Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1900-05-23
BE A GOOD BOY.

@Q he railway passenger station
was a mass Of people. Cheers
- and sobs, smiles and tears, were
mingled and merged into the scenes of
the last minute. One Of Cbicago's vol
unteer regiments was leaving for the
front. A blaze of soidiery, q fever Of
patriotism, and ten thousand people
had transformed the station into tur-
bulent sea with waves Of unrestrained
emotion. Between the inspiring strains
Of patriotic airs and the rattling OF
drums, shouts Of encouragement We're
sf the multitude.
"Remember the Mainew thundered
nan whose appreciation for the eternal
illness Of things Is more to be admired
.han his originality.
Instantly a thousand voices took up
The uncouth refrain. which ended final
u In an uprOar.
xiii every bloody Spaniard you sect!
added a young man. whose appearance
gave no token Of the vicious injunction.
An old fellow with a copper button
In the lapel Of his coat hobbIed through
the throng. fiourishing his cane In the
air with little consideration for the
comfort of his countrymen.
The clang Of the bell gave notice that
Lttle time remained for the final fare.
wells. Wives, mothers and sweethearts
were clinging about the necks Of the de-
parting soldiers, and, amid the tumult.
great tears were falling from the eyes
Of the parting friends.
A witness Of all these demonstra-
tions, and alone, with no one to cheer
him or to say gO0d-by, was a silent
young soldier, who stood lost In reverie.
He looked scarce more than a boy,
with proud military bearing and a
handsome face. While his comrades
we're biddil their last adieus. he stood
ls II transfixed to the platform, but
suddenly he looked about and ex-
claimed:
won't somebody kiss me good-by"
Before he could escape q pair Of arms
were thrown around his neck from be-
hind, and as he turned he caught q
warm kiss sQuarely on the lips. and a
soft voice whispered: BE good boy
and come home again.
In another instant the savior had
gone. but as the train moved out q
1ainty white handkerchief was waved
= 5ttAanau1-and for him.
The vision-the sweet face, the burn
mg Of the kiss on his lips, and the ten
Ter admonition to "be q good boy and
some home again"-followed Eugene
Brockway to Springfield. 1t broke camp
with him when they were ordered
south and embarked with him when
pn the transports which carried the
regiment to Cuba. In his dreams the
girl was sure to present herself. and
when the fever took possession Of his
reason the boys heard him say:
BE q good boy and come home
lgainr'
After a years struggle with war and
the elements Of the tropical island
Brockway was returned to Chicago.
haggard and weak from the privations
and hardships of the Cuban campaign.
One thought remained uppermost in his
while in the trenches Of Santiago, his
praises sounded In the home papers,
and his new commission as lieutenant
we're entirely forgotten In his quiet
search for the pretty and plump little
maiden whose kindliness had complete
y disturbed his peace of mind.
In a comfortable and happy home in
Dne Of the suburbs the movements of q
sertain Illinois regiment had been OF
uncommon interest to Maine Hurd
nan. She followed the campaign Of the
infantry In Cuba with a consuming rel
lsh. She scrutinized the printed lists
ipf casualties and refused to believe
that death was able to overcome the
rugged lad she had jokingly clasped in
her arms, and who, In return. had car
ried away her heart with neither hel
consent nor hint Of where he might bs
found In the future.
Several weeks after his return Lieu
tenant Brockway received an invitation
to q reception he was disposed to de
cline, owing partially to the state OF
bis health, but more directly to the gen
eral disfavor with which he now con
sidered society girls In comparison
with one romping yet sympathetic sou
whose image was lodged in his mem
ory. Had 1t not been for the persist
ency of his friend, Horace Judson, b,
would have remained in his room. Blu
Horace had sent him word that b,
would call for him with q carriage ant
two ladies' at 7:3O o'clock. and Their
was but one thing to do.
"Hang the parties" muttered Gene
% he pulled. and tugged with his higl
stiff collar.
The door bell rang, and In momen
the familiar voice of Judson was In
quiring for Gene.
"Tell him to hurry: the girls ar
craxy to see him."
In q few moments he was undergoing
q counterfeited enjoyment Of greetings
and took his place beside a young lad
whom he could see but dimly. She ha
been presented to him as Miss Hu-d
man. The conversation naturally drift
ed to the war, but 1t was with q notice
able effort that Gene was induced I
participate in the discussion
"And you have been with the - Ill
nois, Mr. BrockwayY said Miss Hurd
man, plunsing into the subject yer
near her heart
"Yes. started with the boys.
growled the soldier.
"HOw strange; l had Q very dea
friend with that regiment. had know
him but q short time." she continued
with q concealed smile, ''but had b<
come very much attached to him, an