The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1914-03-14

out acquiring a halo which adheres
afterward; it was fairly certain that a
military company. originating with the
Chevalier Beaupre, would succeed.
And II succeeded. Three days later
1t was started with the cordial sane
ton of the fathers and the enthusiasm
of the sons. Francois was, of>course,
the moving spirit and the responsible
head, and Francois was hard at work
calling back the old lore of his school
days at Saint-Cyr and reading books
on tactics and all military subjects.
Henry" said Colonel Hampton one
morning after breakfast at Roanoke
House, Il want to speak to you a mo-
ment in my study"
Harry went calmly into the dim
pleasant, old room, with its paneled
walls and portraits set into the panel
ing; he had no fear of what his uncle
might say, for he was not merely the
young nephew and ward living in his
uncle's house-he was the owner of
most of the acres which made the
plantation great one. Colonel Hamp-
ton considered that in his treatment
of Harry, and Harry knew it we'll
enough. Moreover, It was an unspok-
en- secret that Harry or Lucy had the
dealing with the head of the house.
Obstinacy combined sometimes with
weakness, 1t is true, but yet the two
youngsters understood clearly that the
colonel was the head only by a grace
full fiction. So young Henry Hampton
felt no alarm at the quality Of his
uncle's tone. The colonel sat down in
the biggest chair, chair throne-like
in its dignity; he faced the lad and
pulled Importantly at the end Of his
mustache.
This troop of cavalry about organ.
ized?" he demanded.
We'll, that's rather a big name for
it. Uncle Henry, but it is going like a
streak" answered Henry, Junior. I'VE
meet again today, and tomorrow
think we shall begin business"
Il approve of it," Colonel Hampton
stated.
Harry bowed his head gravely. The
colonel went on.
1T is a well-bred and appropriate
method OF amusement. A gentleman
should know something of military af-
fairs. But-ah-the ranking and
Heterogeneous? Such-details are
not unlikely with gentlemen of the
first families, as you all are-except
one-to crystalline into a-later impor-
lance. The man who has been the
leader of this company of very young
men will not unlikely be the man
thought Of as a leader in-ah-affairs
OF greater moment to come. May |
inquire who is the captain?"
Henry Hampton looked troubled.
impatient.
why. nobody yet, Uncle Henry. We
have not got to that. But. of course,
| the Chevalier-"
Colonel Hampton interrupted him.
Exactly. l thought so. That is what
l wish to avoid. The Chevalier must
not be the captain"
The boy caught up the words holly.
Uncle Henry, he has done it all. We
all want him"
him. l am surprised at you, Henry!
Do you remember that this man is
peasantborn Do you want to be led
into battle by a person whose rank
is not above that OF our own serv-
ants?"
Led into battle!" Young Henry
laughed shortly. Led into a corn
al 10 4,
glance fired. Moreover, Uncle Henry,
if there we're battle in the case, we
should all count ourselves lucky to be
led by-a hero"
"A hero!" Colonel Hampton shifted
"a mere French peasant by his own
account. OF course, have-received
him, because of your infatuation for
him. And-the young man has quail
ties. He has been a success socially
| will not deny. / am quite surprised
| by his success. But when il comes to
putting him in a position above men
of birth. my blood revolts. | request
you, Henry, to use your influence
against this. l can not endure to have
him give you commands. You should be
the captain, because your social posi-
ton has made the enterprise possible.
But, yet. if-your misfortune-if some
other seems more fit" A painful color
darkened the boys face and his brows
gathered. The colonel went on. 81
should make no objection to that. But"
again he pulled at the corners of his
mustache with solemnity-'I must re-
quest you to use your influence abso-
lutely to prevent this parvenu from
being placed over you"
Harry Hampton put his hand on the
table beside him and lifting himself
with that aid stood before his uncle.
leaning a little on the table as his
lame foot made it necessary, but yet
figure full of decision and dignity.
And / must refuse absolutely,
Uncle Henry, to do anything OF the
kind. am not in question. AS you
say, have-a misfortune. | shall use
what influence have to see that the
Chevalier Beaupre is made captain of
the company he has organized and is
to educate. This is fitting. am
proud to call him my friend, and l am
glad that | am large.minded enough to
realize that as large a mind as his is
not to be measured by petty standards
II he Is a prince or If he is a peasant
is quite immaterial, because he is first
very great thing-himself." He
turned from the astonished colonel.
and with his hating step was gone.