almia's

Updated: May 14, 2025

But as you appear to be a soldier I am curious to know how you happen to be sitting by the roadside making calculations. 'I am a soldier, answered the dusty man, 'but, under the circumstances, regarding very closely the trousers of Almia's two companions, 'I am very glad you do not want to know to which side I belong. The facts of the case are these: I am an Exceptional Pedestrian.

Frank Richard Stockton - John Gayther's Garden and the Stories Told Therein

At this point John Gayther, who had been in wars, began to wonder, even if soldiers in these days should engage in single combat with long swords, how one of them could be wounded in the left arm; but he did not interrupt the story. "The first thing that shaped itself clearly in Almia's mind was the fear of being left alone in these woods.

Frank Richard Stockton - John Gayther's Garden and the Stories Told Therein

On came this tidal wave of noble horsemen; it reached the spot where Almia's burning eyes glowed through the crevices of the foliage. Wildly galloping, cavalryman after cavalryman passed her by. The eyes of the horses flashed fire, and their nostrils were widely distended as if they smelt the battle from afar.

Frank Richard Stockton - John Gayther's Garden and the Stories Told Therein

For the rest of their lives they would never forget her. "The letter dropped from Almia's hand; she had received a shock, and for a time she could not recover from it. She sat still, looking out into the nothingness of the distant sky. Then her face flushed again, and her heart told her it had made a mistake. She was well pleased that this was the one who had written that he was married.

Frank Richard Stockton - John Gayther's Garden and the Stories Told Therein