Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-07-23
A TRUE STORY.

ABOUT twenty years ago 3 party OF
young men had gathered in an upper
room at warehouse in Western town
People going by saw the lights. and
heard the cheering and shouts OF laugh
ter. and nodded to each other good
humoredly. The boys are getting on
well with their plan" they said, for the
town was smel one, where everybody
knew his neighbor, and took kindly in
terest in him; snd the military company
which "lbe boys were going to form
was a matter of public pride aud interest.
There were aboat thirty or forty young
men. They had most of them been at
school together at Johns Academy, and
were now clerks in the town, statesmen
students OF law or medicine.
There was the heartiest good feeling
among them, therefore, when they met
to adopt their Constitution and Bylaws.
They had been drilling all winter in pri-
yatc, aud were to appear in public for
the first time on Saturday, in their new
uniform. 1t was gorgeous uniform,
chosen from a dozen different patterns
sent by the Eastern manufacturer. 1t
fairly tlazed in crimson and gold. They
had kept it secret from every one, even
fathers mothers and sweethearts, so that
the grand display on Saturday would
break with more effect upon the dazzled
eyes OF the townspeople.
Now, all this was before the war. The
military ardor which prevailed like an
epidemic in the town did no. mean pat
rio,ism or selt-sacrifice. but only a little
agreeable vanity, and great deal OF
cordial good fellowship, fun and kindly
feeling.
Some more weighty sense OF the con-
straints OF honor, too. rested upon the
young fellows, with their swords and
gliuorlng epaulets; some increased
structure OF obligation to bear themselves
as men, gallant and chivalric in soul as
we'll as in body. Many of the wise
elders Of the town, therefore, lent their
help 10 the undertaking. and old Col
Storrs, a retired army officer, accepted
the post OF captain. and gave himself up
zealously to the work.
The organization had been rather lax
unit tonight, when the bylaws had
been definitely adopted.
mo. . seems to me superfluous, Cap
tain, " objected Ned Moore. 1.-The COM
psny pledges itself to attend the funerals
of all members, saving and excepting
such as may have suffered The penalty OF
the law or laid violent hands on them
selves That appears to me more melo-
dramatic than necessary. There are not
likely to be anyeuicides or murder among
US, glancing about with laugh to his
companions.
The rule is customary in such organ
izations," said the colonel, drYly.
The rule remained, therefore, in spite
of Ned's Jokes which caused good deal
of laughing.
Ned was youngest of the boys, the most
genial young fellow in town. All knew
his frank, handsome face and curly hair.
He was book-keeper in one OF the iron
mills and, out of his small salary, sup
ported his mother. But the money was
a small matter, compared to the fun,
iollity and tumultuous affection which
he brought into the poor widows life.
"The last years OF my life," she used to
say. ''have the warmth and brightness
that were missed out of the others"
Ned ran down the stairs Of the hall
when the meeting was over. singing
Lilly Dale" at the top of his voice. he
had clear tenor, which was the delight
OF every body who loved music in the
town.
That's rightr' said Joe Wilson
"come up to the house, Ned the girls
are at home and we'll have little sing
ing. You are in voice tonight"
"Al right What do you say. Char
ley ?" For Ned and Charley Hill seldom
spent au evening apart.
Bother the girls ~ muttered Charley
"lhcy re a bore. Their rattle e-bang
pianos set my teeth on edge. Some OF
the fellows are going to have an oyster
supper down at Brices, and promised
them that we'd join them"
Ned hesitated. as Phillips to be
there?'
"Yes. He asked the crowd"
There's sure to be liquor and fqusb-
bling. promised mother I'd keep out
of mems parties this winter. particularly
where there were cards or drinking.
We'd better go to Wilson'S