The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1919-01-23

II suppose I didn't realize how big
you were getting" said Mark penitent-
ly. But you can't think how glad !
am to see you, anyway"
"It's shame sticking you for years
out In that horrible DESERT" said the
girl. II wish. Uncle Mark. you hadn't
stayed in the army after the war;"
"Why, my dearT
Because then you could have gone
Into business in New York. like Cap
tain Murray and Captain Crawford"
'T've been thinking about as much
myself. Eleanor. But guess the army
got hold Of me-"
'But they haven't treated you right
ly. Uncle Mark. They haven't promot-
ed you for years. and they have
jumped all sorts of officers over your
head. Major Howard was saying 30
only before he left for Alaska. But. Of
course, he's out Of favor, and he
wouldn't have any influence, anyway.
It's years since he was In the army"
" suppose I'm q back number. my
dear. Some of us have to be. Per.
haps I'll get my chance. I'm not thir-
ty yet, you know, and thirty isn't con-
sidered awfully old In the army. At
least. II isn't the retiring age"
don't be SO absurd. Uncle Mark
You don't look an old man at all. II
was Just that your photograph was
taken so long ago. and didn't reflect
that you must have changed"
"And II ever another war comes I'm
sure my experience will count for q
lot. And I'll probably have command
over Captain Murray and Captain
Crawford II ever the National Guard
is called on for serious work. And
then you'll have your function as our
mascot. you know"
He was surprised at the girls sud
den responsiveness to his words. She
| grew very serious.
''I've often thought about that On
Gle Mark" she answered.
"But. OF course, It may never hap
PEN"
II suppose not. But II ever II doei
mean to try to be what you meant
me to be when you made that condi
ton to the major. How wish-hov
wish"
Eyes. my dear1"
'.That we knew who my father was
Sometimes ! think he was only al
American planter. perhaps. who livet
In Cuba and was forced to fee wheI
the war began. And then again
dream that he may have been brav'
soldier who was trying to serve hi
country by going into the Spanisl
lines In disguise. and ! hope that
may be worthy Of him."
"You don't remember anything
EleanorT"
"Yes. Uncle Mark. I'm sure do
and yet I've thought SO much about !
that I'm not sure how much Of It !
memory and how much Is just child
Inventions. Perhaps invented all o
II, and made myself believe ! remem
bered 1t. And yet am sure part Of
: Is memory"
"What do you rememberT" aske
. Mark rather fearfully.
swell, Uncle Mark. my first connec
ed memories are of Major Howard
home, of course. And ! have a yer
! vivid impression Of being brought Int
> the dining room anc toasted st tha
dinner which the Major gave to III
officers after the war. But before a
} that ! seem to have memories. as
they were pictures"
"What Is the first thing you remen
+ ber3"
II see a woman lying In bed In
3 strange room. Her face is whittier tina
D any face have known; q man sits b
side her, with his head In his han
and. though death has no meaning Il
;. me. / am afraid. for know that 81
{ was my mother"
"Was this In Cuba, EleanorT
II don't know, but think SO, Unc
q Mark, because remember running
= the window ind seeing great pal
o tree outside. with spreading branche
, And there are other cities. and '
g seem to 60 from place to place. alwa'
watching for somebody. and yet ~
r were. hiding from people. I know y
: avoid people, but It is an instinct on
e that tells me SO.
u "And again ! am with my father
Il the jungle. ! don't know how we 8
y there, but ! see the trees all arouI