The daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Ind. Ter. [Okla.]) 1898-1902, 1899-01-28
How THE CAP'N SAVED
THE DAY.
By Walter williams.

TIE WAS such little fellow. Ths
I'll lily which bloomed in the corner
OF the yard was taller and scarcely more
slender than he. His head, even when
he wore his high-heeled shoes. did not
reach up to the great iron kuocker that
hung on the front door The calendar
said the Cap'n was five years old, but
nobody believed the calendar, least OF
all those who saw the small figure for
the first time.
Every body called him the Cap'n, be-
cause he held himself up so straight
and walked with such military pre-
cision. He wore bit o. flag on his tiny
coat one day as he went down 10 the
negro cabin where his old NANNY"
stayed "Lawd bress u.s." said she,
broad grin on her face, ''heah comes de
Cap'ni" The name stuck TO him. He
carried himself like king, and even
his "nightie." as he walked away into
the dark to bed. always clung TO his
slight little body like the robes OF
prince of royal blood.
The Cap'n was afraid Of nothing He
laughed, a brave little laugh, into the
eyes of strange and angry dog. He
played in the roadway underthe horses
heels. He climbed on the horses backs,
the widest Of them, and bestrode them
tust like a miniature Cenfaur. He
clinched his fztand struck al visitor
who teased him with the good -uatured
- foL
people treat children.
When the soldiers came TO town the
Cap'n sat on the gate post and waved
his little flag. He looked a part of the |
post. 50 still he sat, save for the arm
that waved the flag. 50 solemn he was
and white. like a carven image his face
The men took off their hats to him and |
threw kisses as they passed They
camped on the common. not far away,
and the Cap'n. in charge of his old black
nanny. whom he ordered around a.
though she were dog and who obeyed
him as willingly, went to see them every
day.
1t was not long before the soldiers
became his devoted slaves. Perhaps
they thought Of the dear ones at home.
and of little figure that had waved
good-by as they marched off From the
grave and reverend colonel down TO the
scrap Of drummer boy the whole regi-
meut was literally at the Cap'n's feet.
1t was company B that first adopted
him One morning, on dress parade.
Ma L14 L I I
recruit. commissioned officer whom
he would introduce to the men. He
went into the officers tent and led out
The Cap'n. dressed in full uniform,
.word and belt and all. The soldiers
vet up cheer that shook the very trees.
And the Cap'n walked slowly down in
'ront Of the long line and took off his
title hat and bowed a sober bow. and
aid. as though he had been so years
I'D and real general: my men, I'm
'lad TO belong to comp'ny B. thank :
'ou for your kind reception"
Then the soldiers almost split their
hroats with shouting. until the colonel
4 the regiment came riding over to see
THAT the matter was Company B was q
he most stuck-up company in the en- r
ire regiment from that day forward.
Did not the Cap'n belorg to 1t. and h
Tas not he mascot? Men of the other
tried to beg or borrow the s
ap'n. but company B only laughed a. s.
hem They sought to bribe the Cap'r. q
ut be indignantly refused to leave his
rst love. Only once was he tempted o
nd that was when company T offered n
i'm little pony. with saddle and
ridle. II he would ride with them on p
ress parade. But be did not go any I
irther than the officers tent. and then
i'd. in bis childish drawi: "Ex-cus- u
r. but must go back TO comp'ny B." g
The men Of company B heard of II.
ID they ransacked the country for G.
my for the Csp'n, Finally they found h
Ie. about The size of large St. Ber- n
I'd dog. and equally as gentle. They ce
led the pony ont with bride and sad W
{. and made the presentation IN III
oper form to the Cap'n. liz