The Oklahoma City times. [volume] (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 1908-1984, 1918-08-03

DAo'hNe' ~ HAaNkNs
CAPTAIN GRANTLAkD gave a
[ few hurried sentences OF instruc-
ton to the captain OF the railroad
guards, and then. with a little nod to
me we stepped out OF the tent into the
fragrant woodland at the side OF the
railroad track
Poor old William. like a faithful
watch dog, followed close at our heels
Captain Grantland sGp9ed short as he
realized that the orfVchap was walk
ing close behind us
you don't need him now" he said
with decision.
IL was tone an assumption OF au-
thorty which ! would have res
from any one else | did no, anllyzc
my contented aC"uiesconcc TO h.S com
wand- for it was virtually th-t-nor
did ! wish to do so Time enough for
analysis, savage self -crl. cism in
the hours Of iu.rospcct'on which |
knew must soon come to me.
Ought he not to have some protec.
ton on the way back a-Ecd. thus
avoiding a direct assent to his state
= mt. "Ile might he stopped again
william Is Puzzled,
True" He turned TO William with
a curt command "S and iere. close t.
Mrs. Graham. until come back" and
IN another minute he was inside the
tent again.
Mis- Gramie. do you know that fel-
Ter, 2" W,'iam whispered hoarscly as
soon lptain Gran;land's back was
turn d. hats e goln' along with US
ier2 ! don't like his looks nohow"
| realized that must quickly make
William understand the situation. for
the old chap was as obstinate as the
provcrbial mule where my safety or
comfort was concerned. | knew that
even Captain Grantlands cow NJ
would not be sufficient, TO make him
leave me unless also yrstie hun 60
Captain Grantlapd isAhk army Of
iioer, William" I eNSlAsped slowly,
trying to suit my langNSss 70 his linn
tied vocabulary, "and ssngN do what
ever he says. He tHh,s< it best for
YOU to go back home right away to
take care of things there. and he will
take me TO the station himself"
w llltdnlA was tlORIuNUt IbI II
'ong moment. | knew that had hurt
the poor old fellows sclf-esteem. and
felt vaguely guilty. After a moment
he spoke doRgedly:
"But do you know him, Mis- Gramie7"
he persisted W do you know he's
what he says he is?'
u have known Captain Gran,and a
long time. William" returned, for
heard the officers footsteps approach
ing, and wished no further controversy
But my checks burned in the darkness
al the falSehood.
We'll" William mutteTcd sullenly "if
he's such big army officer why amt
he tendin' to his business2 lie don't
need to take you to no station when
I'm right here TO 60"
II was only the angry comment of an
offended man-of- all work, but | real
lzed the truth of it instantly Perhaps
because OF this very realization nv
tone sharpened
hat will do, William" said de
cldedly, and the next instant Captain
Grantland's voice sounded behind. us.
This man will go DacK with you.
William" he said, indicating railroad
guard who accompanied him. Then
YOU will have no further trouble"
His words were commonplace, but
there was an intonation IN his voice as
he pronounced Williams name winch
made my cheeks burn. II was an
amused infection. and ! knew that he
must have heard part at leas, of the
colloquy between William and me con
cerninp h" "lf
William deigned no answer TO either
OF us, but turned and followed the
guard up the bank to the pipe line Ev-
cry line of his Nuai figure outlined |
in the faint moonlight spelled dogged !
Captain Grantland stood still until
The old chap and his escort had reached |
the top OF the bank. Then he placed |
his hand lightly under my elbow. and
guided me. up the bank He didn't
speak until we had turned our faces
toward Stoneville Centre. ! won
1ered vague il he had waited and had
from speaking in order 10 he
sure that we were out OF earshot OF
$50 William wonders why I 'aint
tendin' to my business" =" he quoted
amusedly after a little
"Oh. you heardw ! was afraid my
voice betrayed my confusion.
"C nuldn't very veil helm - he re- |