The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-10-24
New Revelations of
a Wife.
Why Capt. Grantiand Explained "His
Business" to Madqe.
BY ADELE GARRISON

! Why Capt. GrantEand Explained "His
Business" to madse.
Capt. Grantland gave "a few hurried
| sentences of instruction 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 faithful
watch dog, followed close at our heels.
Capt Grantland stopped short as he
realized that the old chap was walking
close behind US.
"You don't need him now" he said
with decision.
1t was a tone. an assumption Of au
thority which I would have resented
from any one else. I did not analyze my
contented acquiescence ito his command
for it was virtually thax--nor did wish
to do so. Time enough for self-an-
aIysis. savage self-cSitfcism, in the
hours of introspection, which I knew
"Ought he not to have some protec-
ton on the way baclle'' I asked thus
avoiding direct assent to his state
ment. He might be stopped again.
William Is Puzzled.
True" He turned to William with
curt command: Stand here, close to
Mrs. Graham, until come back" and
|
tent again.
Mis- Gramie, do you know that fell
ler?" William whispered hoarsely as
soon as Capt. Grant1and's back was
turned What's he goin' along with
us fer? I don't like his looks nohow."
realized that I must quickly make
William understand the situation. for
the old chap was as obstinate as the
proverbial mule where my safety or
comfort was concerned. I knew that
even Capt Grantland's command would
not be sufficient to make him leave me
unless I also babe him go.
capt. Grantland is big army Of |
ficer. William" I explained slowly, try |
ing to suit my language to his limited
vocabulary, land we must DO Whatever
he saws. He thinks 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. !
williams silence was eloquent for |
long moment. I knew that l had hurt
the poor old fellows self-esteem, and
felt vaguely guilty. After moment he
spoke dogged1y:
sBut do you know him, Mis- Gramie?'
he nersisted. How do you know he's
what he says he is?
..T have known Capt. Grantland
long time, William" l returned, for
heard the officers footsteps approaching,
and wished no further controversy. But
INV cheeks burned in the darkness at
the falsehood. ,.r
s.weU'' William muttered sullenly, eff
has such a big army officer, why amt
he +endin' to his business? He don't
need to take you to no station when I'm
right here to 60"
The Light Breaks.
It was only the angry comment OF
an offended man of -allwor but l real
iyaSf NIL Z
because of this very realization my tone
THAT will do, william" I said de- ;
cisadIv and the next instant Capt
C~ant1and's voice sounded behind us.
This man will go back with YOU
vi1l,aro." he said, indicating railroad
guard who accompanied MIN Inen
vo,, will have no further trouble /
w. words were commonplace, but
+haro was an irrtonation in his voice as !.
"a nro1ounced Williams name which,
.,.6a INV cheeks burn. 1t was AM
a-onead infection. and 1 knew that he
nouqt have heard part at least of the
co1Ioouv between William and me con-
corning himself J., ...,i
- ne hut turned and followed the guard
~, the hank to the pipe line. Every l.
Inc Of his squat figure outlined in the
faint moonlight spelled logged sullen-
Can+ Grantland stood still until the
old shan and Ms escort had reached the
tor Of the bank. Then he placed his hand
1;gb+,y, under my elbow. and guided me
ne The bank. He didn't speak until we
bad turned our faces toward Stonevilie'
and wondered vaguely If he had wait
cd and had refrained from speaking IN
do TO be sure that We were out OF
earshot of William.
so william wonders why aint
to my business" he quoted
au1usedIy after a little.
ION. you heard"' was afraid my
voice betrayed my confusion.
80 ..CanI6n't very well help it," he re-
turned good natured!y. And don'tl
much blame him for Ais comment. 1t