The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1900-04-27

its ! nave pun " coWu outsiCe. 49,
she waited until she heard father
swearing softly TO himself. Then she
knew matters would right themselves
and went downstairs.
At breakfast somehow nobody had
much TO say. Bob wanted TO talk. bat
felt that his one topic-his luck 1T be-
ing sent To the front-would not he
exactly congcnial TO his listeners. So
he refrained, and ate a hearty break
fast
He would carry the memory OF his
last meal away with him TO the far
OF land. The tender face of mother,
smiling bravely from behind the bulb
bling. steaming urn; the dainty spread
table; the pleasant, luxurious room,
with its handsome pictures, the broad
bow window. from which he could see
the dear old garden where he had
played as child; the loving eyes Of
Nell beaming upon him across the
table. Yes. home was home. although
he was the luckiest subaltern in tae
service.
BY and by the trap al the door. and
the servants gathered in the hall 10
wish him good luck and Godspse ed. Bob
shook hands with them all and thanked
4 them, and then he stood with mother
/ in the porch - alone. He could not see
her face distinctly for the mist across
his eyes: and the next moment he and
father were walking quickly down the
drive. along which the dogcart was go-
ing slowly forward TO await them at
the gates beyond. Father remarked
that the new gamekeeper was giving
satisfaction. and that there was every
prospect of the covers yielding better
sport the next autumn.
1--WE shall have YOU home again be-
fore then. my boy" he said.
Rather. sir." answered Bob; I'VE
shall not take long to settle this little
affair"
At the lodge. the gamekeeper's four
boys were standing in row. They
lad three-cornered paper hats On their
heads and wooden swords in their
hands. and they greeted Bob with sum
dry salutes and hurrahs- And Bob
laughed. and gave them penny each.
'"lou must keep up your drilling, he
said. I'VE shall be wanting new re-
cruits in the regiment by and by"
And then the gate was opened. and
Bob climbed 20 the back seat OF the
cart. Far away at the house some
thing fiuttered white from a window.
and Bob took out his handkerchief and
signaled back again. Then the boys
cheered afresL and the trap turned
'. into the lane. and home was already
a thing of the past.
As they drove through the village
there was not a doorway that had not
some one standing on the threshold tc
bid him Godspeed-
lis the young squire of 10 the
: war; they cried one 10 the other. anc
the mems ewes flashed and their voice.
rose. but the women's eyes filled Will
tears as they saw him drive past. "Goc
: keep him. they said. "and comfort hi
: mothers heart" For they knew tha
? the men gave willingly their lives fc
| their country. but that the gift Of TIL
: women was something dearer thar
; life.
' And all the time Bob's heart wa
I singing TO him; lie did not know tina
! the song had come down 10 him from
the long ago time when the sea kirv
: had gone forth with their battle song
e TO be the terror and conqueror< Of dis
I fant lands. lie did not know; but :,
: it was. and twas goodly heritage
: cs which Bob in his JOY and imratiere'
? rocked little.
I So the station was reached and TIL
Z last rood-by spoken; and fathc
! grasped Bob's hand. You wild
] your duty" father said; Il am sure o
! IT,"
: And Eob's face flushed. Thank YOU
! sir" ne answered. in a husky voice
Z land my love - to mother."-Pal
= Mall Gazette.