The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1905-06-30
Eyes" replied the mother.
''The

children are too small to earn money,
and it takes all of Mrs Rossman's time
to attend to her children and her In
valid husband really see nothing
for them but to go to the poor-house,
next winter"
Johnny finished dressing without
whistling, as was his custom.
Il don't believe mother ever once
thought of my money" he said ia
himself. "Of course, she didn't mean
me. | know she didn't" Then he
tried to whistle again, and when he
ran downstairs he made all the nois /
he could, in order to drown his
thoughts.
Il wish't | could get mad" he
thought, rs he filed the wood-box
Then after awhile he looked thought
fully toward the Rossmans' home.
They're only renters, too. My money'd
jest about buy that chair. But I
won't do it! just won't! l saved
that money, nickel by nickel, and dime
by dime. I'm bound to get that gun
fore the Fourth. Won't we have a
time, thought"
All during the day Johnny was very
quiet, but when drill time" came, he
went with the boys, as usual.
Fall in!' he cried, and when each
boy was in his place, he stepped before
them and said:
Boys, when shall we go and get
it?"
"The gum" several asked, in
chorus.
mo, I'm not talking about guns !
mean roller-chair for Mr.. Rossman.
You see, the doctor don't give him
much hope OF getting well, unless he
can get out into the air and sunshine,
and well. I'm going to get a chair"
There was much demurring The
boys were greatly disappointed, for
their hearts were set upon seeing their
captain" the proud possessor of a
real gun.
"You may as well shut up, boys" he
said, obstinately, ''for he's going to
have that chair. I'm going to get It,
now. Fall int"
Each boy slipped into line. What
a happy crowd 1t was that gathered at
the Rossman home to spend the Fourth
of July. Mrs. Haulston's sweet face
had taken on a tender look of pride
when Johnny told her he had bought
the chair and wanted her to help him
present it.
"Ill go gladly" she replied land
think We'll ask the neighbors to spenl
Of T,,1x
Nothing would please him better"
The neighbors came, with well-filled
baskets, and the house was full to
overlooking A long table was spread
beneath the elms, and at last Charley
Haulston, who, with Company A."
had been to the village a half-mile dis
tant, arrived with the chair Mr.. Roll
Inns made the presentation speech. He
had been instructed to say: "The
chair is presented by Company A."
when in reality it was the gift of the
captain" of that company.
Mr.. Rossman was greatly moved. He
made neat response-though in a
very feeble voice-to Company A."
and his kind neighbors, for their
thoughtful remembrance of himself
and family. Then he was placed in
his roller-chair, and wheeled to the
table. After dinner, Company A"
was requested to drill, which it did
very creditably. The crowd sang
my Country 'Tis of Thee" 1.-The Star
Spangled Banner" and God Be with
You Till We Meet Again"
II tell you what, boys, it's been the
happiest Fourth l ever spent" said
Capt. Johnny Haulston, at the close of
the day.
That night, when he went up to his
little room, tired but happy, he was
made happier still by finding shining,
brand new gun lying across his bed,
with note attached, bearing this in
scription:
ITO. Capt. Johnny Haulston, from
Brother Charley.
God wants-deeds. Som ething to
prove our love for Him, and for each
other"
Capt. Johnny read the note, then
he slipped quietly upon his knees and
said: ooh, Lord, thank you Tor put
ting it into Charley's head to give me
this gun. Amen" = Minneapolis
HouSekeeDer