Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1901-08-28


the commands; he believed he had the I.
plans of the hight, and he wanted to get
the field operations so clear in his nina
that his account would be as accurate
in it's geography as in its other import
an. particulars. He had permission 10
rove within the lines and he was on his
way to the line.
AS he turned into path which would
save him some of the distance young
soldier overlook him. He was hand
some and young, with the rosy health
of perfect physical manhood. Harner
viewed him closely and into his mind
came pity that such hope should De
used as food for gunpowder.
my name is Monson, OF Company
C, 8th Volunteers" he said, land
want you to do me favor
Very glad to do anything / can,
replied Harner.
Your paper goes to our town and
anything that is printed about us Will
be read there" he went on. What l
ask may seem a little strange but
know that you can do it without much
trouble to yourself
well, what is it,"
"In your dispatch about tomorrow
fight | want you to report as dead Will
liam II. Monson, private in Company
C, who enlisted from Spring Falls
Harner took a more careful look at
the young man, but there was nothing
in his countenance to indicate that he
was either insane or insincere. But
It seemed to be a jest and Harner
smiled.
How would you like it putt" he
asked
Il don't understand"
"Of course you want to die hero's
death. Shall | have you leading your
company over the enemy's ramparts;
or dashing forth to grasp the flag from
hostile nands; or picking up burning
bomb; or throwing yourself in front Or
your captain to save his precious uni
form from an approaching bullet;-or
shall it be Just a plain case of dead in
the line of duty with only an empty
knapsack and visiting card to tell
the story of life cut down in the
bloom of youth"
You can fix 1t as you please" said
the young man solemnly. Il suppose
YOU newspaper fellows have to put
things in to fill up, and as | am going
to die it won't make much difference
how it happens. But II be satisfied
with just line-just say I'm dead.
That's all | ask.
Il suppose" he said, that you have
never taken time to consider why my
paper keeps me out here or why | stay
It isn't for the fun of the thing l as
sure you. They are not paying me
salary and expenses merely to spend
their surplus or to enable me to tele-
graph bogus news. If you had had four
| years of the work only to get COM
| plants from alleged editors. who sit in
easy chairs and think they rule in the
country with a headline or double
! loaded screed and who know more than
! all the generals and correspondents in
I both armies you would understand
| things better. It's hard enough to per-
suade these omnipotents to recognize
real news when they see it, much less
| to send them statements which are not
true
Harner's sarcasm went for naught.
The soldier did not comprehend it and
| apparently did nat care to. His only
reply was vaguely put. II suppose
would" he said, but you'll do this for
lime, won't your"
"Of course not"
'Why won't you?"
Simply because I won't" said Har-
ner with emphasis.
The soldier stood as if undetermined
what to do. Then he looked up and
said, "Well, never mind, for you'll have
to do it anyhow"
Il hope not" replied Harner, and
mora seriously, you're too young to
die. Your country needs you even if
your sweetheart doesn't"
Blushing deeply and stammerinG
something which Harner did not I'M
derstand, the soldier turned and walk
ed rapidly away.
The battle was fought Throughout
the conflict'Harner was here, there and
everywhere getting facts and names
and details. There was no time in that
awful slaughter to notice tribes. Ru-
man lives were as cheap as grass and
were moved down as mercilessly. Sc