The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-12-03

HERE THE YOUTH FOR he could see
GOT MANY THINGS. knots and wav-
ing lines Of skirmishers who were run
ming hither and thither and firing at
the landscape. A dark battle-line lay
upon q sun-struck clearing that cleaned
orange color. A flag futtercd.
Other regiments foundered up the
bank. The brigade was formed in line
Of battle and, after pause, started
slowly through the woods in the rear
Of the receding sRirmishers who were
continually melting into the scene to
appear again further on. They were al
ways busy as bees, deeply absorbed in
their little combats.
The youth tried to observe every
thing. lie did not use care to avoid
trees and branches, and his forgotten
feet were constantly knocking against
stones or getting entangled in brinrs.
lie was aware that these battalions
with their connections were woven red
and starting into the gentle fabric of
softened green's and browns. Itlooked
to be wrong place for battlefield.
The sliirmishers in advance fascinated
him. Their shots into thickets and at
distant and prominent trees spoke to
him Of tragedies hidden, mysterious,
solemn.
During this march, the ardor which
the youth had acquired when out of
view of the field rapidly faded to moth
ing. His curiosity was quite easily sat
isfed. II an intense scene had caught
him with its wild swing Us he came to
the top of the bank he might have gone
roaring on. This advance upon nature
was too calm. He had opportunity to
reflect. He had time in which to won.
der about himself and to attempt to
probe his sensations.
Absurd ideas took hold upon him.
He thought that he did not relish the
landscape. 1t threatened him. A cold
ness swept over his back, and it is true
that his trousers felt to him that they
were no fit for his legs at all.
A house standing placidly in distant
fields had an ominous look. The shad
ows Of the woods were formidable. He
was certain that in this vista there
lurked ferce-eyed hosts The swift
thought came to him that the generals
did not know what they were about.
1t was all trap. Suddenly those close
forests would bristle with rifle barrels.
Iron-lilc brigadcs would appear in the
rear. They were all going to be sacri.
feed. The generals were stupids. The
enemy would presently swallow the
whole command. He glarcd about
him, expecting to see the stealthy ap
proach of his death.
He thought that he must break from
the ranks and haranguc his comrades.
They must not all be killed like
pigs. And he was sure it would come
to pass unless they were informed Of
these dangers. The generals were
idiots to send them marching into Q
regular pen. There was but one paiI
oieyes in the corps. He would ster
forth and make speech. Shrill and
passionate words came to his lips.
The line, broken into moving frag
nents by the ground, went calmly on
through fields and woods. The youth
looked at the men nearest him and
saw, for the most part, expressions o.
deep interest as If they were investi
eating something that had fascinated
them. One or two stepped with over
valiant airs as II they were aheady
plunged into war. Others walked al
upon thin ice. The greater part of the
untestcd men appeared quiet and alb
sorbcd. They were. going to look a
war tho red animal, war, the blood
swollen god. And they were deeply
engrossed in this march.
As he looked, the youth gripped hi
outcry at his throat. He saw tina
even II the men were tottering will
fear, they would laugh at his warning
They would jeer him, and II PRACTICABLE
pelt him with missiles. Admitting tina
he might be wrong, frenzied decla
nation Of the kind would turn himint,
worm. x
He assumed, then; the demeanor o
one who knows that he is doomed
alone, to unwritten responsibilities
He Jagged, with tragic glances at tn
sky.