Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1907-06-18
eRANDMA's FLAG DAY STORY.

It was our National Flag day, and
Lulu, Tom and Oracle came home
from the parade full Of patriotic en-
thusiasm. Tom had been one of the
foremost In the parade, belonging to
the Adams County Boys Drill Regi-
NE and drum, while Lulu and Oracle
had ridden in their pony cart in the
Inc of vehicles that followed the reg
iment" The day ha. belonged to the
youth of Adamsville. the parents, Of
course turning ont in the morning to
Watcn the drill and flag display. and
many had been the compliments paid
to the youngsters, both boys and girls,
on account Of their nne display Of flags
and the orderly drill and parade that
took place in the public square
When Lulu Tom and Oracle, very
tired. but much excited over the morn
1ng's celebration. came home 1t wanted
an hour till dinner time Half starved,
tney sat on the big front porch to rest
TIL thev should be called to the longed-
Tor meal, and to chat over the inter.
you, girls, ] never did understand how
man could be AFRAID when he is going
into battle. 1t seems TO me that the
martial music, the cheers of his com
rades, the bravery Of his officers and
the sense that he Is about to fight or
die for his country would urge him on
and make him feel like a hero, robbine
him OF all thought Of fear for himself.
I'm quite sure I'd feel that way.
help to win victory or die in the con-
fict.' would be my cry
You've never been at the 'front.'"
smiled Lulu. ''Mavbe you'd feel DIFF
ferently We're you facing row of can
non handled by the enemy
II anything I'd feel all the drawer
and determined to fight" boldly de-
clared Tom.
Well, perhaps my Tommy would
feel just like other boz have felt on
such occasions" said soft. quaverins
voice in the doorway, and tho children
locked up to see dear old grandma
standing there with her sewing IN her
hands. She came cut on the porch
and took the easy chair that Tommy
CALAMITY brought forward for her.
Then as the three grandchildren gath
and chat with grandma-she put her
sewing in her lap. pushed her glasses
from her nose to the edge of her soft
white hair, and smiled about on the
rosy faces of her dear little ones
I don't think I've ever told you
children Of your Great-uncle Airs ex-
perience during the short time he was
soldier. have II"
"oh. no; we've never heard about
it." cried Tom. Tell us, granny.
dear. Was he ever in battle?''
Grandma smiled. then began: mo.
not in a real battle with men, but en-
gagged in battle with Fear which was
almost too much for him. You see.
We've never talked much about your
Great-uncle Ais war experiences. for
he was a-deserter." Grandma looked
calmly about on the three young faces
as she gave this bit Of information
about her youngest and favorite broth
er. who had long since been called to
his fathers. Not that we ever con-
demned him." grandma continued "for
We fully understood the poor boys
heart and knew he was not in the
wrong"
"a deserter!" exclaimed Tom, hor-
rified. Our great uncle-your own
brother? Oh. grandma. that's a real
Disgrace"
After you've grown older you'll not
jump at conclusions so quickly, my
dear son." said grandma. First you
must hear your great-uncle's story;
then you may pass judgment on his
conduct"
Bit there's no excuse for --
pESERTER," declared Tom, solemnly
Not though he was your fayorite
brother, grandma"
Well, you hush up till grandma has
1 told the story" ordered Lulu. II guess
grandma knows the circumstances bet.
ter than you do. So keep your cpIn-
Tors to yourself till she's through
/ Yes, let's have the story, granny
urged Oracle TITS most dinner time