Waterbury Democrat., 1900-11-14
A TWo-sIDED SOLDIER.

Yes. murmured the old staff off cer. most good officers would make excellent soldiers, but ali brave sol diers would not make fine soldiers-no, not by a big sight
 The time was just after supper. but the old soldier lay back with one leg thrown ever an arm of his easy-chair, and his face almost hidden behind the cigar smoke. The light. turned down. threw the dim, uncertain shadows of misty past about the room. Battal- ions of shadows chased each other over the walls, and, through the cigar smoke, charging squadrons rushed batteries placed high upon the ceiling. It was the time for story. Both the | colonel and his Boswell recognized that
 T was thinking of a child I knew in Longstreet's corps,' said the colonel | simply. He was just 15, and chap to be proud of. Longstreet saw him about the second fight. The general | had ridden to the front. and there, far ahead of the line, was the boy. He | was about the size of a woodtick, but | he made enough noise for a brass band The men were crouching and hiding l behind cover, but to see that lad you would not have thought there was tree or a rock in a hundred miles. Every time his gun went off it would almost knock him over. Then he would rub his shoulder, all the while jumping up and down and shouting: Give 'em -, boys, Give 'em -!'
 Well, that time we give 'em -, and in the charge the boy was the first | one over the breastworks. His com mander was overjoyed to see it. After | the fight the general sent for the youngster. The lad came and stood It attention before his officer as straight as you please. General Long street complimented him on his bray cry. Then he said: And why are you lighting, my son?'
 "'Why, to be an officer, of course, sir replied the little hero.
 "'All right, I'll make you lieuten- ant
 Tn a week not an officer in the ar my could strut like the new lieuten- ant.
 Then We had another fight. The l bullets began to whistle and to sing, and the new lieutenant showed signs i of nervousness. He did not shout: Give 'em - this time, but he looked lll white and scared. Of sudden he dropped his sword. Right before General Longstreet's eyes the boy sol iier ran away.
 "Thc general summoned him after the battle. The lieutenant came, fear tut and penitent.
 Do you know I should have you shot, sir?" thundered the officer.
 "'Yes, sir replied the boy. I don't know why I did it. but I just ran. l couldn't help it. sir. Shoot me, if YOU want to, or give me my gun and I'll win my straps again.
 For minute the general stared al his impudence; then said: "I'il do it.
 Tn the next fight 1 was at the front | with Longstreet. There was that boy not a boy, but a fiend of battle, shout ing, cheering, whooping, at the very front in every charge. Two men had 10 drag him away when we were forced back.
 After the fight LongsIreet prompt " had his straps returned to him
 Again the youngster went in as an officer. and again he ran. For the second time Longstreet put the boy | back in the ranks in disgrace, only tC | "Cappoint him after fight As usual the hoy lieutenant ran.
 "Then, before he could be sum moned he sought out the generals tent Longstrept greeted him sourly.
 "'What do you want?
 The lad flung his sword on the | ground and tore the straps from his shoulders. Take your - 1ld sword he said. I won't have if. I'm going back in the ranks And he stalked proudly from the presence of the as founded general and his staff.
 "Three days later q boy hero fell yards in advance of q charging gray line. .'-Louisyille Courier-Journa