The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1901-12-06
Old, FRIDAY
Distrfbu

| far frof ,'Ae IAN
After Il 1nt he mentioned skirmishes
and battles he had been in Once he was
| wounded and wrote from a hospital His
name was in the newspaper lists. After
seeing his name in print, Joes family
knew that he was no longer a private
He was mentioned as Lieutenant Joseph
Hills There was a general pause in the
family conversation. DIR. Hills was the
first one to speak.
well, who'd "a believed it of Joe?"
The mother said. "Since he was the
only one that could be spared. I'm glad
he's doing so we'll" And the father won
dered for moment. No one had said
that Joe was doing well of his wounds.
Then it dawned upon him that his wife
meant their son was doing well to be pro-
mated. Shortly Joe was back again to
camp and field life, and soon after came
news of the battle of the Wilderness
news in the public way, but no letter
from Joe.
probably he's been promoted again"
said merchant Simon Hills, 'and he's
busy getting fitted with new uniform"
DIR. Hills laughed and narrowly examn-
ed his polished finger nails.
The father said. well hear from him
in good time. and mind what say. Wen
never get any dscreditable news of Joe.
He's not smart, but he's sound and
true"
1t was a Sunday afternoon. and all the
Hills family We're at the farm. The air
was warm enough to feel like spring, and
cool enough to make fire in the big fire
place pleasant, while the outside doors
stood open.
There was Il step on the porch. Mr..
Hills arose and met at the door man
in soldier blue. His face was pale and
thin and his right arm was in a sling.
"You don't know me?" he said. smil-
ing. And then Mr.. Hills recognized Jim
Smallcy. who had gone into the army
with Joe. He was warmly welcomed.
but he responded codly. they thought.
and he was very serious for Jim Smaley.
To the rallying of the Hills brothers he
gave short sometimes irrelevant an
swers. He told them about his wound,
but added that it was not serious.
Then Jack said, well, say, Jim, isn't
our Joe coming out in fine feathers? You
see him once in n while. even if he is an
officer, don't you?'
"YcS, yes. see him sometimes"
"Do you think he'll be a brigadier gen
eral before long," Eben asked, laughing.
mo. guess not" Smalley answered
But he's got the title of hero if ever
man got it, and he'll keep it, too. Future
histories will mention how Lieutenant
Hills, when officer after officer was shot
down, steadily kept the men under con
troll. prevented retreat, and ut last led
them. bearing the colors himself, and
captured the battery that was doing so
much harm
'"rhen he'll he captain or something
higher?" Jack exclaimed, eagerly, and
springing from his chair.
"No, he won't be anything" Smallcy
said sadly.
Because Mrs. Hills, | came to tell
you've thought it would be better-and
| got a furloUgh-and-I brought Joe
home with me, and
There was Il sound of slow moving
wheels at the gate. The father, from
where he sat, looked through the open
door There was hearse at the gate,
draped with the stars and stripes
Later Smaley told them how Joe had
died of his wounds the night after the
battle; how he, though wounded himself,
had been able TO minister to others, AMI
he was with Joe till the last.
And did he remember us? Did he
send any message?' Mrs. Hills sohbcd.
Yes, he remembered; he mentioned
you especially. He said should tell YOU
that he was glad it was himself instead
of either one of the other boys; that he
was sure he could be best spared. But
Joe always was modest
Best spared. Mrs Hills recalled her
own words. He could he spared at the
time he went away, and the others were
50 precious, But never to see him again,
This patient, silent, unappreciatcd son!
The manner of Joe'S death was toll
over his remains. and each year as No
moral day comes little children hear the
story OF the young soldier whose grave is
marked by tall monument and a flag.
staff. where the colors are always flying.
After time ii was forgotten that Toe
had been the stupid laughing stock Of the
family and the ncishbors. but IN old wo-
man does not forget. Each year. when
the graves of this and other soldiers are
covered with flowers, the old woman
leaning on the arm of one younger but
not young. sits by Joe's grave and says.
Jennie, he was the only one of mg
boys ! could spare to be hero lie
made our name known for bravery. Nv
neglected Joe. I'm so glad that yon
loved him and that he knew 1.-TWO
mans Home Companion.