Evening journal., 1905-04-21
lcontlnued ION lesterday.l
CHAPTER XVII.


loss of blood for days. and suddenly
the tide turned ! had won recognition
for distinguished galantry. they told
me. That day they took me TO Wash
ington. I 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. I stopped him
by telegram, assuring him that I 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 7 was going home for visit
as sound as any man, but, in the horse
talk OF PARKWAY. had a little "blem.
ish" 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. II was warm, and the
great Lincoln sat in his shirt sleeves
at desk in the middle of his big Of
fce. He wore a pair Of brown carpet
slippers, the rolling collar and black
stock now made so familiar In print.
His hair was tumbled. He was writ
ing hurriedly when we came in. He
laid his pen away and turned to us
without speaking, There was care
worn look upon his solemn face.
''Nfr. President" said the general,
who had come with us. here are some
Of the brave men Of our army whom
you wished 70 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 and 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 a few words OF good plain
talk and was done with us.
"Whlch is Broweri" he inquired pres
emily.
came forward more scared than
ever had been before.
my SON." be said. taking my hand
in his, why didn't you run?"
Didn't dare" ] answered. Il knew
it was more dangerous to run away
than to 90 forward"
"Reminds me Of story" said he,
smiling. years ago there was a bully
in Sangamon county, H., that had the
reputation Of running faster and fight
ing harder than any man there. Every
body thought he was a terrible fighter
He'd always get man on the run
then he'd kotch up and give him a lick
ing. One day he tackled a lame man
The lame man licked him in a minute
"'Why didn't ye runr 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 himy
said the other.
"waal.' said he, I he'd to, an done
1t easy
That's the way it goes" said the i'm
mortal president; "ye do it easy II ye
have TO-"
He reminded me I'm and out Of Hor-
ace Greeley. although they looked no
more alike than a hawk and a hand
saw. But they had like habitof for
getting themselves and Of saying nei-
ther more nor less than they meant.
They both had the strength OF an OK
and as little vanity. Mr. Greeley used
to say that no man could amount to
anything who worried much about the
ut Of bis trousers. Neither OF them
ever encountered that obstacle.
Early next morning I took train
for home. / was in soldier clothes-l
had with me no others-and all in my
car came 70 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
on the train. There were other return
ing soldiers. some with crutches, some
with empty sleeves.
A band at the farther end Of the plat
form was playing and those near me
were singing the familiar music:
the grave"
Somebody shouted my name. Ther
there rose a cry Of three cheers fo
Brewer. It's some Of the boys Of ,th'
Tribune. l thought could see a mum
Der OF them in the crowd. One brough
me a basket Of flowers ! thought the,
were trying TO have fun with me.
THANK you" said !. "But what /
the joker
"No joke he said; 'qts to honor
hero"
"oh. you wish me to give it to some
body"
was warming with embarrassment
1--WE wish you to keep IT," he answer
Cd.
In accounts of the battle I had see
some notice OF my leading a charg,
bus my fame had gone farther-muc
farther, indeed-than knew. stoo
moment laughing-an odd sort q
laugh Il was that had In It the salt q
tears-and waving my hand to III
many who were now calling my name
In the uproar Of cheers and wavin
Of handkerchiefs could not find Uncl
Eb for moment. when / saw him ]
the breaking crowd he was cheerin
Justify and waving his hat above b
head. His enthusiasm increased whe
stood before him. AS was greetlr
him I heard lively rustic OF skirt
Two dainty, gloved hands laid hold
mine; sweet voice spoke my nam
There, beside me, stood the tail, ere
ngure Of Hope. Our eyes met. and b
fore there was any thinking Of propri
~ had her In my arms and was kis
ing her and she was Kissing mo