Morgan County democrat. (Versailles, Mo.) 1900-1906, 1905-06-30

n00rQ W00n ne 6WOk0 the next morn
Ing. They are very poor, but I be-.
lievs II Mr.. Rossman could have Q
roller chair and get out Tito the air
and sunshine, he would get strong
again. Al It IL, the doctor gives him
very little hope" It was his mother
who spoke. Then Charley answered:
Everything depends on him. too, -oes
1t mott"
YES" replied the mother. 1.-THE
| children are too small to earn money.
and 1t lakes all Of Mrs. Rossman's time
to attend to her children and her in
valid husband. really see nothing
for them but to 60 to the poor-house,
next winter"
Johnny finished dressing without
whistling, as was his custom.
'"I don't believe mother ever once
thought Of my money" he said to
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.
II wish't I could get mad" he
thought. N 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 |
won't do it! Just won't! I saved
that money, nickel by nickel, and dime
by dime. I'm bound to get that gun
fore the Fourth. Won't we have q
time. thought"
All during the day Johnny was very
quiet. but when drill time" came. he
went with the boys. as usual.
Fall I'M" he cried, and when each
boy was in his place. he stepped before
} them and said:
Boys. when shall we go and get
it,"
1.-THE gunr several asked. in
chorus.
mo, I'm not talking about guns. |
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 q
real gun.
You may as well shut up. boys" he
D said. ~obstinately, "for he's going to
now. Fall in!"
Each boy slipped into line. What
a happy crowd 1t was that gathered al
l the Rossman home to spend the Fourth
! Of July. Mrs. Haulston's sweet face
u had taken IN a tender look Of pride
when Johnny told her he had bought
the chair and wanted her to help hin
present II.
"Ill 60 gladly" she replied. land
think we'll ask the neighbors to spen
the Fourth Of July with the invalid
Nothing would please him better"
The neighbors came. with well-fllet
baskets. and the house was full Z,
overlooking. A long table was spreat
g beneath the elms. and at last Charlie!
Haulston. who. with Company A.
. had been to the village a half-mile dis
tant. arrived with the chair. Mr.. Rol
Inns made the presentation speech. H
e had been instructed to say: 9TH
chair is presented by Company A.
when in reality 1t was the gift of tn
q captain" of that company.
q. Mr.. Rossman was greatly moved. II
" made a neat response-though in
g. very feeble voice-to Company A
l. and his kind %neighbors. for thei
T. thoughtful remembrance of himsel
Is and family. Then he was placed I
d his roller-chair. and wheeled to tn
table. After dinner. Company A
was requested to drill. which 1t di
very creditably. The crowd san
u my Country IT'S Of Thee" THE Sta
III Spangled Banner" and God Be wit
You Till We Meet Again."
o. II tell you what, boys, it's been tn
~ happiest Fourth I ever spent" sal
Capt. Johnny Haulston, at the close
70 the day.
That night. when he went up to b
" little room. tired but happy. he wa
made happier still by finding a shining
brand new Il lying across his be-
~ with a note attached, bearing this II
scription:
J. ITO. Capt. Johnny Haulston. fro,
~ Brother Charley.
A God wants-deeds. Something
~ prove our love for Him. and for eac
y other"
Capt. Johnny read the note. the
~ he slipped quietly upon his knees an
said: "Oh, Lord. thank you for pu
GU tip0 a. into Nhor1ov'a had "a Utvo ~