Part 22 (1/2)

”Harold and I sat together on one of the sledges, and I must confess that when we started to descend the hill at almost lightning speed I felt terribly frightened and grasped him firmly around the waist. He only laughed while he whispered:

”'Don't be frightened, dear; you'll get used to it in another minute,'

and so I did.

”We had a number of rides and were commencing our last one when an accident happened. It was on the sled in front of ours, and we were in the act of starting when I saw a man fall off.

”'Why, that is Captain c.u.mmings!' I exclaimed, my heart making a tremendous leap.

”'Yes, it is,' returned Harold; 'what can have happened?' and he rushed over to give a.s.sistance.

”He was trying to rise to his feet but could not.

”'It's that confounded leg of mine,' I heard him say. 'My ankle got twisted under the runner. I don't think it's broken though. What do you say about it, Beaumont?'

”And the Doctor on his knees examined the joint, the Captain being propped up by another officer.

”'No bones broken,' was his comment. 'You must have got a terrible wrench though, the way the joint flaps about. Is it very painful?'

”'Excruciating,' returned c.u.mmings. 'The joint has been weak ever since Vittoria. I got it twisted then.'

”'Well, we'll take you back to quarters and dress it. No dancing for you to-night, that is certain. Don't know that it will be safe for you to travel with us to-morrow, either.'

”'In both of which I differ from you,' said the Captain, with a supreme effort at self-control, notwithstanding the pain. 'Take me back to the hotel and dress the joint. Then help me into the ballroom. I can watch the others even if I cannot waltz. As to going with the troop, why certainly I'll go,' and for a moment he cast a sharp glance in my direction.

”I believe I s.h.i.+vered again.

”An hour later all our party were at the French hostelry partaking of prairie chicken, oyster patties and singaree, and when we made our entry into the ballroom, there sat in state Captain c.u.mmings. He had evidently preceded us. Of course, he was the lion, and the ladies rivalled with each other to sit out the different dances with him. Harold told me I must do it, too, so my turn came with the rest.

”'I don't know but I'm a lucky dog after all,' he undertoned, as he squeezed my hand.

”'It cannot be lucky to be lame,' I replied, as I sat down beside him.

”'A soldier takes his knocks as he gets them,' was his comment, 'but I had no expectation of taking Lieutenant Smith's place so soon.

”'Perhaps you won't need to. A night's rest will do wonders, mayhap the injury is more imaginary than real,' I said.

”'I know the effects too well to be deceived. The injury is too devilish to heal in a week or fortnight, either,' he replied, drily.

”'Why go with us at all, then?'

”'Because I'm wanted when I get there. I won't be in anybody's way, except for the riding instead of walking, and as yours is the most comfortable sleigh for an invalid, I fear, dear madam, I must crave your indulgence--Say, Manning!' he exclaimed to Harold, who just then joined us. 'I was telling your wife that Smith gives such a capital report about your sleigh that I feel like begging the privilege of occupying a part of it for the next two or three days.'

”Harold winced and flushed as well. Was he, too, getting suspicious?

”'I think that might be arranged satisfactorily, dearie,' he said to me in somewhat constrained tone.

”'That depends upon the Captain's meaning,' I replied. 'It would be too much for me to give up your seat when it is your turn to ride. But for the rest of the time it is different.'