The Caldwell watchman. (Columbia, La.) 1885-1946, 1915-02-05
TheI.ast Shot
FREDERICK PALMER
Copyright. 1914. by Charles Scribner's Sons)

Lanstron's voice over the telephone.
She was pleased to think that she had
not lost her temper in her talk with
the staffotficer. No, she had not flared
once in indignation. 1t was as II she
had absorbed some Of Lannys own
self-control. Lanny would approve OF
her in that scene with an officer Of the
Grays. And she realized that a change
had come over her-a change mex
plicable and telling-and she was
tired-oh, SO tired! 1t had been ex-
hausting work, indeed, for one woman,
though she had been around the world,
making war on two armies.
The general staff officer Of the Grays,
who had tasted Marta's temper on his
first call, when he returned the next
morning did not enter unannounced.
He rang the dOor-bell
i have message for you from Cen
eral Westerling," he said to her. The
general expresses his deep regret at
the unavoidable damage to your house
and grounds and has directed that
everything possible be done immedi-
ately in the way Of repairs"
In proof of this the officer called at
tention to group of service-corps
men who were removing the sand-bags
from the first terrace. Others were
at work in the garden setting uprooted
plants back into the earth.
His Excellency says" continued
the officer that, although the house
is so admirably suited for staff pur-
| poses, we will find another II you de-
sire"
He was too polite and too consid'
crate in his attitude for Marta not to
meet him In the same spirit.
THAT Is what we should naturally
prefer" and Marta bowed her head in
indecision
1--WE should have to begin installing
the telegraph and telephone service on
the lower floor at once" he remarked
"In fact, all arrangements must be
made before the generals arrival"
He has been a guest here before,
she said remjnisCently and detachedly
Her head dropped lower, in appar
ent disregard of his presence, as she
took counsel with herself. She was
perfectly still, without even the move
ment of an eye-lash Other considera
tons than any he might suggest, ht
subtly understood, held her attention
They were the criterion by which she
would at length assent or dissent, ant
nothing could hurry the Marta of to
day, who yesterday had been
creature Of feverish impulse.
1t seemed long time that he wa
watching that wonderful profile unde
the very black hair soft with the soft
ness of flesh, yet firmly carved. Sh
4 lifted her head gradually, her eye
sweeping past the spot where De
I larme had lain dying, where Felle
r had manned the automatic, wher
Stransky had thrown Pilzer over til
parapet He saw the glance arreste
|. and focused on the flag of the Gray
which was floating from a staff on tn
t outskirts Of the town, and slowl!
I glowingly, the light ripping on i,
l. folds was reflected in her face.
J. "She is for US! She is Gray" b
thought triumphantly. The woma
u and the flag! The matter-of-fact stat
II officer felt the thrill OF sentiment,
J. 81 think we can arrange it," Mart
% announced with rare smile of assen
I. Then I'll go back to town and 81
u the signal-corps men to work."
j said.
10 And when you come you will fin
the house at your disposal" she a
IL sured him.
T. Except that he was raising his ca
10 instead Of saluting, he was consciot
of withdrawing with the Difference du
+ to superior.
In place OF the smile, after he ha
gone, came a frown and look in h,
II eyes as if at something revolving
III then the smile returned, to be gu
ceeded by the frown, which was fl
III lowed by an indeterminate shaking
H. the head.