The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-06-09


The Hadley children were very sorry
when Jack the donkey, died. PhiAp anu
Sara missed him sadly. and even lhe
baby turned her head about seekins MN
fin his old place i'm the barn. The children
chose the spot where Jack was 20 be
buried: under "A walnut tree that stood on
the edge Of field looking down upon tAe
Hilton road II was on bleak NtfcA
dav that the donkey was hurei' sara
cried wien her father began 10 sntFel iht
dirt over him. but Philip soon comforter
her by plcturire the beautiful grave they
would make when the weather gre"
warm enough TO cover it with flowers.
II don't know where We'll get the How
ers. 'ccpt it's lilacs: but Jack was very
fond Of lnacs." said sara. drying her
eyes
eyes. he was" answered Philip.
Don't you remember how he ate a whole
bushful last DecOration-Day?'
Suppose we cover his grave with IL
laos each year en- DecOratiOn-Day as long
as we live lie ought not 10 have eaten
them. but a donkey IS only a donkey
said Sara. making what excuse she could
for poor Jack; ana then the children
raced down the Hill together.
DecOra tiOn-Day was always great day
al Hilton. Scattered about in the little
diers who had fought and died In the SER
vice Of their country. and Hilton never
failed 10 do them honor once year.
Greater preparations We're being made for
the coming celebration. for a new grave.
marked by a costly monument bearing the
name Of noted general. had been made
there during the last year: brave sol
der once a Hilton boy. whose bones had
been brought back 10 rest in his native
ia a.
decoration of the graves to take place
IN the morning, there was 10 be a gather
ing on the village green in the afternoon.
when various speakers ana a brass band
would entertain the crowd.
DecOration-Day opened warm and
bright. The lilac bushes in the Hadleys'
front yard We're fun of bloom. and not
very long after breakfast Sara and Philip
started for the donkcy's grave. Sara bear
ing great punches OF the fragrant flower
and Philip carrying a small nag. They
carried lunch as well, the plan being 10
join their parents in the afternoon on the
green.
I'VE haven't thought as much about
Jack lately sas we ought" said Sara. as
they climbed the HILL we must think OIL
him all the morning 20 make mp for 10.
Isn't 10 too bad that dcnkeys can't 80
TO Heaven"
Maybe there's donkey land some
where answered Philip. hopefully.
And any way. Jack doesn't have 10
work any more lie was worn out"
When the children reached the walnut
tree in The field. they set 20 work on
the mmpy mass Of earth that marked
Jacks last resting-placc. 10 took a long
time to smooth and shape il; but after
the flowers We're arranged according 10
! their taste. sara and Philip rested, well
satisfied with their labor.
I'm put the nag in the middle" said
| Philip, proceeding 10 carry out his
words. IL think more flags and less
l-iacs would have been better don't
you?"
NO. don't" answered sara, looking a.
! il critically. The lilacs are especially
for Jack, and the flag Is only 70 show our
respect for the country. This isn't 4
soldiers grave"
But l believe that Jack would have
made a splendid soldier II - hadn't been
a donkey" said Philip. thoughtfuliy.
you know a good soldier is one who
stands by his post, and don't move
whatever happens; and Jack had just that
kind OF a spirit"
And We used 10 whip him when he
wouldn't bulge" said Sara. remorsefully.
"BW I think we better have the eXcr-
! cises now, and then eat our lunch" and
Philip readily agreed 10 this proposal.
The exercises consisted of patriotic
songs sung by the children as they slow
ly marched around the grave. IL was
While their clear voices were sounding out
the ringing notes Of America" that two
gentlemen coming along the Hilton road
IN a carriage had full sight and sound
Of this performance.
a soldiers grave IN this lonely spot"
one Of them exclaimed. as they drew near
enough TO see the decorated mound.
9TH Stars and Stripes are floating over
him. I'll ask who II is"
NO. no" said his companion. quickly.
like enough It's the children's father
or brother. and We won't ask any ques-
tons"
Sara and Philip had stopped singing 10
dispute over a certain point. ard We're
too busy to notice the carriage and its
occupants. Philip insisted on singing.
Land where our donkey died." which
Sara thought was disrespectful not 10
say wicked. How the dispute would have
ended no one can say. for a call from the
carriage startled them. and brought
wrangling 10 a close.
Here. children. let me add my tribute
10 a friend and brother. That he served
his country is enough FOR me TO know"
and the gentleman who said las held
out an elegant wreath of white roses and
glossy green leaves.
Philip made no move IN his astonish-
meat but Sara quickly ran down ths