The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1907-01-16
A so1 PER Eo
By MARX JOHNSON

Il want to join the army, SAID the
young man. He was pale and his
eyes shone defiantly az he looked
from one to another Of the soldiers
who loitered about the recruiting sta
tlon,
Wen, you have come 10 the right
place" said the officer In charge
Most recruits are either farmer
boys who have heard and read OF the
glories Of war or needy and desperate
ne'er to do wells who join the army
because they cannot get job. But
this young man was different, as the
officer saw at a glance.
Whats the matter?" asked the Of
ficer in charge as he took out an APP
plication blank Have you been get.
ting into some kind Of a scrape, OF did
you have row with your old man?'
"That is mono Of your business
said the youth, haughtily, "Coniine
yourself to the regular questions,
please
%, certainly" said the recruiting Of
fcer impressed a little by the young
mans imperious manner, He regis
tered a mental vow, however, that he
would make the recruit sing different
tune once he safely was in the clutches
Of the military regulations. 1t Is not
hard to subdue the refractory soldier
when he has put on a uniform,
First, | would like to ask a few
questions" said the recruit
Fire away
This was overturning cherished in
stitutions.
THE recruit is supposed to answer
questions and not ask them said the
officer. with dignity.
Il know-I know" said the young
man I'm answer your questions all
right If | decide to enlist-and that is
what l came here for. But / suppose
have a right first to make some In
quiries in regard 70 the service
rs there any chance for active
service at present.
who knows9' The recruiting Of
ficer shrugged his shoulders There's
something doing in the Philippines
now and then The utes are getting
busy in the northwest. Cuba too, Is
not without pUSslotHlSH'
Il would like to plunge into the fore
front of battle" said the young man
who wanted to be soldier. Il desire
to go where shot and shell are falling
You'll get over that after awhile,
said the recruiting officer. THAT
sounds nice to the young man who is
anxious TO cover himself with glory,
i E4r II.
shot and she'll are unpleasant when
they begin TO fall in your neighbor-
hood
As the officer spoke there was
slight commotion a the door, and
beautiful woman approached. As the
Young man caught a ileeting glimpse
of the young woman a faint smile
came to his face.
Send me to the front" he cried,
striking a tragic attitude before the
officer Let me lead the forlorn hope
Let me carry my country's starry ban
ner up the battle swept heights. If !
am moved down by the deadly, hiss
ing ball"
He paused. overcome by his own
emotions.
The young woman gazed at him for
an instant with horror stricken eyes
Jimmie" she cried. 20, Jimmie
The young man turned a sad, re-
pr0achful eye toward her.
Unheeding the soldiers who iounged
about the lovely o~eature ran up to
the recruit and threw her arms about
his neck.
20. | will marry you. Jimmie. |
promise it, Do not join the army
she cried. "You are so brave and
desperate ! know you viii be killed
Do not leave me- Jimmie"
The young man who wanted to be a
soldier gazed with tenderness at the
top Of her head.
For Won" he said. solemnly. for
you will give up iay dream Of glory
"That is SO good OF YOU. Jimmie
she mulmured Il hate to drag my
gallant boy away from his duty, but
you are so reckless ! know you would
, be killed
She was overcome again with emo
ton at the idea and the recruit
3 stroked her hair tenderly, till she be-
came more quiet.
Il have decided not to Join the
army. after all" said the young man,
mastering up all his dignity, as be-
gazed at the recruiting officer.
3 He slipped the young woman's hand
/ through his arm and turned toward
! the door, marching proudly past tbs
soldiers who were gathered about.
! Together they left the recruiting
D station.
2 Il wish something like that mig {
& have happened TO me when ! came ,
enlist" said the recruiting officer.
4 he returned the unused applic2,".
blank 10 the top drawer Of his 'N
. Chicago Tribune.
Needed a Oeodor
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