The daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Ind. Ter. [Okla.]) 1898-1902, 1899-01-11
HOW THE CAP'N SAVED
THE DAY.
By Walter Williams.
Walter williams.

TIE WAS such little fellow. The
lily which bloomed in the corner
Of the ward 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 knocker 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 to the
negro cabin where his old NANNY
stayed. "Lawd bress us" said she, a
broad grin on her face, "heah comes de
Cap'n!" 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 a
prince of royal blood.
The Cap'n was afraid of nothing. He
laughed, brave little laugh, into the
eyes of strange and angry dog. He
PLAYED In the roadway under the horses
heels. He climbed on the horses backs,
the widest of them. and bestrode them
Just like miniature Centaur. He
clinched his fist and struck at visitor
who teased him with the good-natured
brutality with which some grown-up
people treat children.
When the soldiers came to town the
Cap'n sat on the gate post and waved
his little flag. He looked part OF the
post, so still he sat, save for the arm
that waved the flag. so 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 as
though she were dog and who obeyed
him as willingly. went to see them every
day.
It was not long before the soldiers
became his devoted slavt Perhaps
they thought of the dear o les 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.
ment was literally at the Cap'n's feet.
1t was company B that first adopted
him. One morning. on dress parade,
Lieut.. Martin stated that he had new
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.
sword and belt and all. The soldiers
set up a cheer that shook the very trees,
And the Cap'n walked slowly down in
front OF the long line and took off his
little hat and bowed a sober bow. and
said. as though he had been so years
old and real general; "My men, I'm
glad TO belong TO comp'ny B. thank
you for your kind reception
Then the soldiers almost split their
throats with shouting, until the colonel
Of the regiment came riding over TO see
what the matter was. Company B was
tHC HOSN NpAtf ah thS SA-
tire regiment from that day forward.
Did not the Cap'n belorg to il, and
was not he mascot? Men of the other
companies tried TO beg or borrow the
Cap'n. but company B only laughed a.
them. They sought to bribe the Capri.
hut he indignantly refused to leave his
frst love. Only once was be tempted
and that was when company + offered
him little pony. with saddle and
bride. II he would ride with them on
dress parade. But he did not go any
further than the officers tent. and then
said, In his childish drawl: Excuse
me. but / must go back TO comp'ny B.
The men Of company b heard Of II.
and they ransacked the country for
pony for the Cap'n. Finally they found
one. about the size Of large 81. Ber-
nard dog. and equally as gentle. They
Aftesi the pony ont with S-idle and sad
die. and made the presentation In
proper form 10 the capn.