The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1926-11-25
CHAPTER II

back In camp again. Then he remem-
bered. His watch told him II was
seven. Thinking he would surprise
Claude Dabbs by his early rising, Ned
dressed leisurely and went downstairs,
Aunt Lyddy greeted him without
enthusiasm, informing him dryly that
Claude had been up for two hours.
He was at that moment superintend'
ing the unloading of the new Irish
potatoes.
The food was delicious, and Aunt
Lyddy waited and watched over him
at the breakfast table, anticipating
his wants as though he were small
boy; yet Ned felt that he was delay
ing the important affairs of the house
hold.
Still with the air that he was com
pany. Aunt Lyddy informed him {:
Claude said to take the ear and sail
around. or do anything you've mind
to do"
Thanks, Aunt Lyddy, but | think
I'll help Uncle Claude in the shop"
Aunt Lyddy's eyes showed surprise
and approval
"Claude Dabbs could do with little
help" she announced. "here's a many
leans on Claude, and but few as offers
shoulder themselves occasionally.
Not that Claude needs anything to
lean on, but the fact that shoulder
Is handy kinda keeps man from feel
ing lonely. I'm going to say this-you
don't look as though you needed any
special help TO get along in this world
Maybe you do. | Amt inqulring, All
I'm saying Is that never. since I've
known him, has Claude Dabbs shown
such admiration for any living soul as
I've seen him show for you Well"
her apron waved, expressing what she
see You worthy, young man. Let me
see YOU worthy"
"Aunt Lyddy," Ned put down his
knife and fork, II don't know thai
am exactly worthy, but will be frank.
Uncle Claude can't begin to have the
admiration for me that have for him.
Why, he saved my pocketbook, pos
sibly my life, the other night, WIS
weary of everything. I'd stretched my.
self along the bench TO look at the
stars and think out what | should do
with my life, when along came Claude
Dabbs and sat down on me.
Aunt Lyddy giggied In peculiarly
young and girllsh way,
'of course that went long way to-
ward making us friendly, While we
were saunterlng along talking we were
ordered to put up our hands If army
experience has taught me anything II
hands Mine went up at once. But
c. NJ. stumbled accidentally. thought
which brought him few steps IN
front of me, and nearer the other fell
low. or course. c. MS hands went
up as he recovered his balance. What
didn't notice, nor did the other fel'
low until II was too late, was that one
OF his feet went up, too, First Thing
! knew the other man was down ana
Claude was sitting on him.
And by Peter and Paul, I'll wager
Claude never called policeman "
broke In Aunt Lyddy.
Ned shook his head 1--WE just took
his pistol and blackjack and left him
He was knocked out-stunned by the
fall"
rhey surveyed each other, smiling,
II suppose you'd like to know lit
tlo more about me-" Ned said lenta-
lively.
II kin walt till you tell Claude"
"Claude knows something. and youl
be miserable until you know as much,
won't yon?"
Again Aunt Lyddy gave her peculiar
gIggle. and settled back In her chair.
Get Il DIN your chest. son and
don't smooth over nothing for me.
81 drove an ambulance for six
months before this country got INTO
the fight" Ned began. 81 was hurt
little and had TO come home Tried
for commission in our army when J
got we'll Had to throw over every
thing to do II. Family and-giri My
bunch Da-confound them all. they
acted as though the rest Of US liked
war, and had arranged II for our own
amusement.
well, after ! got my commission J
was ordered down South 10 one OF our
cnnps went. thinking | was on my
way to France. When ! got there.
they told me my resignation had been
accepted. swore by everything holy
and unholy that | had never resigned
They listened. bored but patient, and
repeated that my resignation had been
accented. I'd better see Washington
was told
II went to Washington. They told
me there my resignation had been ae-
cepted. told them I'd never resigned
They listened and said maybe not,
but the War department was too busy
to bother about my case, Just then or
to correct any mistake. II there was a
mistake. They advised me tenderly TO
20 home like good boy. and maybe
some time later, they'd look me up.
went swearing had no home to 20
to. SO enlisted in New York regl'
meni and was discharged some two or
three weeks ago"
"Satan's trumpets !" Aunt Lyddy ex-
claimed. "The arnilstic signed in No
vember and they KEEP you in all this
time. Well. you certainly got the
rough end of the stick. AS for that
girl. wisht had her within arms
reach. Id shake little sense into
her"
"Oh. she's MI right" Ned said 8
little awkwardly. Don't make the
mistake Of treating me like returned
hero. because never got over. was
| railroaded to IN o. T. G.. and kept
| there. ! never got over.
you can understand, can't you, why
| the very uame of Peace Valley drew
me like charm. and you'll forgive
my coming here In this way?"
suffering Saints You're more'r
welcome to stay. and as far as In
i concerned" Aunt Lyddy broke of
suddenly. and trod heavily kitchen
ward. for Claude Dabs had entered
4