Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1917-10-18

N1oh SohSvtNVA WYNN hooh w bltVI
me-. I went out, now fearing no one
for the time; and while I walked the
streets, and In the Fields. to which I
made my way, I was twir1ing an oak
leaf in my fingers. But no one ohal-
lsnsed me, nor appeared to notice me,
for that matter; and 40 I walked back
70 the tavern for dinner, and after to
my room to think.
For II had come to me that It would
- mighty wise II were to change my
present quarters. Doubtless while
drunk. 6elfridge would spread the re-
port that Lieutenant Melton. had 70,
turned from his desperate errand, and
he result might be that would be
1eoked for. And then, thinking that
ne young man was probably sick af.
tar his. nights debauch. and that
would have nothing to fear from him
Dor that day,''I made up my mind to
30 out presently and hire a room in
O quieter quarter Of the city.
And a. ! was standing at my win.
COW and. looking out over what was
known .as Canvas Town." q colony
Of filth and violence that had sprung
~ among the ruins Of the great fire
q ITS. and vas but . little to the
west Of the tavern, there came q
knook on my door, and mine host ap.
gearing, announced that Lieutenant
eslfridgs had arrived and was in the
hail below.
There was nothing for II but to have
sp the vsry man was trying to
avoid; and 80 he came, laughing and
hilarious, and a. we'll and rosy as II
he had not put three or four bottles
beneath bis scarlet coat the night be.
fore. He was not sober even yet, but
nothing would serve him save that
90 to the coffee-room and help him
kill the brown bear" with another
bottle. r..- .,. .,
j was not greatly averse, seeing
was in for having him. like the wart
ON my elbow. at my side for the day:
and so We went down, l thinking
could manage the young chap, as l
might have done had had him alone.
On entering the coffee.room 1 saw
It was not empty. for four naval Off.
GERS were sitting quietly at a table,
and there was a bottle before each
man. The sight OF them made me eau
tious, but 1t seemed to have the oppo-
site effect on Selfridge. who, in his
eallowness and a drunken spirit. i'm.
mediately struck an absurd attitude
and, with an exaggerated wave of his
hand, announced:
Gentlemen. behold the bravest
man in the ARMY said not the navy,
mind. would to God that Bellmore
were here to Join us in bottle. l."
He got NO further. for at Bellmores
name one Of the officers jumped to his
feet and protested. "Bellmore, Sell
fridgef Let me inform you that It
were good taste not to mention Bell
more's name in that manner" .,
And why not?' demanded Sci.
Ridge. his face frowning and his tone
suddenly truculent.
Gods blood! Haven't We heard?"
Heard what1 Speak. bezonian!"
THAT poor Bellmore suicided last
down under a load of
debt"
"rhe devil he did," returned Sci.
Ridge carelessly. well, tits bad news
Tor Melton here-seeing he holds Bell.
more's note for hundred pounds,"
"Melton!" exclaimed the officer,
himself and looking
hard at me. "Is that Lieutenant Mel.
Ion?"
AYE, It is," returned Selfrldge.
"And just hack from hell and Sa.
lan's grip"
The man made no reply but came
from behind the table and walked up
10 me. almost thrusting his face into
mine.
And 30 you are Lieutenant Mel
tom" he said with an air Of contempt.
u have heard Of you from my best
friend, who now lies dead. I have
wished to meet you. Damn II, sir!
wish to say before all present here
and am not one to eat my words
That yoI are poltroon, a cheat, a
cursed cheat, and that you did my
friend Bellmore for one hundred
as you have done others for
different sums DO you hear me, sir?"
am Captain Merwin, of the marines.
On his majesty's frigate Somerset, now
n the bay
was too astonlshed TO speak, the
hing had come so suddenly. SO unex.
bectedly. ] stepped away pace. ..
Il don't know. You. sir, nor wish
TO-" he continued yehemently, for
you are cursed coward as well. You
to fight my friend on the plea
hat you were the worst swordsman in
.be service, and when he proposed pis.
.ols you took yourself off on a heroic
srrand for fear OF him. Damn you
'or q false black.hearted coward"
Now, while he was "outtering this
Iorth In such a fury that his words
over each other, was doing
some mighty, rapid thinking, was
we'll enOughiawarey or the ethics OF the