouldn't be my friends. "
But some Of us are obliged to stay
here to take care Of you. you know"
contributed the other young man.
We'll, there are altogether too
many Of you trying to take care of
me-" said Caroline saucily. with some
rot Of hnr liuh go a
you are all discharged"
do you mean that, Miss Milford"
81 certainly do"
well, 1 suppose II we are really
discharged, we will have to Co." re-
turned the other.
Yes" said his companion regret
fully, but we are mighty sorry to see
you In such low spirits"
Would you like to put me in real
| good spirits, you two7" asked Caro-
line, resolved to read these young
handles who were staying at home a
lesson.
Wouldn't WEI" they both cried to.
gether. There's nothing we would like
better"
We'll, l will tell you just what to do
them" returned the girl gravely and
with deep meaning.
Everybody in the room, with the ex-
ception of Lieutenant Foray, was now
/ listening intently.
Start right out this very night"
said the girl, and don't stop till you
get to where my real friends are, lying
in trenches and bitches and earth
works between lib and the Yankee
guns"
"But really, Miss Milford" began
one, his face flushing at her severe re.
buke, you don't absolutely mean
that"
SO far as we are concerned" said
one of the messengers, including his
companions with sweep Of his hand,
wed like nothing better. but they
won't let US go, and"
Il know they won't" said Caroline
but 30 far as you two gentlemen are
concerned, ] really mean it Go and
fight the Yankees a few days and lie
In bitches a few nights until those
uniforms you've got on look as IL they
might have been of some use to some.
body. II you are so anxious to do some
thing for me, that is what you can do.
1t Is the only thing | want, 1t is the
only thing anybody wants"
Messenger here!" cried Lieutenant
Foray as the two young officers, humil.
lated beyond expression by the taunts
OF the impudent young maiden. backed
away and finally managed to make an
ungraceful exit through the open door.
followed by the filters Of the messen-
gers, who took advantage OF the pres.
ence OF the young girl TO indulge In
this grave breach of discipline.
Messenger" cried Foray impa-
tiently.
Here, sir" came the answer.
"Commissary generals office!" waa
the injunction with which Foray hand
ed the man the telegram.
He looked up at the same time. and
with great start OF surprise caught
sight OF Caroline at the far end Of the
hong room.
i Deg your pardon, Miss Milford
said the operator, scrambling to his
Feet and making frantic effort to get
INTO his coat. Il heard some one come
IN, but | was busy with an important
message and didn't appreciate that
NO, never mind, don't put on your
coat said Caroline, 81 came on busl
ness and"
you want to send a telegram" ask
ed the Lieutenant.
Yes"
am afraid we cant do anything
tor you here, Miss Milford, this Is
war Department Official Telegraph
Ofice, you know"
Yes, l know" said Caroline, but
II Is the only way to send 1t where |
want 1t to 60 and /"
AT that moment the clicking OF
Key called Lieutenant Foray away.
Excuse me-" he said stepping
quickly to his table.
Ml6a Milford 1x&No Ind uavar bafOr6