Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-01-10
The Daily
Short Story
AFTER THE WAR
By Cecille Langdon.

invaded from the front on account
of wounds and illness. A month to
a day later he reached New York
city. Bells were ringing, whistles
snrieking, bands playing to cele-
Drate a great event. The war was
over and his medals of bravery and
advancement to Iieutenancy were
evidences of his effective partici-
patton in the world conflict.
There was the constant picture
OF father, mother, home anu Win
ME in his mind as he sped west on
a train with Franklin his native
town the destination in view. Win
some Winnie Bryce was included in
the group because he had been very
near to a declaration of love when
they had parted after his enlist
ment. Then, too, she had CORES
pended regularly with him, and the
months in the trenches had been
pleasantly punctuated with gifts of
sweaters, comforts, outfits, boxes
of fudge and the like. So Bryce
had made up his mind when he got
home to nurse his love if Winnie
was receptive, which he fully be-
heved her to be and in which con-
lecture he was eminently correct.
There was delirious welcome of
the hero, son and brother, in which
the whole town shared. Winnie
was proud and happy when he sin
gled her out as his chief" girl
companion amid the festive social
functions of his first week. The
edge of a vague cloud somewhat
Swallowed the sunny sky of her life
when Bryce accidentally dropped
a photograph from his pocket. Her
brother had found it and had re-
turned it to Bryce, but not until
Winnie had a sight OF it.
The photo was one of Nina Lee
fere" taken in France, and pre-
scented a piquant, expressive face.
The eyes were soulful, the smile
soft and winning. A sudden pang
of jealousy assailed Winnie. She
had heard of soldiers sweethearts
abroad .and wondered if this was
some casual flame OF her knight
errant, whose sole undivided affec-
ton she craved. She longed 10 ask
Bryce about this mysterious lady,
but could not bring herself to do
so. What right had she to question
the preference of one who had in
no wise committed himself as to
his especial interest in her? She
was to degree somewhat con-
strained in manner and Bryce no |
tIced il. He was determined to
learn his fate. 1t was clear aut-
umn day when air, sky and earth !
early fall rather than
and they were seated |
on the steps of the porch when he
turned his face toward her. ardent !
and glowing. Instantly Winnie felt |
that declaration was on his lips, |
when there was an interruption.
A great shaggy dog had suddenly !
bounded over the fence, lifted his |
lead, uttered a resonant bay OF de- !
light, ran towards Bryce and leap I,
ed upon him bodily The animal |
al but caressed Bryce who, with a |
1ry of incredulity exclaimed:
''Vantrim! the ambulance pet OF
he battalion. Why, how did he
sver come here? Winnie, it is one
If the dogs l have told you so
much about.
Bryce sprang to his feet. Enter
ng the gate was a cOmrade of the
'ront who rushed towards him with
arms, seized him, kiss
ng him first on one cheek and then
)l-the other.
Bon camrade!" exulted the dap
ger effusive Frenchman. rs it
wonder at seeing him here? All!
have sought you purpOsely and
fn I'd
Ill smiles and dazzling eyed, the
original Of the photograph, the my
,terious Nina Lefere. !,
She extended both hands and
,aught those of Bryce in a fervent
.lasp. Winnie's heart sank at the
,alpable demonstrations OF fun af-
ection.
'Ah, the young LADY," spoke
'ierre Du Bots abruptly. Tell her
4 us and l will tell more" And
,ryce introduced his old comrade.
THE mademoiselle no longer"
Interrupted Du Bots. MY wife,
ear lady" and a great harden was
fitted from the mind of Winnie.
And then the story came out OF
ina Lefere. a refugee crossing the
ines and telling of her father, held a.,
aptiye in a near town in Belgium
n the hands of the enemy. awaiting
ransom; of brave Bryce and some ,
omrades effecting his rescue: of =,
)u Bots later going to the town to I,
hearth the buried treasure of the !,
iamond merchant. and now /,
"See." cried the volatile French g.,
IAN, lit is her father now at New !
-ork. And because Nina loved me, ..
he consented to wed me, and be- =
ause you rescued him and l later ,
ecured for him his treasure, he !
as made me rich and sent me hith- :
r to bestow upon you as well a :
Ill share of reward for your brave, 7
indy service" :
And now the sun emerged brigh-
sr than ever from behind the dark :
loud Winnie had feared. And :
hen the visitors had been COM =
)rtably bestowed in the Leslie :
ONE. Bryce ran down to Winnie =
, tell her that he had forgotten
What he had forgotten was to tell
er that he lover her. And as they
.ood at the garden gate, and Win Z
lie flusteringly whispered to Bryce
aniels what he so longed to hear, p
lie moon came forth radiant, glor-
us. as it always should when hap
+ lovers Might their trOth!