South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-02-16
The Lieutenant-C Colonel
By Olive Roberts Barton

great American army. before merely
a vague organization in khaki, be-
came to the Chathams a matter of
specific units. They learned TO dis
tinguish the importance of a corpor-
NJ or sergeant, and a captain looked
to them a veritable Napoleon of i'm
pOrtance.
When they planned TO motor to
camp to see Billy. Mr.. Chatham was
also planning diplomatic speeches he
should make TO the officers he should
meet through Marsdon. Coincidence
had taken Billy to the same divis-
ion.
II was a hot sunny day that the
Chathams car wendell it's way
through the city Of board and can
vas that housed forty thousand Of
Uncle Sans soldiers Enroute they
passed several open fields where
drilling was in progress. 1t was in
teresting TO watch the maneuvers,
so they pulled up close TO the edge
of the road beside one of the COM
panies. An officer, clean cut and
well caparisoned, watched the pro-
ceedings on horseback. He stood
out a splendid figure beside the vari-
shaded khaki figures according to
the laundry patrOnized) maneuver-
ing under his critical gaze. Esther
recognized him first and colored
with conscious pride. CHANGING COW
ertly at her father, she found his at
tention fixed, however. in amazed
concern upon another soldier. a pri-
vate, a very unsoldierly looking pri-
vate at that. Ii was Sidney Marsdon
looking awkwardly conscious and i'll
at ease. but visibly relieved when
Mr.. Chatham arted the car again.
They found Billy later, happy,
well and enthusiastic.
Its a great life!" he declared.
"AH YOU have TO do is to obey alb
solutely and do what you're told.
You can't help getting along.
I expect 10 be a corporal soon.
Oh. say. Marsdon isn't anything
but a private! Thinks he owns
the whole shooting match. though.
and won't do a thing. He's been in
the guard house half dozen times"
After dinner there was dancing in
the Hostess House, a large roomy,
homelike place with easy chairs. low
reading lamps and a splendid floor.
Groups of soldiers here and there
taking or reading or visiting with
their families In one corner some
officers seemed 10 be talking over
matters of Importance.
Having studied up on insignia
Mr.. Chatham recognized a general,
two colonies and half dozen mai
ors. Also he recognized Captain
Reed. Marsden had not put in an
appearance.
But Captain Reed did not come
near, nor did he present any Of his
officer friends. Mr.. Chatham was at
a loss to understand. For the very
first time in his life his pride was
touched. How splendid it would be
10 go back to his bank and quote
casually that General So-and-So said
this. or Colonel Somebody or other
said that. He belonged to the class
who feel sort OF vicarious glory in
knowing celebrities.
But Esther was suddenly happy.
for Dick had shot a glance at her
that sent her heart futtering for
Joy. She knew that ne had not for
gotten and she was satisfied.
They went home an enlightened
family. Mr.. Chatham had discov-
cred that America is made up now
of two worlds only. the khaki and
multi. and that all other class preju-
dice had disappeared.
That night he called Esther to
him DO you still love Richard, my
girl ?" he asked
Better than the whole world
Dad"
do you think he still cares for
you?"
IT know it,"
Then why didn't he come over
and speak 20 US and introduce US to
his friends?"
He didn't think you'd receive
him. Dad. You made him promise
never TO say a word TO me again"
Mr.. Chatham was thoughtful
We'll. I've changed my mind. You
may marry him whenever you want
to"
She flung her arms around his
neck. "Oh. Daddy. you darling. I'll
telegraph this very minute" she
cried. and the prompous Mr.. Chath-
am after receiving a cyclonic en-
brace which somewhat disturbed
his dignified demeanor watched his
daughter disappear through the
doorway and chuckled with salts