The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1880-12-03

AHo UutU - UuNtUV yU UOu.
PROF. S. S. Cdusins, in Young Folks Rural.
ELSIE In THE PROCESSION.
ELSIE BAKER was sitting on log in
the wood-shed, gloomily listening to
her brother Joe, who was talking with
much enthusiasm.
"For tell you, sir" said he to Elsie,
sit isn't every boy who'll get chance
to be in that procession tonight, sir.
There'u be a thousand torches, and
speeches, and fire. works; and the train
leaves Porter's Corner at six o'clock;
and Mr.. Hill says to me, You be on
hand, Joe, you and Jack Stone, and
you may go to Portland along of the
Continentals'' and march each side
of the flag, and wear white rubber
capes, and carry torch apiece if you
like It's to be the biggest show of
the season, and
81 can't CO." burst in Elsie. "Just
because I'm girl can never 60 any,
where or see anything"
"Of course not,' assented Joe,
cheerfully. "Girls never can. 1 60
because fathers in Ohio, and Pm the
man of the family. declare shouldn't
wonder if half the people in Portland
should think Jack and I could vote
When they see US processing. Three
cheers for Hanieldr'
HanieIG? Hanfield? That did not
sound quite right. Joe meditated.
Hanfeld? Well, never mind. There
was no time to waste. over names. If
Joe would help toward the election of
President of the United States he
must be off and away for Jack Stone,
or the two would miss the. train.
And Elsie? Poor little Elsie was left
forlorn. She was quite alone, for her
mother had gone to visit a sick neigh
Dor, and would not even be at home for
tea.
"Oh, schy shouldn't girl do just
what her brother does, and have some
funP" thought Elsie, bitterly. "Or else
why wasn't 1 born boy?'
She sat close to the andirons in front
of the wood fire, and more and more
dismal did she grow. She had nearly
come to wondering whether it was real
~ worth while to live if one had to be
only girl, when the front door burst
open, and in bounced Master Joe.
'.Elsie," cried he, grasping her by
the arm, ''here's your chance. You can
60"
''GoP go?' repeated Elsie, flushing
crimson with excitement.
Joe hurried on. slack Stones sick.
Earache-bOth ears-onions on 'em-
here's his cap-who'n know you're not
a bOy?-tuck up your skirts-on with
this big cape-come!'
Elsie was beside herself. Mother
wouldn't let me-" she hall gasped.
"Did she ever say you MUSTN'T" ar
gued Joe: ':Like as not We'll be back
before she is. Don't be goose.
There's no time to talk. Hurry! hurry!
You won't get such another chance"
Her eyes flashing, her brain IN a
whirl, Elsie pulled the blue cap over
her short curls. Her little petticoats
were quickly pinned up and covered by
the rubber cape. With her unlighted
torch over her shoulder, who would not
have thought her a sturdy younger
brother of the boy who held her tightly
BY the hand, and exhorted her not to
let the grass grow under her feet.
Down the road they flew, and reached
the station just as the Continentals''
came marching up with fife and drum.
''Here we are, Mr.. HILL" said Joe
presenting himself and his companion.
"An right" said MIR. Hill, too busy
to pay much attention. keep with
the rest of the men. How are you, Jack.
my boy?"
There was no time for the make
believe "Jack, my boy" to answer.
The engine was putting and painting.
Elsie was swung on the train, whefe
Joe and she tucked themselves away on
back seat.
The "Continentals'' were in the best
Of humor, SO were the "Philbrick Pho
neers." who. gorgeous in their Zouave
regimentals, came .crowding into the
car at the next station. to crack jokes
and talk politics. Pretty soon the train
stopped with jerk, and everybody was
out in twinkling.
There were shouts of command. The
'.Continentals'' and IS Pioneers fell into
line. Torches were lit. A host of boys
set mp shrill yells. Joe and Elsie were
twitched into place by energetic MIR.
Hill, and ordered to hold up their heads
and keep time to the music.
"Isn't it fun?' thought Elsie, step
ping briskly along, and grasping her
torch with both hands.
II one hundred torches were s. fun"
what could he said when they reached