The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-10-03
Original Sketch.
THE THREE BATTLES.
BY ERMINA G. STRAY.


THE brilliant light of the Septem-
Der sun shone down upon the
beautiful Forest City, nestled among
it's hills and trees and overlooking
the sparkling, blue waters of the
historic lake, where the ships were
preparing for the sham battle, after
the unwilling of the monument in the
square.
Marion's fresh young face was like
a picture, as her watchful eyes took
in everything and Vance, who had
seen more of the world though but
three years her senior, felt glad he
had brought her there today.
A buxom German woman elbowing
her way through the crowd was heard
to say:
"What be's all dis for any way,
dis firing and dis hooray, and all
data"
"Why, don't you know?" sharp
featured elderly woman exclaimed
tartly. Commodore Perry is going
to fight a sham battle out there on
the lake, which to my mind is the
biggest piece of nonsense ever in
vented, and l feel like big noodle
head for coming here, but no TODD
but the children must come and see
Perry's victory and l wouldn't trust
THEODORE with 'em mile from home;
he's that absent minded that he'd be
just as apt to lug off some body
else's young ones. l declare, if he
hain't got hold of a tow-headed boy
now, while Tommy is back there
alone. THEODORE, you drafted Ounce,
don't you see you hain't got hold of
Tommy at all? Here, you Thomas
you'll you stick to your pa and see
that he don't git lost while | mind
Mary Jane and John Henry"
81 don't think much o'them sham
battles" another woman remarked.
cts a sign of war;"
"That's just what told THEODORE
this morning. There never was a
sham fight yet, but what there was
sure'nough one right away after; and
all the best young men had to go, and
maybe never come back agin. I've
heerd of such things" Marion
looked quickly at Vance, a startled
expression in her eyes, but he an
swered with a reassuring smile. She
said:
81 am afraid it may be So"
"Nonsense!" he exclaimed lightly.
"All an ignorant within. l want you
to enjoy this day, you have so few of
them, Marion" "You are kind to re-
mind me of it," she said, coldly; and
even then the sixteen year old face
took on a scornful look as the dark
eyes were turned proudly toward the
lake.
"You're the best girl in the world,
Marion" Vance Carleton urged in
low, pleading voice, "but you have one
fault which seriously mars your
otherwise perfect girlhood. If you
would only overcome it.
"If | had arrived at the immense
age of nineteen and not yet out of
college, should have no faults to
overcome" was the pointed reply.
"Forgive me, Marion, but "faith
full are the wounds of a friend" Vance
continued persistently. "And you
know that you have quick, proud
temper, which you ought to subdue.
Therel they have commenced firing!"
and he laid his hand lightly upon hers,
but she shook it off with the angry
retort.
81 wish l had staid at home. | hate
you Vance Carleton!"
81 am sorry l said anything, I"
"Oh, don't go to making excuses,
it will only make the matter worse"
Vance very wisely kept quiet few
moments, while the band played
1.-THE Star Spangled Banner"
81 adore the Star Spangled Ban
ner," he said dreamily.
II don't, think its horrid."
you're not very patriotic, then"
sob, no, Pm nothing good. But /
wish you wouldn't talk to me. l
wish you'd go away and leave me
alone"
81 declare, Marion, l believe you're