Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1914-02-25

Hawk again. my Henry-that horse
viii complain of you soon, the strong
beast What is it you are in such
hurry to say that one must race across
country SO Of good hour Of the morn
ing?"
But Henry was too intent to talk
nothings. 1T is important" he said
briefly. I'VE must have a captain for
the company at once, and it must be
you"
Sabre de boisi" smiled Francois ra-
dainty. The good idea! I can not
imagine fellow more beautiful to be
captain than l. Can your"
But Henry was altogether serious
minded. you will consent them" he
threw at him. Il did not think of it
till this morning, bu; see it should
be done at once We shall all want
you, Of course. and want nobody else"
Now Henry Hampton, not having
thought of the question till this morn
ing, had no right to make this state.
ment in full round voice of certainty.
Yet he knew every man in the com.
pany, and he felt in himself the force
to answer for them. He answered
for them without a hesitation. And
with that Francois laughing face grew
grave. He pushed the letters from him
and got up and came across to the boy
and bent and Put his arm around his
shoulder as he sat still and stiff.
These French ways of his friend
pleased Henry immensely, but they
also petrifled him with embarrass-
ment. Francois was not in the least
embarrassed. He patted the broad
young shoulder affectionately.
my good Henry" he said gently.
What loyal heart-and what reck-
less one! How then can you answer
for all those messieurs?"
Harry flung up his head and began.
"They will-if they do not | shall make
them"-but Francois stopped the bold
words.
mo" he said quietly-yet with a
tone of finality which the other recog-
nized. THAT will not be necessary. And
the messieurs are my good friends;
they will treat me with honor; they
will be better to me than deserve.
know that WELL" There were SO few
people in the world who did not, to
Francois, seem his good friends. "But,
my Henry, / win not be the captain.
have thought of that, If you have not.
Look here"
He swung to the desk and slipped
out a drawer, and had long folded
paper in his hands. He tapped it
open before HaTrys eyes. 1t was
formal notice to Mr.. Henry Hampton,
junior. that the Jefferson troop of vir-
ginia had elected him as it's captain.
Harry flushed violently and his
mouth quivered with pleasure. with
nervousness, with unhappiness. The
other watched him eagerly All this
affair of the troop he had done to
give pleasure to Harry Hampton. his
friend. It was the only way IN which
the lame boy could be on equal terms
with the other boys, and Francois had
determined from the first that every
joy which could be cleaned out OF
it he should have. To be the captain
ought to be Joy.
IT" Harry cried and then was silent
and then spoke sorrowfully. But
it can not bel"
Can not be-" demanded Francois.
why not?"
There was moments silence and
with a painful effort the words came,
"My-misfortune. / am lame"
And Francois cried out, ''Henry--aIl
that is nonsense! What of it? 1t is
a thing you do az well as the best
riding. Who has such a seat, such
hands as you? Why not then, l de-
mand?" And went on. ct is settled.
| have talked to them all-see the sig
natures. You are the captain, my
Henry-and l am your right hand and
your left hand-yes and your feet. too
whenever you need me-
But" said Harry, dazed, cit is really
your place; don't you want to be cap
tain?" he shot at the other boyishly
And with that Francois arm 4
about his shoulder again as the two