Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1914-12-10

He looked up when the first pangf
OF hunger were assuaged. Enormous
broadshouldered. physical, his cheeks
flushed with wine, his eyes opened
wide and brilliant with the fire that
was in his nature-eyes that spoke the
red business Of anarchy and war.
Say, but you're pretty!"
Springing up, he caught her hand
and made to kiss her In the brashness
of impulse. Minna struck him sting
ing blow in the face. He received 1t
as n mastiff would receive bite from
a pup, and she stood her ground, her
eyes challenging his fearlessly.
$50 you are like thatl" he said
thoughtfully. "It was good one, and
you meant II, too"
Decidedly" she answered. There's
more where that came FRONT"
Then little Clarissa Eileen entered
and pressed against her mothers
skirts, subjecting Stransky TO child
hoods scrutiny. He waved q finger
at her and grinned and drew his eyes
together in q squirt at the bridge Of
his nose. making . funny face that
brought q laugh. =
your childr" Stransky asked Nina
,"Yes."
where's her fatherf Away fight
ingi"
II don't know where he Isl"
"OhI" he unused. "Was that blow
for him at the same time as for mer"
he pursued thoughtfully.
"Yes, for all Of your kind"
"M-m-m!" came from between his
lips as he rose. would you mind hold
ing out your hand" he asked with q
gentleness singularly out Of keeping
with his rough aspect.
/. "Why?" she demanded.
i've never studied any books OF ell
quette Of polite society, and am
poor sort at making speeches, anyhow.
But want to kiss good woman's
hand by way Of apology. never
kissed one in my life, but I'm getting
a lot Of new experiences today. VIII
your
She held out her hand at arms
length and flushed slightly 90 he
pressed his lips to 1t.
"You certainly do cut thick slices"
he said smiling. "And you certainly
are pretty" he added, passing out Of
the door as jauntily as II he were ready
for another fight and just in time to
see the colonel Of the regiment come
around the house. He stood at the
salute, half proudly, half dehantly. but
in nowise humbly.
"WeII, Major Dellarme!" was the
colonel's greeting of the company COM
mander.
"Major2" exclaimed Dellarme.
Eyes. Partow has the power. Four
of the aviators have iron crosses al
ready and promotion, too; and you
are a major. Company G got into
mess and the whole regiment would
have been in one unless you held on.
So let you stay. It all came out
right. as Lanstron planned-right so
far. But your losses have been heavy
and here you are in the thick OF 1t
again. Your company may change
places with Company e, which has
had a relatively easy time"
mo, sir; we would prefer to stay"
Dellarme answered quietly.
Good! Then you will take this
battalion and Ill transfer Groller to
Alyery's. Bad loss, Alvery-shrapnel.
The artillery has been doing ugly
work, but that is all in favor Of the
defensive. II we can hold them on
this line till tomorrow noon, it's all
we want for the present" he con-
cluded.
wen hold them! Don't worry!"
put In Stransky.
II private had spoken to colonel
in this fashion at drill, without being
spoken to. 1t would have been q glar-
ing breach of military etiquette. Now
that they were at war 1t was differ
emit. Real comradeship between officer
and man begins with war,
I'VE shall, eh?" chuckled the colonel.
"You look big enough to. hold any
thing. young man! Herel Isn't this
the fellow that Lanstron got ofif"
Eyes. SIR" answered Dellarme.
well, was Lanstron right?"
Eyes, SIR"
Wonderful man, Lanstronl"
"He knows just little too much!"
Stransky growled.
As Fracasse's men rose from their
trench for the final charge and found
that the enemy had gone, an officer
OF the brigade star brought instruc-
tions to the colonel
"The batteries are going to emplace
here for your support In the morning.
) You will move as soon as your men
have eaten and occupy positions B-S1
to B-S5. That gives you q narrow
front for one battalion, with two bat
talions In reserve to drive home your