The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-05-30
THE EVENING STORY
'ePop" Gleeson and Tommy Luck.
(By EpeS w. Sargent-)


the wood wind the Sixth Separate
Company of the state militia stepped
brfskly past to the air of popular
song. Pop Gleeson's feet involun-
tarily kept time to the marked beat,
but his face showed signs of disap-
prevail.
They ought to play Georgia. not
| them vod-e-ville things" he confded
to Cap Johnson. when we was
with Sherman you bet we didn't have
no SIGH music
''Times is changed. Pop" was the
sad reply. II guess they'll make fun
of our flies and drums
Let EN- scolded Pop. I'm
kinder sorry we didn't stay to Pleas
IT'S the last rally" said Cap, char
itably. Wen see some of the boys
for the last time I guess
Pop shook his head sadly. The di-
vision commander had asked that all
nearby G. A. r. posts join in the Rut-
ledge celebration. The membership
was fast growing smaller. and he
lay at rest on the hillside. they would
hold their last rally after the Me-
mortal day parade. The Beemansville
post was little nervous about their
repertoire of military airs. So far
even the smallest posts had brought
along the regular band from their
home town.
ton, came the shrill tones of the flies
and the rattle of the drums, and to
the Saucy strains of 1.-THE Girl Left
Behind Me- the Poston post footed it
place in line.
Just back of the music trudged a
tiny .youngster, his little uniform
complete even to the sword that
side. On every hand murmurs of ap-
plause ran through the crowds that
lined the sidewalks. Pop chuckled.
There's boy for you" he smiled to
cap" There's not many inches to
him, but every inch soldier for all
that. He might be a West Point gradu-
ate"
That's what" agreed Cap. At guess
"Wisht F.! had little grandson like"
lamented Pop" but 1 guess his
voice sank into his snowy beard. Some
where he had a little grandson, but he
had never seen him. When Dick had
married the Spencer girl against his
wishes there had been an angry scene,
and Dick had flung out of the house.
Later he had sought reconciliation, but
his father would have none of 1t, even
after the boy had been born.
He watched with unseeing eyes the
other attachments go past. They had
been waiting the arrival of the special
from the east with the paraders, and
now that these had found their places
the word was passed and the head of
the procession moved out.
1t was long trudge for the veterans
through the streets to the cemetery.
More than one dropped out to wait for
the ambulances that closed up the line.
But they were all there around the mar
BILE shaft that commemorated the lead
er under whom so many of them had
fought and they listened, some with
streaming eyes, to the vibrant words of
the principal speaker, their division
commander.
None realized better than he how
fast the death roll grew, and he spoke
frankly and tenderly of the gaps that
had been made in their ranks, wind
ing up with farewell to those whom
he might never meet again.
1t was too much for some of the vet
Grams, and they CROPPED their way
stand. The governor was yet to speak,
but they did not care for his colby
polished phrases, and they sought the
quieter parts where already the tiny
flags marked the resting races OF the
hero dead.
Pop Gleason was one of those who
slipped away, and with tear-dimmed
eyes wandered down the green aisles
He did not mark where he was going,
he simply wanted to get away. Per-
haps he would be among those who
were absent next year. Would Dick
come and lay flowers on his grave? He
wondered if Dick were here: Some
one had told him that the boy had
joined the national guard.
''Hello." "Pop'' started and looked
down. The little veteran who had
headed the Poston boys was sitting
on a horseback and cycling him GU
you tired, too?" continued the boy,
ST was tired, so 1 came away to sit
down.
Eyes. I'm tired. too" he agreed.
1.-The old mans getting feeble, laddie:
I can remember the time when I'd
march all day and then fight all night
if I had to. I was with Sherman on
his way to the sea. I guess you never
heard tell on that, did yer?"
my grandpa. he was with 'em, too"
said the boy proudly.
what was your grandpa's same 2?
he demanded TREMENDOUSLY.
Thomas Sidney Luck" said the boy
promptly. Pops" head dropped. For
a moment, he had hoped that this
might be his own little grandson, this |
soldierly little lad.
MY mamma says that my grandpa |
was the bravest man that ever was"
millions and millions of men and he
wore a sword just like mine and when |
he said 'Fire! all the other soldiers |
shot off their guns and then the enemy |
ran away and grandpa chased EN-. |
He was awfully brave, but he can't
run now he added inconsequentially |
"There's lots of US who fought then /
who can't run now" said Pop" sad |
w. 1--WE didn't run then" he added, |
unless it was after the enemy"
'I know" agreed the boy. my |
grandpa would have died sooner. he |
said so. I'm sorry for boys what amt /
got soldier grandpas. There's Izzy /
Isaacs. His pa runs a clothing store |
and he didn't even know there was |
war until he come TO school,
"It's a fine thing" declared Pop"
"a thing to remember with pride. my
boy Never forget that your grand
father was a soldier And meyer LET |