The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1888-06-08

ask for some of the roses and lioneysuckles
that hive almost closed both door and
window of the wee house, urged Daisy.
'l0u do not know Aunt Plaridia or you
would not think of enter ing within her en-
closure. said Julia why. she was going
to throw scalding water on Jimmie Lyons
for daring TO cross her yard The other day.
Oh. YOU don't know her, Dasy, or you
would not think risking your life by in
truding upon forbidden ground. exclaimed
Alice Gray, looking very sober.
Mother says she used to he like other
people. but her son was killed at Lookout
Mountain. and ever since she has been a
little beside herself, explained Florence
Marks.
Then, if her boy lost his life in the ser
vice Of his country, she will be interested
In $ rewing the soldiers graves. am sure
She will give us one rose for each grave.
She will never miss twenty. and am go
inS To brave the lioneSs in her den,' per-
sisted Daisy as She opened the gate and
walked into the yard.
If you are determined to carry out your
foolisliness. will 30 along, although you
will have your pains for nothing assure
you. said Julia. following the wilfuI girl.
We will wait around the corner. and ii
the OLD woman begins to abuse you we
will bc near at hand, said Alic., AS she
hurried away to the place Of conccalmont.
Though Daisy had been SO brave, it was
timid knock that arouse the old dame
from her habiiual rcvtrie. She was so
long in making her appearance that the
girls, surprising that she woul not admit
them, were about to retire. At that
moment they heard the thump of her
crutches IN the floor, and presently the
bolt slipped back, and a very cross-lo0k-
ing face appeared ut the door.
What on airth are you aiter?"
snapped the ungainly creature in uueru-
l0us voice.
"You know tomorrow is Memorial
day, and we came to beg rose for each
soldiers grave. Yours are so BEAUTIFUL,
Daisy began, trying to control the culver
that ran through her frame.
Roses for soldiers graves and my own
poor by fllin' nameless one in the far
away, forsotten-icld. No, indeed. Didn t
my Tommy carry that rose bush all the
way home from Tennessee u score of
years ago. and WASH t it planted by his
own hands. Now. mother. said he.
take care OF the rose-hush. and when [
come home again it will be in bloom
But when war was over AMI other moth
ers pressed Their boys to their hearts.
mine ached on. for Tom, my hoy, had
been left among the slain on the noun
tain. ] vowed then that his rUse-busll
should never be disturbed. and from that
day to this ! have watched night and
day. Never have my hands plucked a
single bud; and you have the impulencc
to ask me for his roses TO spread over the
graves of rich mems sons, while never a
flower Is laid on his own. You need not
be awaitin', for not one rose will you get.
gave my boy to die for the country, AMI
mighty poor return did get. While [
was able to work managed to get enough
to eat and wear, but since | have been
crippled up with the rheumatic | often
have to 20 to bed cold and hungry. 4
poor return, a poor return, | say.
am really sorry for you, MD Daisy,
ready to cry.
sorry won't put clothes on my back and
food In my mouth, can tell you. snapped
The old woman impa'icntly.
Hou ought to have a pension, and | am
sure II me President knew how badly Oft
you arc he would give you one, ventured
Julia, not knowing lust how pension
could be obtained.
"A pension. the price Of blood, Girl.
what do y'u mean Would | take money
for the life of my boy cried the infurlated
crca 'lre, raising her cane in threatening
manner.
no, no! we did not mean that, but is
there nothing We can do to help y0u?' ex-
planned Daisy.
Yes, you can take yourselves Off and let
me alone, was the sharp lejOiner.
No sooner had they turned away than
the door was shut with bang, and the
bolt slipped back to its place.
Julia was grateful to be out in the free