The Argosy, Christmas 1912 — page 118: what you’re looking at

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

104 fied in my life as I did when that hitch occurred to-day. It was the one flaw in the review. You must do something about these eyes of yours.” “Yes, sir.” “Do not delay it. The matter is se- rious. I am speaking now not only from the point of view of your mili- tary superior, but as man to man. You must take care of yourself, Bennett. Neglect might bring disastrous conse- quences.” “ Yes, sir.” The colonel continued his endeavor to make up for his harshness. “You know,’ he went on, almost confidentially, ‘the pride I take in the regiment. It was most unfortunate that this happened to-day, before the Governor. I at once put it down to carelessness on‘your part. I am sorry I did not think of this possibility be- fore. I am afraid I was hasty.” “That’s all right, sir,’ Bennett as- sured him, thinking of Edith, and wish- ing he could get away. “ You have been very kind. I shall bear in mind what you say.” “ That’s right,” said the colonel, re- lieved. In his effort to outweigh his former curtness he said more. “ Let us regard the incident as closed. I'am glad we have discussed it so amicably. This is our last day of camp. To- morrow yott return to business, I sup- pose?” “Yes,” said Bennett, starting to edge for the door. “How is business? ”’ “Pretty fair. It could be better,” and Bennett edged toward the door. “You will be glad to get back in har- ness, eh?” “Yes, I think so,” said Bennett on his way to the door. Then his impatience got the better of him. He acted as though the inter- view was at an end, and turned to leave. As he at last reached the door, the colonel spoke again. “Don’t forget,’ ‘he reminded him, “ what I said about the danger of de- lay. I have known people to ruin their THE ARGOSY. Don’t make See an oculist eyesight by neglecting it. that mistake, Bennett. just as soon as you can.” “IT will,” said Bennett, and slipped out to escape further reminders. CHAPTER VII. THE FIRST STEP. BENNETT hurried away. He had no idea how long he had been with the colonel, but he knew it was long enough for Edith and Osgood to have gone a considerable distance. Considering the start they had, he doubted whether he would overtake them before the reached the station. é He rushed across the parade-ground and found them waiting for him on the platform. His face had been grave and set as he hastened along, for the colonel’s words had taken root; but, on catching sight of Edith, it lit up. Osgood no- ticed this, and also the corresponding look on her face. He swore softly to himself. “Hello!” said, Bennett, looking round. ‘‘ Where’s your mother? ” Edith explained. “Oh, I see!” he said. tickets, Osgood? ”’ “T’ve got them right here. How did you get on with the colonel? ” “Oh, pretty well. We chatted.” “What did he say?” “Many things. The gist of which were that I shouldn’t have made that mistake—rather an obvious fact—and that, since it was not due to incompe- tence, I would better investigate my eyesight, and so on.” “There you are!” exclaimed Os- good triumphantly. ‘“ That’s just what I told you.” | “You were very right,” assented Bennett. He turned to assist Edith into the train, which had just pulled in. Once aboard, he sat down beside her, leav- ing Osgood to occupy the seat opposite. Once the train had started, Osgood “* How about CoOMmicbook CO