Tales of a Garrison Town

Halifax for Bermuda, their place was taken by the Derby Rifles, who had recently been sent home from Capetown. A young South African, named Gilsby, had accompanied them from the Cape to England, and then to Halifax. He was the son of a rich and prosperous ostrich-breeder who had recently died and left his property to the young man, who had thus become sole heir to a considerable business. In Africa young Gilsby had made the acquaintance of a number of the officers of the Derby Rifles, and so strong was his regard for them that when the regiment was ordered home he resolved to accompany them. He sold the ostrich-farm at a sacrifice, and, with all his property converted into cash, went forth with a joyful heart to see the world. When the Rifles reached Halifax Gilsby put up at the Halifax Hotel, occupying two of its best rooms. There never was a fellow more bent on enjoying life than Gilsby. He gave suppers to the officers of the army and navy and the men about town, grew wildly intoxicated with the social gayeties of the civilians, and entered into cricket and tennis with the zest of a neophyte. In short, all was fish, in the way of pleasure, which came to Gilsby's net. He was a fair musician, a very good amateur actor, and did some excellent shooting, in which latter accomplishment he had had splendid practice in South Africa. A fortunate star seemed to have shone on Gilsby's birth, for he was twenty- three, good-looking, wealthy, and had not a care in t...