Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1905-07-14
EBEN HOLDEN
IRVING BAcFIHLLHR
Copyright, $500, by Lothpp Pssbsishtne
Company
CHAPTER XVII.

I'D IUI now have better things
o to write Of, things that have
Ene3 some relish of good in them.
was very weak and low from
loss Of blood for days. and suddenly
the tide turned. had won recognition
Tor distinguished gallantry, they told
me. That day they took me to WASH
1ngton. lay three weeks there in the
hospital. AS soon as they heard Of my.
misfortune at home Uncle Eb wrote he
was coming to see me. stopped him
by telegram, assuring him that was
nearly well and would be home shortly.
My term of enlistment had expired
when they let me out a fine day in mid
August. was going home for visit
Ias sound as any man; but. in the horse
talk Of PARKWAY, / had little 'sblem
ah' on the left shoulder Uncle Eb
was to meet me at the Jersey City de-
pot. Before going /, with others who
had been complimented for. bravery,
went to see the president. There were
some twenty Of us summoned to meet
him that day. 1t was warm, and the
great Lincoln sat III his shirt sleeves
at q desk in the middle of his big Of
nee. He wore pair of brown carpet
slippers, the rolling collar and black
stock now made SO familiar In print.
Bis hair was tumbled. He was writ
ang hurriedly when we came in. He
laid his pen away and turned to us
without speaking. There was a care
worn look upon his solemn face.
Mr.. President" said the general,
who had come with us, there are some
Of the brave men of our army whom
you wished to see."
He came and shook hands with each
and thanked us in the name Of the re-
public for the example of courage and
patriotism we aud many others had
given to the army. He had a lean, tall,
ungraceful figure, and he spoke his
mind without any frill or flourish. He
said only few words Of good plain
talk and was done with us.
Which Is Brower?" he inquired pres
emily
came forward more scared than
ever had been before.
My son. he said, taking my hand
In his, why didn't you run ?"-
Didn't dare" answered. 81 knew
It was more dangerous to run away
than to go forward = 81
"Reminds me Of q story" said he,
smiling. Years ago there was bully
in Sangamon county, ILL.,, that had the
reputation of running faster and fight
ing harder than any man there. Every
body thought lie was terrible fighter.
He'd always get q man on the run;
then he'd ketch up and give him lick.
ing. One day he tackled a lame man.
The lame man licked him in a minute.
why didn't We run? somebody ask
ed the victor.
!" Didn't dast,' said he. Run once
when he tackled me, an I've been lame
ever since,
How did: We manage to lick him 2
said the other.
"sWaal,' said he. I he'd to. an I done
It easy.
that's the. way it goes" said the Inn
mortal president; Eye do 1t easy IL ye
have to-"
He reminded me in and out Of Hor-
zee Greeley, although they looked no
more alike than q hawk and hand
Daw. But they had like habit Of for
getting themselves and of saying nell
lher more nor less than they meant.
They both had the strength of an OK
and a. little vanity. Mr.. Greeley used
+ b say that no man could amount to
anything who worried much about the
It Of his trousers. Neither Of them
ever encountered that obstacle.
Early next morning took a. train
Tor home. was in soldier clothes--I
had with me no others and all in my
ear. came to talk with me about the
now famous battle Of Bull Run.
The big platform at Jersey City was
crowded with many people as we got
OF the train. There were other return
ing soldiers, some with crutches. some
with empty sleeves. s..
A band at the farther end Of the plat
Z form was playing and those near me
tRere singing the familiar music:
sJohn Browns body lies a-moldering In
the grave"
Somebody shouted my name. Then
mere rose cry Of three cheers for
8rower. It's some Of the boys Of the
Tribune, thought. I could see nuns
bsr Of them in the crowd. One brought
ne basket OF flowers. thought they
Wore trying to have fun with me.
Thank you" said I. But what ~
H. joker
NO Joke" he saidi cts to honor a
hero"
ooh. you wish me to give 1t to some
body.,'
was warming with embarrassment.
We wish you to keep It" he answer-
NJ
In accounts Of the battle had seen
some notice Of my leading q charge.
but my fame had gone farther much
farther. indeed than 1 knew. stood
y moment laughing odd sort Of
laugh 1t was that had In 1t the salt Of
{ tsars-and waving my hand to the
many who were now calling my name.
In the uproar Of cheers and waving
Of handkerchiefs;I could not find Uncle
1b for a moment. When I saw him in
the breaking crowd he was cheering
Justify and waving his hat above his
{ head. His enthusiasm increased when
! stood before him. As I was greeting
him'iI heard d lively rustic, Of skifts.
Two dainty, gloved hands laid hold Of
mine; sweet voice spoke my name.