The Argosy, Vol. 90 No. 1 — page 116: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

110 practised shooting at our country club. Of course my rifle was quite small and light compared to that young cannon that you have to carry. Isn’t it frightfully heavy?” “It is quite a little heavier than sporting rifles, but it’s not hard to carry,” Trent answered soberly. The young woman playfully touched the rifle and patted the walnut stock, and Trent drew back a pace. “Tt looks deliciously dangerous!” she exclaimed. ‘Oh! would you mind if I just held it in my hands for one little minute?” Trent flushed painfully and drew back a little farther. ‘I’m really very sorry,” he said, “ but I couldn’t Jet you do that. You see, it is strictly against regulations for a sentry to give up his rifle to any one, without orders from his commanding officer.” The young woman pouted adorably, like a hurt and disappointed child. “Now don’t you think that’s just a bit horrid of you?” she demanded. “I’m not flattered at all if you think I could possibly be one of those frightful German spies. Poor little me! Do you think I could take your great big heavy gun and run off with it—and that a great strong man like you couldn’t catch me?” Trent tried to be good-humored in a dis- agreeable predicament. ‘It’s rather hard for a susceptible man to be tempted like this by a fair lady,” he said banteringly. She became infantile and appealing, and laid a pretty hand softly upon his arm. “What would you do if a little girl just took the horrid old gun?” she cooed. “Would you box a poor little girl’s ears, big ynan?” “T’m afraid,” Trent laughed uncomfort- ably, “‘ that I should call the corporal of the guard, and shift the responsibility. Perhaps he might be more indulgent with children.” She grew sweetly serious and made her eyes large and round. “Do you know, I admire men that are stern and independent like you?” she said. “Tf you gave in right away and petted me, I woeuldn’t like you half as well.” THE ARGOSY. The man that Trent had sent into the armory returned at that moment. ‘““Y’m sorry, ma’am,” he said, ‘“ but no one inside happens to know any Lieutenant Johnston.” ‘Why, I must have made a mistake and come to the wrong armory,” she said lightly. She thanked the man, and he saluted her and returned to his friends at the gate. ‘“‘ Well, I suppose I must go now,” she murmured sweetly to Trent. ‘“ And I haven’t held that awful gun, after all. Please let me!—just for the tiniest little minute! I just dare you to!” Trent shook his head firmly. With the engaging air of a mischievous child, she suddenly grasped the rifle with both small hands and tugged to wrench it away from him. Trent jumped back sharply, jerking the rifle away from her, and she cried out shrilly and clasped one of her hands tightly in the other. “Oh! Oh! How brutal!” she wailed tearfully. ‘‘ You have hurt my hand.ter- ribiy!” Captain Soames suddenly strode out of the gateway. ‘““What is the trouble here?” he, de- manded sharply,. and raised his hat to the young woman. “I’m sorry, sir,’ Trent answered, “ but this lady tried to take my rifle, after I ex- piainéd to her that it was against regula- tions. I was forced to resist, and the lady says that her hand is hurt.” “IT don’t wish to make any treuble,”’ the young woman said coldly, “ but I must say that this soldier has been frightfully dis- courteous and brutal to me. I came here, sir, to inquire if a friend of mine was in the armory, and I didn’t expect such treatment from a member of this regiment.” “ Trent!” said Captain Soames savagely, ‘you will call the corporal of the guard and tell him to relieve you at this post. Then you will report at my quarters under arrest. Some of you ruffians think that because the country is going to war you must display your authority over innocent citizens. [ll make an example of you for this!” Trent saluted and obeyed the order. oO comicbool< CO