The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1897-02-21

w . AoSSi SO PAChillS w LAC DOOh hulCn
his grandson had laid down he opened it
at one of the first chapters and then read
aloud:
THE youthful George was a kind and
dutiful son to his
But before he could get any further.
George had left the room.
A few minutes later, he was out in The
yard, wrapped up in a worsted muller,
and shoveling manfully-building, mean
while, such grand and lofty castles in the
air. His birthday was the 22d of Febru-
airy, and he lad been christened George
Washington"
If he were not destined to be a second
father to his country, who was? If only a
band OF British or French, or even H.
dams, would come and attack the town,
then would be the time for him to show
of what he was made. How he would
lead out the other boys, waving his sword
IN the air and calling to them TO follow
him, until they felt nearly, but not quite,
as brave as he. And when the enemy
were driven Off he would march home in
triumph, with flags waving and drums
beating, and every one cheering the vic
tor. And he would always be kind to his
pother, of course, and sit beside her, with
his arm around her neck, Just az George
Washington was doing n one of the pic.
lures in the book. Here he was inter-
rupted by big boy. who held a paper
parcel over the garden railing and asked:
docs George Washington Darrell live
here?" For answer, George took the par
Gel and tore off the wrapper hastily, dis
covering. to his great surprise, large
candy-box made of card board, but shaped
and painted in perfect imitation of a
Ratchet.
''Grandfather's joke, of counsel" he e1-
claimed. Aren't they nice, though"
And he put a ear-plum into his
mouth, then ran in to ''pass them round"
and thank the giver though he could not
help feeling a little hurt at grandtather's
thinking 1t necessary to remind him to
tell the truth.
sit is birthday present, my boy" ex-
claimed the old man. 81 did not inten d
it to arrive until tomorrow; but it doesn't
matter-you will have other things to
think o: then"
Last Christmas George had become the
happy owner of a full suit OF soldiers
clothes, and he was to march with the
other boys on Washingto'ns birthday Just
DShihA VIC ACdA pAONCootOh- Hcil III the
evening lie and grandpa were to take
mamma to Aunt Kate's house to see the
fireworks in the square.
81 must go to bed early" he said, soon
after tea, $50 as to make tomorrow come
so oner."
And post this letter for me the first
thing when you 20 out" said his mother.
BE sure not TO forget it, for it is very i'm
portant."
George kissed her and his grandfather
goodnight and went upstairs, taking the
letter with hin.
On chair in his bedroom lay the mill
tary uniform, and hanging on the wall.
directly opposite his bed, was the SWORD
in its sheath.
George always hung it there at night,
so he could see it the moment be awoke
butevery morning he put it carefully away
for it was dearer to him than all his books
and toys.
Just now there were two pretty silk flags
crossed and fastened above the sword. in
honor of Washington's birthday, while
still higher hung framed portrait of the
Father of His Country.
George stood admiring this decoration
for minute, then, remem bering his
mothers letter, he slipped it into the
pocket of his military coat, so that he
would not GO out without it next morn
ing.
When morning came, however. he was
so hurried and excited that be could
scarcely eat his breakfast, but rushed out
OF the house be fore his mother and grand
father had come downstairs, and never
once gave thought to the letter until he
was marching with some of his COM
panions to the place of meeting and
CHANGED to pass the postoffice.
Never mind" he thought, II will post
it the very first chance l have"
When the chance arrived, however, and
he put his hand into his pocket the letter
was gone. Lost! and his mother had
said it was important.
What was he to do? Just then the
drums began to beat, the boy soldiers fell
into ranks again, and the procession was
on the march.
1t was clear, crisp day and the streets
were lined with people: flags waved from
the houses; every window showed eager
faces and fiuttering handkerchiefs; the
band played stirring tunes; the crowds
cheered and the sun beams glistened like
diamonds upon the snow.
1t was no great wonder that George
again forgot his mothers letter, for now
there appeared in sight the grand stand,
where the Mayor stood waiting to review
the troops as they marched round the
great statue OF General Washington in the