Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1889-05-30

he continued: "You know Tn an old U. s
v, one OF the rank and HE merely, but
am here to-day with an object as usual;
shouldn't be surprised II nc any moment
was 10 see fine, manly young fellow, with
an eagle eye and military carriage, come
striding along g-ah! there's our minister
from Crofton; must go interview him }
bid you good-day. good-day. my sonslN
With a martial air the old man gathered
himself up and departed, while Frank and
Eugene looked inquiringly at the gentle.
man addressed as MIR Fosdickn
excuse me," said Prank, "but do you
know that old soldiers"
"Oh, yes," replied Mr. Fosdick, look OF
pity succeeding tho smile with which he be.
gan 10 make reply; "he was one Of our
fighters during the war. but no lost an only
sou whom for years he knew and realized
bad been Killed at Cold Harbor. think
But within the last year or two hts mind
has failed. and he imuglnes that IL was
mistake as % his sons having fallen. aud Sc
he Ia c0ntinu lly scarching and inquirinp
for him It's awfully sad" he added, look.
ing away beyond the arbOr but he always
fancies him still a Young man Just as he
saw him last but doesn't realize he would
be getting grizzly like the rest OF us Of
his age. were he stil living
Captain slmms, as every body calls him
although he disowns all titles belongs al
the Soldiers Home In Crofton, but is al
lowed more liberty than ia usual He
doubtless walked the six miles between
there and here this morning, but was 10
filled with his object OF finding his son NJ
hardly TO notice the long tramp WE'LL
wish you good morning"
The strong man left the arbor, and the
81
ly into each others faces Prank was the
first 10 speak
Il tell You, Gene, that's war! cold. cruel
warl Isn't Il mournful. thought feel a.
though I'd like To go and implore that old
veteran TO forgive my sensoless words OF
an hour ago"
"oh, you didn't realize any thing Of the
facts" said Eugene, kindly, land I'm sure
didn't either; Il seemed only like forgot
ten tragedy OF the long past; but now
we've been brought face 20 face with the
real thing, and It's good lesson for Us; we
ought 10 feel that that struggle has left its
scars and wounds
"Ahl that's the worst Of it, replied
Prank. sadly, lit has left scars and brniso.
that never viii heal while certain lives last
! wish We might manage 10 say something
comforting TO that poor old soldier Come
on, we might SEQ him again
Hut az they started out the music OF
band broke ON their ears, and the crowd
became dense all around They pressed
forward but had gone but a lfttle way be-
fore they saw their old friend OF the arbor
Just before them As they were borne along
with the throng they caught few pIead-
ing words addressed 10 a policeman. who
seemed listening respectfully;
1 80, -. r.. IA ~ u A. a
the rank and Me merely, but thought
possibly You might have seen an eagle eyed
young fellow"
IL was impossible 10 stand still. and the
young friends pushed on 70 where the
chaplain was taking his stand,
AT last tho exercises were all over The
GRAFTON was ended and the impressive GER
emony OF decorating the hag-marked
graves had been performed. Many OF the
companies had left the grounds, and Prank
Barkerand Eugene Howard were half-re-
luctantly approaching the gates
Just thon adetachmont OF Post Forty
OF Crofton. halted near the entrance. and.
walking slowly up 10 them. the boys saw
the faded old veteran, and heard him bo-
lin, In his slow, entreattqg way;
I'm an old Y. \ v, one OF the rank and
hle merely. but thought perhaps -
dohing his hat with all the dafereDce he
would have shown a superior oiiccr, ho
haid, gentiy. but heartily
All It's Captain slnlms isn't ~ Wore
IN the outlook for our old veterans to-day
fal right into line with ua; we'ro going to
have sandwich and some coffee Just out
aide horo, and one Of our mon has a big
package OF old solDco' for You 10 take
homo The barge viii b. here directly. and
you shall 20 along with IA Bgt go here
arc the old soldiers wanting 10 have 4 word
Ntth you--lautain hlmnH comradcain
And the men closed about him. completafy
shutting out from the fearful ewes 81 two
attentive lads the old ~ N N'.-niarely
one ot tle funk aud ulri--MrA Hnrrrt A
tAoefer, IA ChrIsuan ldlQn