Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1907-01-24
A SOLDIER
SPOILED
by MARK JOHNSON.

y
eyes shone deflantly as he looked
from one to another OF the soldiers
who loitered about the recruiting sta
ton.
We'll, you have come to the right
place." said the officer In charge.
Most recruits are either farmer
boys who have heard and read of the
Elories OF war or needy and desperate
ne'er to do wells who join the army
because they cannot get q Job. But
this young man was different, as the
oficer saw at a glance.
What's the natter" asked the of!
ficer in charge, as he took out an ap-
plication blank. Have you been get
ting into some kind OF a scrape. or did
you have a row with your old MANI"
THAT is none of your business"
eaid the youth, haughtily. "Confine
yourself to the regular questions,
please"
20, certainly" said the recruiting Of
ficer, impressed little by the young
mans imperious manner. He regis.
tered 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 uniform.
First, would like to ask a few
questions" said the recruit.
Fire away"
This was overturning cherished in.
situations.
"The recruit is supposed to answer
questions and not ask them" said the
officer, with dignity.
II know know" said the young
man. "I'll answer your questions all
right II / decide to enlist-and that is
what l came here for. But I suppose
I have right first to make some in
quiries in regard to the service?"
us there any chance for active
service at PRESENT."
who knows?" 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 possibilities"
II would like to plunge into the fore
front Of BATTLE" said the young man
who wanted to be a soldier. II 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
but have learned by experience that
shot and shell are unpleasant when
they begin to fall in your neighbor.
hood"
AS the officer spoke there was q
slight commotion at the door, and a
beautiful woman approached. AS the
young man caught fleeting 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.
ner up the battle swept heights. If l
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 sad, re-
proachful eye toward her.
Unheeding the soldiers who lounged
about, the lovely creature ran up to
the recruit and threw her arms about
his neck.
20, l will marry you, Jimmie.
promise It, Do not join the army
she cried. You are so brave and
desperate l know you will 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 you," he said, solemnly, 40,
you will give up my dream of glory.
THAT is so good of you, Jimmie,
she murmured. 81 hate to drag m!
gallant boy away from his duty, bu
you are so reckless l know you would
be killed"
She was overcome again with emo
ton at the idea, and the recruit
stroked her hair tenderly, till she be
came more quiet
II have decided not to join tn,
army, after ALL" said the young man
mastering up all his dignity, as h
, gazed at the recruiting officer.
He slipped the young womans han,
through his arm and turned towar
the door, marching proudly past tn
soldiers who were gathered about.
Together they left the recruiting
station.
Il wish something like that Nigh
: have happened to me when came t
enlist" said the recruiting officer, a
he returned the unused application
blank to the top drawer of his desk.
i Chicago Tribune.
,, Needed a peodorizer.
Joel Moore, of Bangor, or Deaco
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