Miami Military Institute - Bayonet Yearbook (Germantown, OH)

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4' . I j , r THE BAYONET 9 with the Farnsworths and just stop- pedefor aminute to say: Well, good bye, n1y'boy. Good bye, Aunt, Martha, and I 'll keep my eye open for the Sheldon girl. She islvery well recommended, but she might have a worth, too. Never mind about that, John, my boy. 'fGood bye. Two days later saw Beckwith at the pier ready to disembark. Wells had not yet came. Soon he drove up and his man brought up his luggage. A little late, Iohn. Was just say- ing good bye to some old friends from the United States, the Sheldonsg' mighty ine people. Oh, yes! Is there a beautiful daughter of an unfortunate speculator? If so, I've heard of her before. Yes, that's the one. How did you know? She sails for America in a month. Well, I would certainly like to see her. I've heard of her so many times in the past week. The Maurtania had a very unevent- ful crossing, and Beckwith had noth- ing to do but think of the girl in the fog. Upon landing, however, be was so taken up with the sights of won- derful New York that he scarcely had time to think of anything else. Wells jvas an ideal host and did everything in his power to show his guest a good time. One day he CWellsj suggested that they motor to his country place and see ' a 'little of rural America The next day was set for the start, and at 7 dclock the motor drove up to theldoor, and in a few, minutes they ,., , , ., . .. ,,,.-., .- 1,13 were gliding in and out among the vehicles in the crowded streets. Af- ter a while the houses became fewer, and truck gardens and patches of cabbage here and there told them they were nearing the city limits. , Over the smooth pike the machine gathered momentum, and under the skillful hand of Wells spun along at a great clip. Thru villages, up-and down hills, thru fields of grain the road led, and the pretty little houses, with their well-kept lawns and outbuildings, told Beckwith that there was country life in America, that all was not noise and bustle.' I ' He had been in the city over a month, and, although New York was different than London, he wanted to be away from cities, and the country was a relief. They had just passed a picturesque little stone house, way back from the road, with a Hagstone walk leading up to it. Along the walk ran 5. well- trimmed box-wood hedge, and near the white fences old flowers could be seen growing inprofusion. The place attracted him, and he thought he would like to live in such a house, plain, simple and comfortable. just then a report rang out and Wells let out his clutch and coasted to the side of the road. ' 'Flat tire, Beckwith! ' So I hear. Well, we can stop here and eat the lunch in that basket and tix the tire and move on. We are only about Eve miles from my place, and we are in no hurry. I'll ix itand you can run up to that house and see if you

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8 THE BAYONET Just tell Briggs, your lawyer, to straighten things out and I 'll see about the passage today. Now do n't say no. I 'll try, but four days is n't much time. Just before you came up I swore that I 'd seize the Erst oppor- tunity to break away from this- pointing out of the window-and I 'll go with you Saturday. Good work. I must be off, and I 'll have everything ready. After Wells left Beckwith tele- phoned Briggs, and made an appoint- ment Within the hour. He slapped on his ulster and made his way out into the detested crowd. He walked along briskly and soon came to the building in which his law- yer's oilice was located. He opened the door that led to the left and a woman passed out before him. As she passed he noticed her drop a small black purse. He picked it up and handed it to her. He was struck by her appearance. Tall, dressed in black, and a heavy veil dropped from the little hat that 'fitted over her jet black hair, and beneath it he noticed two pink little ears snugly tucked under the wealth of hair. She raised the veil, thanked him and disappeared as if by magic. The fog had com- pletely obliterated her, and for the 'drst time in his life a panic seized him, but she had gone. Could any- thing be more maddening? He turned slowly, entered the corrider and made his way to the left. He tried to straighten out his af- fairs. Now, Briggs, you do this I do n't feel very well, and I 'm aw- fully busy. Straighten this out be- Q Q

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10 THE BAYONET can get some water. All right. Beckwith made his way up the flag- stone walk admiring at every step the flowers in the yard and the beautiful simplicity of it' all. He knocked at the front door, but hearing no one went to the back of the house. Wonder of wonders, what a garden, everything that could be grown. He noticed some one in the garden and that was all. Seeing no one else around he walked down the path, and as he came closer he saw a girl with her back toward him, a sun- bonnet onaher head. She wore a blue gingham dress, and a basket lay be- side her on the walk. As he ap- proached she turnedg he raised his hat and-could it be possible? Were his eyes deceiving him? He managed to stammer: Beg pardon, but I would like to have some water. just then they both turned to see Wells coming up the path. Well, for the love of Mike, Miss Sheldon, where did you come from? Why, Mr. Wells, how do you do? I landed just two weeks ago But how did you ever come to be here? Mother and I are living here. You know my father died, Mr. XVells, practically penniless. ' ' All this time Beckwith had been making frantic gestures to Wells, and finally had attracted his attention. This relieved the embarrassment of the situation when Wells said: Oh allow me, Miss Sheldon, Mr. Beck- with. I had quite forgotten you Johnny, in the excitement of the mo- v P 'Q ment. I just ran in to say that Rob- erts is out there with his car and will take us up to my place. . i Not a bit of it, joined in Miss Sheldon, you will stay here for. lunch, now won't you? Why, thank youg we would be delighted, exploded Beckwith before Wells had an opportunity to refuse. All rightg I'll go tell Robertsf' and Wells went oi on his errand.. I'm sure I have seen you before, Mr. Beckwith. , Indeed yes, Miss Sheldon, two ,months ago, I. shall never forget if it, on the first door of the building Briggs is in. Yes, you gave me my purseg I remember I dropped it. , just then Wells returned and they were interrupted it After lunch, before they left, Miss Sheldon said: A How long will you be in this country, Mr. Beckwith? He is making an indefinite visit and he may stay for good, said Wells. , Well, at any rate, I 'll see you all again N If that is an invitation, thank youg you shall see us often. The hero and heroine are at last together. What more can be said? It is true the lovers' way is not always the smoothest, at least that's what they say. Let us leave them. where they are and let them be married eventually and live happy ever after. 'wiflwfiff ,l Q'