The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1896-05-27

w nat Is llI war, my tu0-lCuf lOtW
Francei But thou and 1 must bide at
home," and he shook his head sorrow
fully. "Those who are strong must
fight and win the glory"
Wari
AT the word fierce EMULATION seized
the lads heart. Berthold would not be
here to be drafted. Nay, more. If
Berthold followed the course he had
planned for avoiding the highways and
villages, was there not a chance yet
that he might not carry out their cher
shed scheme? Surely the country
could spare Berthold to him whose need
was so greatl
1t was but a flash that sank in ashes,
and with it fell the hopes that had
grown to such heights. Yes, the coun-
try had need of such as Berthold, and
what would he have done? In such
crisis Berthold would take but one
course. Berthold would scorn to shirk
his duty. And should he be less brave?
A hubbub of voices had risen about
him, but Hans stood with closed ears
and unseeing eyes. He was swiftly
mapping out his course of action. He
must follow Berthold with the tidings
Without delay. Berthold had eight
hours start; could he overtake him?
Could he bring him back before his alb
sence had been noticed? Perhaps in
the excitement it was possible.
No one noticed the queer figure hur-
rying past. The villagers had other
concerns than to watch the movements
of cripple when their stalwart sons
were preparing for war. But in no
heart did the sacred fire of patriotism
burn more clearly than in the heart Of
this poor lad who would give his all for
the cause. &c If l can only overtake
himl" he painted, as he climbed the
steep road that wound in sharp loops to
the summit of the mountain. He felt
inside his coat to see that the little
packet of money, which represented his
sole property, was safe. Sc will hire
Wilhelm Taubert's horse and perhaps l
may find Berthold before he leaves the
forest. He was to rest a time at day
break"
Hans anxiously peered through the
branches at the sky, fast losing its gold
and crimson in the blue of broad day.
He felt battered and weak. The heat
was already making itself felt even in
the forest heart. "Dear Lord, give me
strength" he groaned.
Not far from the summit his quick
ear caught an unexpected sound Who
could be striding down this unfre-
quented road in such hot haste? The
steps came nearer, and in another mo-
ment young man rounded the curve.
At sight of each other both stopped,
and Hans felt the blood rush madly to
| To hoI him off n
his sacrifice, but not 30 soon. He grew
giddy and leaned family against a
rugged trunk.
Berthold stood as if rooted to the
ground, the surprise in his face giving
place to an uplifted look.
Hans!" he cried, then sprang to the
lads side and put his arm about his
misshapen shoulders. "Wert thou
coming for me?" he asked huskily.
Hans leaned away from him that he
might look into his face. Hast thou
heard?" he whispered.
Berthold nodded gravely.
"Yes, / was coming for thee" the
cripple sighed. 81 knew that thou
wouldst have it So"
"And thou?"
"I, too"
Berthold's arm frightened about hin
and for moment only the forest sounds
filled the air.
At length: "Thou wilt give more
than I"-and Berthold's voice was
unsteady" for l give but my life, i
need be, but thou-thou givest thy
friend!
That afternoon little company O.
fathers and sons marched out from the
village to present themselves in thu
neighboring town, a willing sacrifice To-
the fatherland There was no MARTA
music to cheer their going, none of thu
pomp and glory of war; only its seam,
side, the wrench of heartstrings, tn,
parting words which might forestall tn
final parting. The overhanging bal
comics were crowded with women
} some weeping helplessly, but more will
faces no less brave than those to whom
they babe God speed. But amon
} them all was no face like that of littl
Hans, for strength was given TO him +
smile, once more, as Berthold kisse
him on both cheeks.
"And if thou contest not back" h
! whispered, "auf wiedersehen MAR
ion Dickinson.
TIMBER of the tamarisk or shittir