The National tribune., 1881-05-01
The Ragged Soldier.

just at the close Of the there coming down
the dusty street OF town ragged aud forlorn
looking soldier BE looked around with curious eyes so
at least thought Mr. Towne who walking leisurely
behind him The latter stout farmer dressed in
home made brown linen trousers no suspenders vest or
coat. The ragged soldier stopped and Mr. Towne over
taking him, stopped also
Home from the WARP he asked.
Yes have been prisoner for years. Can you tell
me who lives in the next house 2"
"Tompkins lives there. That house and farm used TO
belong to comrade Of yours, suppose, His name
was Jones; but he was shot, and his widow married
again
The soldier leaned against a tree
What kind Of man is he? mean what kind Of peo-
pie they there?" he asked somewhat family Would
they be likely to let poor soldier have something TO
eat?"
"If Tompkins is out you'd be treated firstrae there
Mrs Tompkins is a nice woman but he is a snarly cur
and leads her dogs life. She missed it marrying that
fellow but she had hard time of it with the farm when
Jones went off soldering and when my back
and said he dead-he saw him bleeding to death
the battle eldhe broke right down. and this pkins
along and got into work for her and he laid himself
do rst-rate He somehow got the blind side of
al of and when he offered himself to her, advised
her to have him, and I'M sorry did it, You had better
home with me; always have bite for any poor
fellow that has fought for his country
Thank you kindly, sir, returned the soldier 81 but
Mrs. Tompkins is sort of old acquaintance. used to
be acquainted with her husband and guess will call
there
Mr. Towne watched him as he went up the door and
knocked and saw that he was admitted by Mrs Tomp-
kins then Mr. Towne went home for his supper and
viii go in with the soldier.
could you give poor soldier mouthfu to ?'' he
NY husband does not allow TO give anything to
travellers she said but always feel for the soldier
coming back and I'll give you some supper if you won't
be long
am glad to you eat and would not hurry you
for anything, she said in a frightened way, but you
will quickly wont you? for expect every he
will be n.'
The drew his chair the table, keeping his hat on
his head as though belonged to Society of Friends
but that could be, for Friends do GO to war
He heartily of the bread and butter and cold meat
snd how long he was about 1t
hrrcT lriusf 1uata6 Ipar Sho oaai1 rhar
self f he only knew, he wouldn't be so cruel as TO let
Tompkins come in and catch him here. She and
looked from the window unesy: but the soldier gave
token of his meal coming to an end.
Now he is pouring vinegar on the cold cabbage and
potatoes 1 can ask hlm TO take those away in his
hands oh, dear, how slow he is Hasn't he any teeh?
At last she said mildly:
81 am very sorry TO hurry you, sir. Couldn't you let
spread bread and butter and you some slices
Of take along? My husband will abusive Ian
guage you if he finds you here
Before the soldier could reply footsteps heard
the doolstones and Immediately entered He
stopped short and looked savage at the soldier dog
might look. Then he broke out in tone between grow
Hey day. Molly. What have ! told you time and
again. You had better mind your master. And you,
you lazy thevng vagabond you clear opt Of my house
and off my lands"
Your house and your land - exclaimed the soldier
starting suddenly up and TALL and dashing off his
hat with quite iery gesture. His lips were flashing
lightning and his lip quvered with indignation con
fronted the astonished Tompkins. The latter was ev
denty afraid of him. and his wife had given certain ner
shrek when the soldier first started TO his feet and
flung off his hat and had sunk trembling and halffant-
ing in a chair, for she recognized him.
You have business to interfere between and my
wife, said Tompkns suddenly cowed by the attitude Of
the soldier.
Your wife, exclaimed the soldier with the very
eentraton of contempt expressed in his voice. and point
ing al him with an indignant finger
WHO you 2" asked Tompkins
am Harry Jones, since you ask, :" replied the sol
der the of this land and this house which you
will leave this very hour As for Molly" softenng his
tone as ne turned To the woman, sobbiu hyster
jcaly, she shll choose between us
Oh, Harry, sobbed she, while Tompkins stood dumb
with astonishment g. take me-
With step he at her side holding her in his
arms
What do you mean, treating this poor child so Did
you think because she had earthly protector there was
net God in heaven 10 take her part against you? y
No man that is cruel TO woman is truly brave +
and Tompkins skunk away like beaten spaniel.
The next day had not passed away before every the
town knew that Harry Jones had home alive and
well, 70 rescue his much enduring patient wife from