Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1905-06-28
"Yes," replied the mother.

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 to
himself. "Of course, she didn't mean
me. l know she didn't" Then he
tried to whistle again, and when he
ran downstairs he made all the noise
he could, in order to drown his
thoughts.
Il wish't l could get mad" he
thought, IS he filled 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 l
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.
boy was in his place, he stepped before
them and said:
Boys, when shall we go and get
it?"
1.-The gum" several asked, in
chorus
mo, I'm not talking about guns. l
mean a roller-chair for Mr. Rossman
You see, the doctor don't give him
much hope OF getting we'll, 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 we'll shut up, boys" he
said, obstinately, "for he's going to
have that chair. I'm going to get it,
now. Fall in!''
Each boy slipped into line. What
happy crowd it was that gathered at
the Rossman home to spend the Fourth
of July. Mrs. Haulston's sweet face
had taken on tender look of pride
when Johnny told her he had bought
the chair and wanted her to help him
present it.
I'll go gladly" she replied, "and 1
think We'll ask the neighbors to spend
the Fourth of July with the invalid.
Nothing would please him better
The neighbors came, with well-flled
baskets, and the house was full to
overlooking. A long table was spread
beneath the elms, and at last Charley
Haulston, who, with Company Al
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 a neat response-though in a
very feeble voice-to Company Az
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"
Il tell you what. boys, it's been the
happiest Fourth I 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 a shining
brand new gun lying across his bed
with a note attached, bearing this in
scription
ITO. Capt. Johnny Haulston, from
Brother Charley.
God wants-deeds. Something to
prove our love for Him, and for each
other
Capt. Johnny read the note. then
he slipped quietly upon his knees and
said: "Oh, Lord, thank you for put
ting it into Charley's head to give me
this gun. Amen" = Minneapolis
Housekeeper.