River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1896-05-28

Maybe there's a donkey land some
where. answered Philip. hopefully.
And anyway. Jack doesn't have to
work any mole. He was worn out"
When the children reached the wal
nut tree in the field. they set to work
on the lumpy mass of earth that
marked Jacks resting place. II took
a long time to smooth and shape il;
but after the flowers were arranged
according to their taste. Sara and Phil
IN rested, well satisfied with their la
Dor.
I'll put the flag in the middle" said
Philip. proceeding to carry out his
words II think more flags and less
liIacs would have been better, don't
your"
"No. don't" answered Sara, looking
at il critically. 1.-The lilacs are espc-
cially for Jack; and the flag is only to
show our respect for the country. This
isn't soldiers grave"
But | believe that Jack would have
made a splendid soldier If he hadn't
been a donkey" said Philip. thought
fully. "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 spirit"
"And we used to whip him when he
wouldn't bulge" sighed Sara, remorsc-
fully. "But 1 think we better have
the exercises now, and then eat our
luneh;" and Philip readily agreed to
this proposal.
The exercises" consisted of patriotic
songs. sung by the children as they
slowly marched around the grave. IL
was while their voices were sounding
out the ringing notes of America. $
that two gentlemen, coming along the
Hilton road in 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. THE Stars and Stripes ar,
floating over him. I'll ask who il 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 bad stopped singing
were too busy to notice the carriage
and its occupants. Philip insisted on
singing: Land where our donkey
died." which Sara thought was disre
spectful. not to say wicked. How the
dispute would have ended, no one can
say: for a call from the carriage start
led them and brought wrangling to a
close.
Here. children, let me add my trib-
ute to a friend and brother. That he
served his country is enough for me
to know" and the gentleman who SAID
this held out an elegant wreath of
white roses and glossy green leaves.
Philip made no move in his astonish-
ment. hut Sara quickly ran down the
little slope dividing the field from the
road.
''We're much obliged; but it's only
Jack who is buried here. It's a great
deal too nice for Jack" she said, look
ing admiringly at the flowers.
But the gentleman was quite de-
termined that Jack should have them:
and after a few more words Sara was
standing, wreath in hand, looking after
the departing carriage.
What a generous man he u.s." saId
Philip, after every Duh and leaf had
been admired. at seems too nice Tor
donkey. Did you tell him who il
VAST"
"Yes. / did" answered Sara, forget
ting that a stranger could not possibly
know that Jack" was donkey. I'll
didn't make bit of difference"
The grave looked very fine indeed
when it received its new decoration
and the children could hardly tear
themselves away after their luncheon
was eaten. well bring father and
mother around to look att, Philip said
when they finally left the place to wash
their hands in the brook and make
themselves presentable for celebration
on the green.
A great crowd had gathered there
Philip and Sara squee ed through and
found seat in front OF the brass band
and very near the platform erected foi