The Cairo bulletin., 1906-08-25
THE COWARD
By FRANCIS A. sToUTENBURGH.

Clay entered his library, closed the
door and locked II. Then, with ener-
getc tread he made his way to his
desk. From one Of the pigeon holes
/ he took a revolver. It was pig,
wicked looking gun--i4 caliber.
Capt Clay, retired, was man who
always believed himself TO be COW
ard at heart; but in a cabinet IN ms
library there was medal which mad
been awarded him for yalor in the
field; there was also letter from
President Mckinley promoting and
commencing him for conspicuous pray
ery. And on the wall was a sword,
given him by his own company, Win
an inscription ON the blade testifying
to his courage, selfsacrifce and 10Y.
atty.
Clay examined the revolver care
fully. 1t was properly loaded ana
ready to do the deadly work II might
be called upon to do.
CLAY sank back in an arm char, the
weapon in his hand,
In the last stages of consumption
racked by pain; grievins over the loss
of his Young wife, who had died hut
few months previously; harassed by
poverty that he was too proud 70
make known. he had sought the secia-
sion of his pet room surcease OF soF-
row. an end to all the responsibilities
Of life"
Il was always a coward, he NUT
tered, as he shudderingiy looked down
at the revolver. Yet somehow GIG
my work When | charged the Span
ish breastworks at Palmas at the heao
of my men | was in mortal lear On
wound of some kind was the ilrst
man inside the enemys works. Men
near me we're cut down by MAGNETS
bayoneted or shot. was untouched
NV men never knew my fear; 2eVer
noticed my white face. In the heat
of the combat they took no heed ol
all this: but they cheered me aI'ef
the fight was won.
Then. again that fight near the
river when / carried Sergt, Peters Oh
my back after he was wounded--eaF
ried him through a deadly fire PACK
In our lines-ah ha,-that's where
won the presidents letter; but | was
in agony lest some Mauser should SEND
it's bullet through me. But someho"
| did my work.
And now."-he glanced again al
the weapon in his hand-"it may huf'
me" he mused, with something o.
boyish petulance. Oh! | cannot bear
the pain. in case it does not kill IN
stantly; the crashing through my us
sues and bones; and even though II
kill me. there will be momentary'
horrible agony.
"A coward / am, and always was
vet somehow did my work
Racked by a fit Of coughing, he no
tlced that blood had come on MS
handkerchief again.
Something prompted him to take me
sword of honor from its place on the
wall and put IT by his side to gas
once more upon the medal and 10
take the presidents letter and spread
1t acrss his knees.
These will make me brave man.
he said.
But these acts failed to summon VT
the courage that he sought
lie looked again at his revolver and
shuddered. Throwing open us
breech. he hastily emptied It OF It's
contents; then picking up the poker
with a sharp blow he smashed the
weapon and threw its shattered rem
nants into the dead embers OF the
hearth.
Now am a coward" he exclaimed
bitterly Somehow before this al
WAYS did my work"
Then it was that the bright, hope
ful faces of his two young sons-one
of IA and one of 12-who were near
AT hand at play with other boys, came
nm before him. and their voices seemed
10 say: NO, no. you are a brave man
and no coward
A smile passed over his wan face.
What was that;' he asked. is
anyone in the room?'
lie heard faint sigh; that same
faint. happy little sigh that had come
from his wife as she died in his arms
but few months previous.
His wasted right hand was lifted
from the desk whereon it rested by
fingers invisible but supremely ten
der. A kiss, illusive, sweet and bear
ing in itself message Of angelic
gratitude and approval was pressed
upon IT,
He leaned forward in his chair.
The blood gushed forth from mouth
and nostrils and traiied in a crimson
stream across the letter from the muir
dered president which lay in his lap.
No bullet caused It, 1t was the last
hemorrhage Il was copious; It was
merciful: and il took Hmm. Y. Her
aid.