The Meeker herald., 1916-12-30
B, F. A. mitchell


1t down on a table. The man. who
was evidently very hungry. applied
himself to It, then asked the butler If
he could give him anything to wash 1t
down. The butler gave him more
crushing look than his mistress and
disappeared. After conference with
her he returned with decanter and
a glass. The man took stiff drink.
then told the butler to say to the young
lady that he would like to speak with
her. In few minutes she came out
and stood waiting for what he had to
say.
~ am discharged soldier" he said.
from the army in Belgium"
The girls manner changed at once.
"Did YOU ever meet Captain Trevel.
Hon thereT' she asked.
81 was with him constantly!'
Indeed"
"That accounts for my making my
self Mt home in this house."
IF you had told me that you were a
friend Of his would have given you
more cordial reception"
"You are one of those who rented the.
place after Trevellion's departure.
suppose"
Eyes; we moved here a few days
after he went to the front"
"You never saw hlm?"
mo. I've been told he Ia q very
handsome man."
Handsome! Who told you thatT'
Every one who has ever seen him
considers him handsome"
1--WE seen him every day for ten
months. and never saw anything
good looking about him."
That's probably because you've seen
him dressed no better than you. You
can't expect a man to be fine looking
got up as you are"
The man smiled. you would never
take me for d handsome man. would
your
There was no reply to this. Silence
gives consent.
II suppose" said the girl, you will
admit that Captain Trevcllion is brave,
since hear that he has won the
CROSSE"
How did he get it? He simply went
out In advance of the line and hauled
another fellow in. There was nothing
more In that than all going together.
In fact, when we went together they
were firing at US together"
"You can't be friend of Captain
Trevelllon and be Jealous Of him."
II Jealous Of him! I'm Just as brave
man as he, and when I'm dressed up
am just as handsome"
zone thing you are not" retorted the
girl angrily. you are not as modest
as he" She was going, into the house
when he called her back.
What would you say If told you
that I have the cross US well as Ire
vellionT'
II wouldn't believe you. Only mod
est men are brave"
He put his hand inside his flannel
shirt and drew out cross made Of
gun metal. The girl looked at 1t with
wide open eyes But she was evidently
not convinced.
"How did you get 1t away from
him?" she asked. Ibid you take 1t
when he was asleep?"
The man laughed. When his mirth
had subsidized he said:
IN not bother you any longer. You
are very good to have had 30 much pa.
tience with me. I'm TrevAlion. I've
come back with the cross, but I've
come back a wreck felt that 1 must
come to my old home. though 1t is in
the hands of strangers. l wonder II
can be taken in here till get some
strength"
He said this SO despondently that the
girls heart was touched.
i've no doubt that you can, Captain
Trevillion. I'll go and ask mamma"
stay" he said. I'VE men who are
accounted heroes are not heroes. They
give us these baubles to make US think
we are that they may make US fodder
for shrapnel Let me rest for a mo-
ment, then will go on. said what !
did about remaining here in a moment
Of weakness"
He poured out another glass from
the decanter. drank It and, rising.
made us courtly bow to the girl as be
could under the circumstances, then
slowly descended the steps and limped
down the walk.
"Poor fellowv' she said. IT wonder
II he is really brave or liar and a
coward. He certainly don't look like
the heroes I've read of In story books. e
Very likely he was all three War
has its realism us well as other depart.
| mpnts of life