The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1894-11-16
THE TRUMPETER.


Franz Hennig entered the shade
where Margarita, with a sleek yellow
cat for companion, sat knitting
What is that?" the lad asked
"A stocking, stupid. Hast thou not
eyes?" the child answered. affecting i'm
patience.
''For me, them" Franz captured the
needles and scrutinized the work with
covert amusement.
They Were to be thine, but they
grew so small I'm afraid they will be
only large enough for the cat, ," Mar
garita sighed.
SOL Well. little one, thou shalt knit
me stockings another time" He looked
dreamily across the garden to the quaint
old house which for three years had
been his home.
Three years of preparation for the
university, three years of unremitting
kindness from the busy housewife and
her aged mother, who had opened their
doors to the lonely student, three years
frightened by the enthusiastic devotion
of little child. Now this chapter must
close
From down the village street came
the rattle of drums, a bugle note and
the sound of cheers.
1T is bandv' shouted Margarita,
seizing pussy and preparing TO leave
the shade.
Wait" Franz said, with a thrill in
his tones Il have something to say to
thee, liebchen. Dost thou know what
the drum is crying? IL is war;
War; she responded, with childish
indifference. THE mother said this
morning that soldiers were going to
France. But why dost thou care, dear
Franz"
Herr Steinert returns to the army
today" he said gravely.
''Then there will be no more lessons
on the beautiful trumpet for theel
am sorry. But don't mind. Thou wilt
have me-
''Margarita, he said sorrowfully, 81
shall not have thee, for L go too. -
''Thou!" She stared with wide, in
credulous eyes. Surely, not thoup'
''Liebchen, he whispered huskily.
'Liebchen, wouldst thou have me idle
at home when the rest are going?
WouIdst thou have me a coward? have
no father or mother. no sister to mourn
for me. while many so from dear ones
who can i'll spare them
Thou hast the mother and grand
mother-and thou hast mep' she sobbed
True, / have thee. and thou wilt be
q brave little German maid and make
my going happy"
when wilt thou go?'' she asked,
bravely trying to suppress the sobs.
This afternoon.
''And who will ride thy horse, Prinz,
when thou art gomez
''Prinz will go with me, for / shall
try for the cavalry, as my father did be-
fore me. Hark to the trumpet If /
might go as trumpeter! To sound the
charge-that would be gloriousi But it
is not possible, of course. 1 hope 1 shall
be near Steinert. But come; it is time /
was making ready"
The hours crept away with rapid prep
arations and fearful partings. Through
the little town sounded hurrying feet
eager voices, snatches of warsongs,
rolling drum or bugle's blare. In the
midst of the turmoil Margarita was
missing.
Where can she be-" queried Frau
Krummer anxiously "Margarita, Mar
garita. Franz is goingr' But no childish
voice responded.
I'VE must CO." cautioned grand
mother, tying her bonnet strings with
trembling fingers. "Come, Lotte."
'Margaritap' shouted Franz, but
only mocking echo gave answer. With
sad eyes he gazed once more about the
dear home, then turned away.
At the little station all was confu-
sion fearful women clung to the ia
theirs, brothers. sweethearts who laugh
ed and joked with heavy hearts. The
long train was laden with troops from
farther south. all pressing forward to
join the crown princes army at Ian
dau. The moment for departure was at
hand.
"Auf Wiedersehen, then, dear
friends" said Franz, pressing hearty
kiss upon the cheeks of the two women
who had taken him into their hearts.
"Margarita, you will give her my dear
love. / wish''-
Franz, waltz cried small voice,
and Margarita clutched his arm.
From thy mothers grave" she
cried. thrusting a bunch of blue corn
flowers into his hands.
For an instant he caught her up in
his arms.
Thanks liebchen," he whispered,
then, setting her down hastily, ran
siAOobh eiio SAo"u anu upon
the slowly moving train.
"Auf Wiedersehenp' he cried, wav-
ing the blue flowers above his blond
head
"Auf Wiedersehenr' echoed Mar
garita, trying to smile through her
tears
Under the shelter of a friendly hill
detachment of Bavarian cavalry awaited
the 'ynal to charge. To the left sound
ed the continuous roar of musketry,
punctuated by the detonations of artil-
lery. From his post as right guide of
the platoon Franz gazed along the lines
Of his comrades in dusty sky blue uni
forms.
Only a month had he passed with the
regiment, but the intelligence of the
young student had already made him
conspicuous. and the time had been long
enough to knit his ties of friendship
with the men. Only a month, but in
that time the boy had become a man.
Gripping his saber hilt, he settled
himself firmly in the saddle The fra Of