Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-05-27

there had been all sorts of holidays but
| this had not been among their number. He
had been very curious about it. and grand
| ma had been very patient trying to make
| the patriotic little lad understand it in its
| proper sense.
Grandma" he had said. "do they put
flowers and flags on all the soldiers
Nearly all in this part of the country. L
believe"
VIII they put a splendid big one on my
grandpa $, out under the willow tree?" ask
ed Robert, his face aglow with the honor
that lay in wait for him and the family he
represented
Il fear not" replied grandma. turning
away her head to hide the tears that would
come whenever this loved grandson wanted
to know about the grandfather who was
honored and loved in the section of the
country where he had lost his life fighting
Tor what he thought was right:
wasn't he brave enough?' inquired the
child, at a loss to find the reason for this
neglect.
Brave? There never lived a Drawer
man.. grandma said, and tried to change
the subject.
Robert, however hungered and thirsted
after more news of this grandfather
When get bigger / am going to make
everybody bow their heads to my grand
father up in the north like they do down
south And the little fist shook and the
teeth set in such a determined way that
grandma smiled at her youthful champion
When the conversation had drifted to
other subjects, Robert still showed that his
mind was not satisfied at the treatment OF
his grandfather's memory. He was very
quiet and thoughtful all the afternoon, and
as afterward known. plot was Matched in
his fruitful little brain.
Because of it the br-um, br-um br-lIm OF
the village army post the following MORN
ing called him to action. These soldiers
were on their way to the country cemetery
to do honor to their brave fellow soldiers
who had lost their lives fighting for their
country. AS they neared the farm where
Robert lived the flies made up their minds
that the drums were attracting too much
notice. They interfered with their shriIl
music. and Three Cheers for Red White
and Blue" rang out on the air in place OF
the Drum, br-um,' and the monotonous
movement of the soldiers feet as they
marked time in approved military fashion.
Granny. granny" Robert cried in great
excitement, they know the same tune up
north that they know down south, Hurry.
hurry! Or I'll be too late"
You can see the soldiers from up here
dear, grandma said, but Robert would not
agree to that.
Il must have my clothes on Oh, granny,
dearest please help me find these plagued
buttons."
Grandma did as Robert asked. As she
helped get things in place, the boy again
asked why his grandfather had not fought
on what grandma called the winning side.
why didn't hep" he repeated.
Because he thought our side was right
1 was a southerner, SO Were our two chi;-
dren-your papa and Aunt Rachel To pro-
tect and all we had he was forced to
take that side. We had lived on the same
estate for $50 years We buried him there
but when your great-grandfather died he
begged that his son be brought to his own
home in the north. 1t is very much better
for all of US now that We are going to live
here. 1t is such comfort to know that he
is near us. 1t will help me to bring up his
grandson to be as brave and true as lie
was"
When grandma finished getting the last
truant button into place Robert had nlp lie
up his mind what he was going to do. He
seized his little soldier suit. which was
never far away from him. Trembling with
excitement. he babe grandma faSten il. 1t
was red with quantities of gold braid and
the real soldier cap had the arms of the
United States on the front. The sword was
very warlike looking and was as sharp and
shining as tin could make it. mo real gem
eral ever went onto the field of battle feel
ing as well dressed as Robert. What if the
little dress beneath the armor were girls
dress. If the coat does not make the man,
no more so does the dress make the girl
What if the footgear of this soldier con-
sisted of the laciest of white socks and his
slippers the finest of baby ties. What if
the hair of this warrior bold fell in soft
curling locks, the resolute little face be-
meath the soldier cap-worn jauntily to one
side-was determined enough to scatter a
whole company of enemies.
With bound Robert was down the stairs,
out in the yard. and through the gate. He
knew that grandma did not allow this buc
he thought when he explained his reason
she wouldn't mind. The glitter of the sol
diers' muskets. the inspiriting strains of the
music quickly matured the plan that was
only partly formed as Robert plunged our
of the house. In the middle of the road
Robert took his stand His sword was
firmly grasped and held in the attitude Of
attention Loud and clear rang out the
child voice. "Halt!'' it commanded The
tiny feet were spread in a man-like fash