The Forrest City times., 1906-01-12

i dier!
 Then his mind travelled back 10 a very different scene. A long. barely-furnished dormitory divided from end Co end by wooden partition, which left wide space above t to the wagoned roof. A crowd of boys of all sizes standing shiyer- ing Tn their scanty night shirts, open 1 mouthed and awe-struck In the mid dle a small. white-faced lad. his face tense with terror. and on his hair a piece of yellow soap. A ring was cleared around him, and before him the center of attraction-stood a tall athletic youth, with keen, blue eyes and muscles of iron. Feet firmly planted, hands gripping a long iron lath from his bedstead, he carefully measured his aim. and amid breath less hush swung his perilous weapon in a mighty circle-and the soap fell in two halves on the floor.
 A smothered sigh of relief greeted the feat, while the trembling soap bearer threw himself on his bed and tried to sti1e his frightened sobs.
 It was true, the boy had absolute confidence in his powers. and did lot realize the awful risk he was forcing upon his terrified yourg room mate. He looked upon him as a silly-biily who needed hardening and he was do- ing his best to harden him. For him. self be gloried in danger and he could not comprehend the utter collapse of his pupil in the hardening process after the feat was accomplished
 As the mans thoughts went back to this scene--a scene which WAS of night ly occurrence. he shudderea aAd clenched his teeth
 Pefils of battle and the stern hard ships of war only made him look back with increasing horror at that episode of schooldays. Surely that boys guardian angel must have been near 10 prevent bloodshed
 And the frightened laddie was her brother. With a thrub of gladness he remembered that the child mad never been made to go through the ordeal again. but 1t was only because he vas considered hopeless.
 Probably it was he who went soap less iu consequence.
 And what has become of the five brothers now?" he asked, relieving her of her empty plate.
 Thanks 10 Mac. four have become men, she said, proudly, and of those four, two have died the death Of heroes"
 Her dark eyes softeaed, and mist of tears dimmed their brilliaGce.
 No thanks due to him, lie mar- mured.
 You think not? Yet two of those boys say now that that soap ordeal was the making of them. and that il has enabled them to face with un- ilinchinS courage many hail of bull lets, from which they fear they might otherwise have retfeated ill unreason- ing terror. The two who died were found by their guns, having fired their last shot, yet refusing to surrender"
 They were heroes, indeed" said the man, softly, but enthusiastically.
 After a short silence the girl said:
 You were out there also. believe. did not catch your name when Miss Ellis introduced you, but 1 heard her say you had just returned from the front. What is your name?e
 With shame-faeed look he mentioned the name she had given as her later hero, a name that had runs through the land like a silver clarion.
 The girl started. The color rushed into her soft. sun-kis3ed cheeks. and her eyes covered him with glory. She stretched out her two slim hands im- pulsiyely, and caught him in strong hoyish clasp.
 What. she cried, her voice all a-tremble with excitement, you are he,"
 I'm afraid so, he murmured, sheep ishly.
 Then suddenly radiant smile crossed her face and dawning thought grew towards conviction in her eyes.
 Tt is a jawbreaker" she said. thoughtfulIy; what did they call you at school?"
 Her dark eyes searched his face. and as his embarrassment grew so did her smile
 They used to call me Mac" he said at last.
 They did?9 she cried. delightedly, and again her hands caught hIs
 Can you ever forgive me for what l did to those fiye?" he whispered. humbly. T can never forgive myself"
 The girl beside him rose and shook ont the folds of ner dainty yellow frock, and then with a tremulous laugh she said:
 Mother is beekoning me. So I must go. Can you find time and inclina- ton to come and see us?"
 Gan F" he cried. his face aglow with delight Try me and sec"
 Then tomorrow, in time for tea. Good-by." As he held her hand in parting perhaps just a shade longer than was absolutely necessary, she