The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1891-05-29

az clerk to a real lawyer and work ND
step by STEP" He carried that advice
many long day IN his conceded brain,
but never acted upon it. Whenever he
saw Carrie it was only to hear eulogies
on Jack, and he soon gave up ID despair
and sank to be proud, do nothing
fellow, supported by his father. Carrie
often condoIed with Farmer Royce, and
both wondered why Jack never wrote
home.
81 think" said the girl, one day when
the folks were all gathered at a holiday
dinner party, ''that Jacks just put out
with us, and be is going to do something
big to show what he is made Of"
1.-The boy has done well" said the
farmer, tapping the table with his knife
blade. ''Tecump's looking after him"
EYES," responded Mrs. Westlake,
glancing from Dick to her daughter,
'Hand it sets a good example to others TO
be UP and ADDING"
The lint was lost on Dick, but not on
Carrie. The girl became an earnest,
patient worker, and the trihes that waste
so many hours and so much strength for
village girls soon lost all charm for her
She was keeping herself for an occasion
that her heart told her would surely
come. But that same heart often wished
that Jack would send word, Just one
word.
There were battles and sieges and long
campaigns to follow, and the months Of
war ran on into years. Still no word
from Jack. Neighbors and friends came
and went between the village and the
camps, and Jacks life was no secret to
any who cared to know, but neither in
writing nor by word Of mouth did he
send a message direct. One winter his
father got ready TO go down to Virginia
and hunt him up, but he heard about
that time that the boy had become
major and was on headquarter duty, and
it all sounded so lofty and formidable
that the old man was afraid to venture
without direct invitation. Carrie was
the most disappointed and mentally de-
clared that Jack had more sand ID him
than all the other Royces combined.
x q
Finally, the war ended and all the
local companies came home. There were
grand times, rejoicing and celebrating
over the victory and the return of the
heroes. Jack did not come. He was
going TO remain south awhile longer, all
his comrades said. Dick SUNK away
abashed and dumfounded TO see how the
soldiers, high and low, were feted and
ionized. Carrie was all enthusiasm
outwardly, and showed her interest IN
the glorious occasion by praising and re-
Joicing with the rest. IF Jack was not
there the men he had led and triumphed
with were and the victory was victory
for him anyhow.
A year rolled by and Jack still made
no sign. His exact whereabouts was a
mystery for some time, and then word
came Indirectly that he was major or
colonel, or something Of that sort, and
heie responsible position in the govern
ment service as judge advocate of mill
tary district in Georgia.
.3Fow," said Farmer Royce, when he
ilaeskG Of it, Nothing can keep me from
hunting that boy up-neither Secesh,
Moonshiners or Ku Klux."
The anxious father set out with hearty
good wishes for his enterprise from Car
rie, whose eyes flashed the secrets Of her
waning heart. In a few weeks he came
back brimful of enthusiasm about things
down south, especially Jack
my son John is marvel and no mis-
take" he said with touch of dignity,
when he stopped at Westlake's gate on
the way home to tell the news. HE
has been studying hard at law during all
his soldier business, has had military
practice and got good knowledge Of
common law. He could enter the bar In
six months if he'd set about it.
'SBut why doesn't he come home, now
the war is over" exclaimed Carrie.
HE is only waiting for some certain
one here to give him the invitation. May
be you know who" said the old man
merrily.
''Oh! is that all?' responded Carrie,
and remembered pressing duty in the
house. The duty took shape in thin,
fat parcel about inches by 81 IN size,
addressed to some city IN Georgia, and
there Jack found the words he had
waited for over five years:
DEAR JACK-Come home. It viii never be
the same here till you do. CARRIE.
Jack answered in person and soon took
off his gilt leaves, married the girl whose
faith had equaled his own, and settled in
the village. In the course of time a new
single appeared on the street and read:
....r......s...............
ROYCE q BROTHER.