Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1892-05-18
A SWEET REVENGE.

III was on the UnlrJletH udy vi
May, 1862, that Jack Roberts took
leave of the little town which had
given him birth, and marched so
proudly away with the boys in blue,
as had his two elder brothers before
him.
The parting from his dear ones cost
him many apang, for he was home
lad, and loved the frail mother with
all the intensity Of his warm nature.
Susie, his twin sister, bitterly de-
nounced his going, but when she
saw him, in his bright new uniform,
march proudly down the aisle of the
old-fashioned church, she nodded ap-
provingly, and wondered how any
right-r,inded young man could stay
at home when the need for soldiers
was so pressing.
The long, hot summer dragged
slowly away, and in more than one
aercely con tested battle, Jack shar-
ed the dangers and anxieties COM
mon to a soldiers life. At differ
ent times during the winter Tom
and Ben, theolder brothers, bright
ened the home with their presence,
but neither the mothers longings
nor Susie's constant chidings sue
ceeded in procuring furlough for
Jack. True, the brave young fellow
was fortunate enough to be granted
a short leave Of absence once, but
when he saw Dick Bosnian, whose
baby was dying in the far away
home, break down and weep bitterly
because his name was not found up
on the same roll, hegenerously trans
ferred his furlough to him, and put
away his own inconsistencies until a
more convenient season should ar
rive. Dick was his sworn enemy
too; but Jack could not he cruel even
to foe.
One bright morning in the latter
part of April a letter came from Jack
in which he said that there would
be no chance of furlough now. UNI
til the summer campaign was over.
I'll see if | can't bring him." SUI
sic said desperately.
Going to her room, she hastily
penned the following
DEAR JACK Mother is very i'll.
Your absence is breaking her heart.
Come home at once if you wish to
see her alive.
SUSIE"
Jack carried the letter to his conf
handing officer, but neither tears
nor prayers could gain for him the
much desired furlough, for great
battle was impending, and every SOL
der was needed at his post.
III must run the risk of going
without leave of absence; come what
will, mother shall see her boy" he
said, as he turned sadly away.
So the next morning, long before
the sun was up, Jack was speeding
homeward as fast as steam could car
ny him. 1t was twilight when he
softly opened the farmhouse door,
and in answer to his fathers startled
look asked in hoarsc Whisper
Am too late?"
TOO late What do you mean,
my boyp" questioned Mr.. Roberts, as
he warmly grasped his sons hand.
"Mother--is she dead?"
Dead? No! Here she is now to
speak for herself.
In the confusion that ensued Jack
learned how he had been deceived,
and for the first time since the fatal
letter had been put into his hands
realized fully that he was deserter.
Susie was almost distracted at the
thought of what she had done, and
begged forgiveness.
"You must not 60 back, "she cried.
"You must 60 where they cannot
find YOU"
run away" exclaimed Jack, so
vehemently that Susie was startled.
mo sister, will not add cowardice
to crime. must 60 back and en-
dure my punishment like a true SOL
der"
They will pardon you when they
learn that it was love for your moth
or that brought you home, said Mrs.
Roberts, clinging to her boy.
ut was on the eve Of great battle,
mother, and no excuse will stand,
for every soldier was ordered to be in
readiness for marching orders" an
swered Jack, shaking his head at the
hopelessness of the case.
81 mnat ua with vonr eoid NJ