The Coalville times. [volume] (Coalville, Utah) 1894-1923, 1903-02-20

energy OF despair. THE beating Of
my heart draws echoes from an empty
stomach. am porishing"
Your name and regiment, SOLDIER"
queried the officer mildly.
"Sllas Thornton" was the answer as
Il at roll call. then adding. "Franklin's
contingent"
Removing a heavy cloak. the oficer
threw II over the sentry's shoulders
likewise taking on his gloves and
furrod oyershoes, he held them out to
the soldier.
Sentry, retain these until I shall
send for them tomorrow" Saying
which. he passed down the slope
toward the officers quarters with his
companion.
General. you have saved one man
from death for desertion. Did you hear
his soilloquyf"
Franklin. that man would never
have suffered death at my hands had
he gone TO the enemy and been
caught"
What an example for the ARMY"
said Franklin with a chuokle.
Listen. Oh. wise philosopher. said
the other, God alone knows what IL
In the mind OF man. What the heart
OF that poor sentry expressed. too
have felt but guarded the secret OF
my thoughts. ! have often been moved
10 cast away my sword. and let these
schemlng. quarrolsome politicians
nrht their own battles. Tonight. my
continents are the same az that poor
soldiers. My hopes are stronger than
hls. that a. the only difference"
The two walked on In silence. until
pressing each others hands they part.
cd for the night Desertion was far
from the sentry's thoughts after his
visitors had departed. A careful OK
animation Of the heavy cloak. the
gloves and the fur boots gave him no
clue TO their owner He douned them
without conjunction, and their
warmth restored his perishing patrl.
otlsm. I will wait until tomorrow
night" he muttered; there is no
necessity tonight"
Toward noon the next day an aid.
decamp entered log hut, In which
were huddlod human holngs. the flow.
or OF washington's army. every step
he took sinking into the oozo OF the
muddy floor and called;
"silas Thornton"
The soldier umblod out OF his cold
bunk OF tree limbs and pine bows,
drawing his rags around his body to
hide IT. nakcdness. and saluted The
aid-decamp smiled pltifully. though he
was as ragged as the soldier. and re
/ turned the salute,
The oiiicer who loaned you certain
articles OF wearing apparel last night
would have you return them In per
son: follow me-"
Straight they went to the headquar,
ters OF the commanderln-chief, tho
Ouaker's old. barn.like house, and into
the presence Of Washington, who was
surrounded by his officers with Frank
lin prominent among them.
Are you more hopeful to-day. my
friend9" inquired Washington, taking
Thornton's hand and pressing II gent
ly. hut the soldier hung his head and
found no immediate answer AZ last;
General. | have returned your gar
monts. the cloak tho shoes and the
boots" His face flushed. but Wash.
ington eyed him with benevolent
smile en- his countonance.
keep them. my friend. shall never
wear such luxurles again, until
4 nero was a moisture In his eyes
Come, gentlemen. 10 dinner. Some
good friend has provided MS with a
feast Nay Thornton, you must not
refuse my hospitality" Thornton had
enlutod and was about TO withdraw
when ne was restrained by his com
mnndorln-chiot
a wandering pig had been ruthless
ly slaughtered. as thin and lean as his
human clptor7 hut Ply lorg stcwinr
with gwoct potatoes and turnlps. DO
mo'o 'vory moss Pine hnrh
served as plates ana as the smoking