The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1904-08-18
For the Sake
of the F1ag
Nv MARY c. HERMON
tcopyrishs, 1904, by Daily Story Pub. Co..

= HE smattering of fire crackers, the
boom of small cannon, and the
SHOUTS of the boys awoke the young
teacher from her early morning slum-
Der.
1t was still dark, and the moon, near its
setting, cast a wan spectral-like light
through the open west window of the
room. Its white rays fell on the folds OF
beautiful silk flag which hung across
tho back of an invalid's chair revealing
in the uncertain Pickering light that fell
through the leaves of the clustering ivy,
a dark field set with stars, and billowy
folds of stripes-crimSon and white
the work of the patriotic teachers MIN
BILE fingers.
She sat up in her white cot and smiled,
as the recollection of the past days
arduous toll. and the joyful realization OF
its completion dawned upon her con-
seriousness.
Arnold will carry it at the head of
the procession tomorrow. Dear flag"
she murmured as she stretched out her
arms toward the beautiful ensign, your
colors symbolic the characteristics of
our young love. True as the azure of the
sky overhead, steadfast as a star, and
warm as the crimson tide which feeds
the patriots heart. To-day, dear flag.
he whom cherish with an undying at
lection, will bear thee aloft, because in
all the village there is none as worthy as
he"
She lay there thinking, thinking
weaving q beautiful fabric of dreams
such as love and youth alone can dream,
while the late moon dropped down be-
hind the rim of the western horizon. and
the darkness which precedes the dawn.
filled the room.
Day, rosy and bright, marched tri-
umphantly through the gates of the east.
The noises in the street grew more tumu-
tuous. The bonfires died out on the sur
rounding hill tops. and from the upper
windows of stores and factories, long
streamers of gay bunting tiuttered in the
morning breeze.
In q large, white cottage whose spac-
ious veranda was covered with ivy, and
soiled flag, that had passed through the
battle storms Of the rebellion, sat two
contented people chatting over the COM
ming attractions of the day. 81.
"And they've chosen you for the
standard bearer, Arnold" the stately,
sweet-faced matron was saying as her
eyes rested on the eager face of the
young man who sat at the opposite end
of the table. This, understand, is to
be no military parade. Everybody is to
march, or didn't you say so, Arnold?"
Eyes, mother. That is" He hest
tated and look of sadness dimmed the
glad light in his handsome eyes. Then
he added, slowly: Everybody who can
march, Of course. Poor Nell! She'll
find this day rather lonely and dull, I'm
afraid"
"Dinah has fixed up couch for her on
the front porch of their house where she
can see the procession. Their house is
just opposite the park. She can hear the
music, and almost every word from the
speakers stand" ~
The conversation was INTERRUPTED by
rap at the door, and little girl, dressed
in fresh pink dress, handed Mrs.
West a large parcel, ''The flag, mother!"
exclaimed Arnold, enthusiastically. as
his mother remover the wrapping pa
per. What beauty! It's present to
our company, you know, only to-day it's
to head the procession and float from the
top of the flag pole over the speakers
stand in the park. Just see how beauti-
fully 1t is made! Poor little Nell. she
must have grown weary over the task"
1T is work Of love-" said Mrs. West
gently. Love never wearies of its
tasks" ..y ...-....4 -
IF that scoundrel of brother of hers
hadn't been, Nell would have been as
strong and healthy as any girl in town
He frightened her horse, you know. over
at Dexter, where she was teaching three
years ago., She was Just getting up IN
her carriage, when the animal took
fright. and her dress caught some way in
the wheel. Oh, can't bear to think OF
the rest! Will never cared, though"
And 1t Is true that he has Joined the
armyT
That's what people say. He never
writes home. Come to think of It. the
story finally leaked out that he stole sew
eral huddred dollars of Nelrs hard
earned money, when he skipped. She had
saved IL Tor the purpose of paying on the
mortgage on the home. think that al.
most broke her heart. She never said a
word to re about it, though"
And the mortgage?"
Was paid
"Yes, did it."