The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1904-05-30


Don't say anything You know
the band contest is today"
us he goin' to drum2"
IT don't know. Don't say anything.
The meal was eaten in silence.
Whatever the old mans mood. he
Rugged 1t close, eating refectively.
with distant glances out Of the win
dow. When he pushed away from the
table he went to his room and took
from a drawer In the bureau faded
army uniform. He laid 1t on the bed
and brushed It carefully. smoothing
out the wrinkles. In the shoulder
was a mended place: q cavalry saber
had made the rent. AS he noted 1t the
old scar seemed to throb on his arm.
He looked to the wall. where his hon.
orable discharge hung in it's walnut
frame. There was trace Of weakness
in his bearing. Conquering the emo
ton. he put on the uniform and went
to the parlor. where he took down
the drum and adjusted the straps
over his shoulder. Sarah was watch
ing him furtively through the open
kitchen door and throwing significant
looks to Willie.
Old Tom drew the sticks softly
a little with some memory. but he
breathed deep. raised his chin and
marched out of the front door.
Father" called Willie. Are you
going to drum
Old Tom did not answer. The gate
clicked after him.
'He never put the uniform on be-
1 fore" said Sarah. He must be going
to drum.'"
"And we'll go. Sarah. Won't we
goc
Yes, we'll 60"
The fair grounds were crowded
early in the day. About noon the
srandstand began to fill. People took
their lunch baskets there and ate In
groups. spread leisurely among the
benches. As the luncheons disap-
peared the unoccupied seats became
fewer. Sarah and Willie slipped up to
a far corner unnoticed in the confused
interchanges of greetings and remi-
niscences. They sat very straight and
whispered to each other.
There's Jim Wilson," remarked
Willie. He used to come to see
you.'
I'VE used to play together"
why don't he come any more
Why don't any fellers come to see
your
There's no need of your asking
that, Willie. You know just as well
as l do
Same reason why they chase me
at school. I s'pose," murmured Willie.
and Sarah sighed.
The small boys in the grandstand
were restless by this time. They be-
gan to stamp their feet, irregularly
at first and then In rhythm. Older
boys Joined In. The noise became so
thunderous that Mr.. Smythe, the mas
ter of ceremonies. who was also the
town undertaken. hurried to the front,
looked deprecatingly about and
clapped his hands. putting on his
professional look. There was lull.
I'VE must remember" called Mr.
Smythe. that the general is coming"
At last carriage swung around
the corner of the stand and came to
stop. The general descended and
moved slowly to the box reserved for
him. with Judge Wilson. his host.
There was no mistaking the generals
erect old figure. the gray beard half
hiding the kindly face. The people
cheered frantically. not stopping I'M
til long after he had entered his box,
where he stood smiling and bowling.
Don't keep him standing! Don't keep
him standing" shouted one to an
other, and the noise died out. The
general took his seat and conversed
In low tones with Judge Wilson. while
the people droned like swarming bees
1t, was time for the band contest
to begin, A blare Of brasses fiattened
the air. and the Zouave band from the