The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1918-12-24
CAMPS WERE NEAR.
BY CARRIE L. P. CURTIS.


Oececa Evans came tripping gently
down the steps of the Restabit House
81 won't stay another minute" an
nounced she to Mrs. Kanet. Mrs.
Kanet was chaperoning a party q
girls at the Restabit House. whats
doing now, Oececa aren't you enjoy
ing vourself?" Nothing doing that's
it, nothing doing" replied Oececa.
why, what has happenedF 1
haven't enjoyed M minute since I've
been here. The other girls 80 off every
afternoon, and here l am. All I've
heard is Sergeant Herald, this, and
Sergeant Herald, that. And the mil
lion-dollar b~oy-Rebekah, Jane, Glad
ice and Eluta are gone on him. He is
here at the beach today, and the girls
have gone with him for a SAIL" oh,
my dear, haven't you met Sergeant
Herald? / see now you're anxious
to meet him and the opportunity hasn't
come. Well, you shall meet him, and
perhaps you may be the winner at
the end" Il have no desire to meet
him now. l am going home" Nov
Oececa, the party leaves here Thurs
day noon won't you please remain
with us? If you will stay I'll tell
you a scheme that has entered my
mind" said Mrs. Kanet.
Sergeant Herald's mother and l
are very intimate friends. Saturday
Mr.. Kanet and l go to u camp 'ldyl
Wyld.' Sunday morning, Sergeant
Herald, with his parents go to theirs,
THE Herald Our camps are near
together; now If you will go as our
maid, I'll promise that you will meet
the million dollar boy" eyes, I'll
CO." said Oececa, slipping on a dain-
ty white apron. Oececa skipped swift
Iy about the ~kitehenette, helping Mrs.
Kanet to get lunch. isn't he great?'
"Some sail"
At one o'clock Saturday noon Mr..
and Mrs. Kanet with Oececa as their
maid left for 'Idyl Wyld." That night
as Oceca sat on the piazza of 'Iydl
VIVID" she was thinking: He comes
tomorrow. Mrs. Kanet gives a party
in his honor on Monday. I'll be right
In my glory if 1 can meet him." Bright
and early Sunday morning a grand
limousine drove into the yard at 'The
Herald" Mr.. and Mrs. Herald and
their son, Sergeant Vertner Herald,
stepped from the car. That evening
Mrs. Kanet said to Oececa, IF you
will prepare lunch, I'll take this in
vitation to the Herald family"
All day Monday Mrs. Kanet and
Oececa were busy getting things in
readiness for the party that evening.
The reception oom was decorated in
patriotic colors. At Z 80 o'clock Ser
geant Herald rang the bell at "Idyl
Wyld." Mrs. Kanet, accompanied by
Oececa, greeted Sergeant Herald at
the door. "G0od evening" said the
lad. Sergeant Herald-Miss Evans"
"Glad to know you, Miss Evans"
Happy to know you, Sergeant Her
aid. Aren't your parents comingT'
eyes, they will be here shortly" Mr..
and Mrs. Herald entered the room.
"YOu must meet Oececa. She is the
girl in the pale green messaline," said
Sergeant Herald to his parents.
At eight O'Clock the Colony band be-
gan TO keep the Home Fires Burn
ing" The receiving line passed TO the
rear of the room, Sergeant Herald
gently holding the arm of Miss Evans.
Don't l wish that the girls might see
their 'million-dollar boy. " said Oececa.
Dancing was enjoyed until 10 80,
when refreshments were served. The
next hour was spent in pleasant con-
versation. "How long have you worn
the uniformly" asked Oececa. 1.-Two
years next October; and it's a great
garment, too" was the reply. "How
much longer is your furlOughF'
'Three days" "TOday is the 10th
and you 90 on the 13thT' "Yes, at
8 p. M" "The 10Th is my birthday"
Oececa said, smiling. "Wouldn't you
like to go for a row on the lake. that
dGyY' Indeed, l could not refuse"
The next day Sergeant Herald took
a trip to the city on an errand III
known to a person except himself.
When he returned he had a small box
in his possession.
The following day was Oececa's
birthday. Sergeant Herald and Oececa
went to the lake. Never had Oececa
enjoyed herself as she did that after
noon. Not a sound invaded the still
ness, save for the dipping of the oars
Sergeant Herald suddenly spoke: u
dreamed last night that l could sacri-
fee all for you. Oh, if dreams could
only come true" "Why can't dreams
come true?' said Oececa. 'They might
il you would only ccnsentl" Remain.
ing silent a minute, while the blushing
Of those fair cheeks seemed to speak
for her, she then spoke: "Silence
gives consent" Those words were
scarcely uttered when Sergeant Her
aid took her left hand in his, and from
a small box which he held In his right
hand he took a ruby ring. "This is
your birthday. 1 place this ring upon
YOU finger. My birthday is the 18TH