Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1901-12-20

.
tinuing his retreat into the west, and,
moreover, the weather did not invite To
active service. There was nothing for
the men 10 do but make themselves com
Portable. and that they did the best they
could.
They occupied shallow basin in the
crest Of a low but very wide hill-a basin
large enough 10 hold the entire army and
seemingly intended 10y nature as a place
OF camp and defense. Their great guns
made a ring around them and covered ev-
cry point of approach. The soldiers felt
that they could hold such a natural fort
ress against the assaults Of ten times
their number but they knew that an at
tack would not come, and they turned
their minds to other things.
Nearly all the camp work was finished,
and they were eating their suppers In
Vulnerable fires were burning. and the
flames rose up in the clear, frosty air.
Sparks flew off into the sky, trembled
there moment and then went out. The
metal dishes ratified. and the hum Of talk
and laughter arose.
This is comfort-solid comfort, call
It," said Dan Mason, the kentuckian, to
his comrades, leaning back and uNuriat-
ing "A little in the unusual rest and peace.
The others did not reply, but devoted
themselves body and soul to the food.
Mason looked thoughtfuly at them for
minute or two and then resumed his task.
Yet he himself was worth the contempla-
tion OF any one.
Dan Mason, like his comrades. was
young. but he was taller, larger and
stronger than any Of those who sat near
him: splendid specimen OF the Ken
tuckian OF the hills, man Of powerful
muscles, open face and frank, brown eyes
that looked straight at you. and yet at
times would flame into a sudden passion
that might prove dangerous
Isn't this good. Tom settler he said
TO the man Immediately on his left
"Of course it is. replied Tom, with
sigh Of content Il like soldering well
enough. but I'm not such glutton for it
that ! must have ii every day in the year.
a month OF steady marches and battles
and skirmishes before we came into these
hills had just about finished me up II
there's any fighting 10 be done before
spring, Dan. you can have my share, and
there won't be any charge for IT, Now
you hear me talking
He resumed his attack upon the food,
and the others laughed. 1t was in truth
a most comfortable camp. The tents
were raised already, and the men might
take their ease without worry. Mason
leaned back against a hillock and, draw
ing a tiny pamphlet from an inside pocket
of his faded army coat. studied II atten-
lively. The others did not notice him for
nd "a
who spoke
Reading DAM" be asked.
Eyes. Tom I'm readin-"
as it so mighty interesting"
Eyes"
Tel it. then
"I1l let you know directly"
Settle said no more He was happy,
and he would not allow even his CurIos-
ity to disturb him. Mason continued his
study OF the worn little pamphlet, his
brow wrinkling now and then with a
mental effort which evidently proceeded
from an attempt TO calculate something
complex.
Boys" he asked presently, what day
in the week is this
what funny questions you ask, Dan
Mason" exclaimed Settle. How do
you expect fellows who have been fight
ing for a month without break TO keep
track OF such little things as the days OF
the week.
His prououncement was received with
approval 10y the majority, but third
map-Johnston-wh took the question
20 heart. asserted that it was Friday,
whereupon Settle. being compelled TO re-
turn 10 the issue, staked his faith upon
the day being Sunday. Johnston main
tanned that it was Friday. and both
found supporters. while others held that
II was neither Friday nor Sunday, but
were divided in choice between the re-
naming days Of the week. Then a dis
pute arose and waxed hot. II was at ITS
height when IL occurred TO Settle 10 ask
why hey debated with such spirit Ques-
tion that was unImportant.
What difference, Dan, does IL make
what day OF the week il sI' he said 20
Mason
1T makes lot" replied Mason. Il
want 10 tell you in the first place, boys
that this little book I'm studying so hard
Is an almanac. I've been keeping track
OF the days and this is Saturday, and,
what's more than that, it's the 2ith of
December Now, Tom Settle just you
tell me what's coming
Settle uttered a low whistle.
Dogs ne tAfldllltI. III = NuIlsllllhN
night coming across yonder!
There was a trace OF awe in his tone
as he pointed toward the east where the
red sun was sinking and the shadows had
begun 20 gather on the horizon. \
silence fell over the group and soon OK.
tended 20 the whole camp. Hardened by
war. immersed IN constant lighting aud
drawing a free breath this day for the
first time IN a month, these men had lost
all track Of time So Mason's sudden an
nouncetucnt came with all the grca or
force Peaceful memories rushed upon
them Ike torrent, and the silence In thu
great camp endured. The minds OF these
men-boys most OF them were m years.
though old ln eXperience-went back 10
other Christmas nigh's. when there was
no thought pSf war and all was peace on
earth and 2 % will among men. They
thought then II those who were left be
hind them. ana they spoke softy ana
without oaths.
Lower sank tne sun. III seemed ever
after 20 Mason when he thought OF that