The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1889-11-27


laughed, others expostulated; but be-
fore the men realized what he was
about to do he had LETT the picket line
and was half way across the field. The
instant he was seen TO leave the pits a
shower Of bullets fell around him. Men
that had gone bravely into battle
covered their eyes, for they fully ex-
pected to see the boy completely riddled
with bullets. To the right, to the left,
above him, behind him the leaden
shower fell thick and fast; but Robert
never flinched. Several times he turned
his head and sent back a reassuring
smile toward those who stood watching
the perilous journey. The Union sol
diers tried to distract the attention of
the rebels by firing toward their lines,
but the effort was unsuccessful.
a last Robert arrived at the d" works"
waving his hand triumphantly, and dis
appeared from view. In few mo-
menls he reappeared. Every heart
fluttered anXiOusly, and many lips un-
familiar with words of prayer MUIR
INJURED hope that the brave boy might
be permitted to return unframed. As
he started to recross the field crack !
crack came the sound from a score
of rifles. For a moment he halted,
then came steadily forward. Another
shower; this time the boy staggered
and raised his hand to his head.
It's all over with himl' said voice {;
hut no, step by step he comes slowly
toward the anxious watchers, and finally
reaches the edge of the "pits." Will
ing hands are stretched out to help
him, but the gray plllOr upon the face
of the boy and the tiny stream Of blood
that flowed from wound in his temple
tells all that he had sacrificed his life
for them.
Robert, Robert! why did you do
this?' said the captain, in a trembling
voice, as he knelt by the side of the
dying boy.
I-I-could not see them suffer;
see how eagerly they drink i'll" said the
boy, raising his head and pointing
toward the sick men, who, while they
quaffed the cool, delicious draught
blessed the hand that had procured it
for them.
"Look, captain! there is the spot
where | poured the stuff that would
have killed theml" said Robert, point
ing toward the spot where he had dis
posed of the whiskey.
" Poor fellowsl | am so glad that
was able to get inside the pits with
that precious waterl Mother will grieve
for me. | am her only child" con-
tinued the boy, in faltering tones, " but
she will not regret what | have
done; she taught me to help those who
] hat hat 7 81
My drum, Ben" said Robert, turning
toward sun-browned soldier, whose
honest eyes were dim with unshed
tears. A bright smile illumined the
boys face as his hand touched the
dearly-loved drum.
Raise me up little, captain" he
whispered. Grasping the sticks he beat
a few strokes of his reveille, then with a
weary sigh, leaned his head against the
captains shoulder.
Dear old drump' he murmured
Grandfather used to call me his sol.
der boy | am coming, MOTHER" said
the boy, starting as though to answer a
summons. He evidently thought that
he was at home with the one who loved
him so dearly. His lips move and he
/ 'hO PldlNi laugh nun ny q
loving mother. Suddenly bright glow
lights up his countenance.
" Father! father! Surely it is father!''
he exclaimed, eagerly. " Mother, are
you there? | can not see you'll am
so cold and tired. Kiss me goodnight, .
whispered the boy.
The captain, with pale face and tear.
dimmed eyes, pressed a kiss upon the
cold lips of the dying boy, who smiled
when he felt what he imagined to be a
mothers kiss.
" He sleeps" said the captain, in &
husky whisper.
Silently the soldiers surround the
cold form of him whom they loved Sc
well, and as they clasp hands the vow
is registered that henceforth not drol
of intoxicating liquor shall pass theil
lips.
The men kept their pledge, and the
drummer-boy who sacrificed his life FOL
them has monument that will stanC
forever.-Our Youth.