The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1905-07-01
.Yes.. replied the mother.

YES" replied the mother. "Ths
children are too small to earn money.
and II lakes 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 to
himself. "Of course. she didn't mean
me. I know she didn't" Then he
tried to whistle again. and when he
ran downstairs he made all the nois I,
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! saved
that money. nickel by nickel, and dime
by dime. I'm bound to get that gun
fore the Fourth. Won't we have
time. thought"
All during the day Johnny was very
quiet. but when drill time" came, he
went with the boys. az 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
1T"
"The gum" several asked. in
chorus.
mo, I'm not talking about guns. I
mean a 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 I-well. I'm going to get chair"
There was much demurring. The
boys we're greatly disappointed. for
their hearts were set upon seeing their
captain" the proud possessor Of Q
real gun.
"You may as we'll shut up. boys" he
said. obstinately, "for he's going to
have that chair. Tn going to get It.
now. Fall I'M"
Each boy slipped into ftne 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 1t.
'I'll go gladly" she replied. land I
think we'll ask the neighbors to spen 4
the Fourth of July with the invalid.
Nothing would please him better"
The neighbors came. with weTI-filled
baskets. and the house was full Ia
overlooking. A long table was spread
beneath the elms. and at last Charley
Haulston. who. with Company A.
had been to the village half-miTe dis.
tant. arrived with the chair. Mr.. Rol.
Inns made the presentation speech. He
had been instructed to say: 1.-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 esponse-though In q
very feeble voice-to Company A.
and his kind neighbors. for their
thoughtful remembrance Ut himself
and family. Then he was placed In
HIS ruTTer-chair. and wheeled to the
table. After dinner. Company A"
was requested to drill. which 1t did
very creditably. The crowd sang
my Country IT'S of Thee" THE Star
Spangled Banner" and God Be with
You TIL We Meet Again"
IT tell you what. boys. It's been the
happiest Fourth 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 stfff-by finding a shining.
brand new gun lying across his bed.
with note attached. bearing this in
scriptiou:
ITO. Capt. Johnny Haulston. from
Brother Charley.
God wants-deeis. 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.