Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-01-14
A SOLDIER
By MARK JoHMson.

T want to join the army" said the young man. He was pale and his eyes shone defiantly as he looked from one to another of the soldiers who loitered about the recruiting sta. ,tion.
 Well, 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 glories of war or needy and desperate
 ne'er to do wells who join the army
 because they cannot get a job. But
 this young man was different, as the
 oficer saw at a glance.
 Whats the matter?" 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 row with your old man?"
 That is none of your business 7 said the youth, haughtily. "Copfine
 yourself to the regular questions. please"
 K, 70, certainly" said the recruiting of- ficer, impressed little by the young mans impegious manner. He regis tered mental VOW. however. that he would make the recruit sing different tune once he safely was in the clutches lof the military regulations. It is not hard to subdue the refractory soldier when he has put on uniform. .i First. would like to ask . 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 ofncer, with dignity.
 { T know-I know" said the young man. "I'll answer your questions all right if I decide to enlist-and that is what I came here for. But suppose T have a right first to make some in- quiries in regard to the service?" ! "Is 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" T would like to plunge into the fore front of battle." said the young man who wanted to be . soldier. T desire to go where shot and shell are falling" You'll get over that after awhile" said the recruiting ofhcer. That sounds nice to the young man who is anxious to cover himself with glory, but I have learned by experience that shot and shell are unpleasant when they begin to fall in your neighbor- hood"
 As the ofiicer spoke there was slight commotion at the door, and beautiful woman approached. As the young man caught a feeting glimpse of the young woman 8 faint smile came to his face.
 Send me to the front" he cried, striking 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. 70, Jimmie!"
 The young man turned a 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.
 70. I will marry you. Jimmie. I promise 1t. Do not join the army" she cried. You are SO brave and I know you will be killed. | Do not leave me, Jimmie"
 The young man who wanted to be . soldier gafed with tenderness at the top of her head.
 For you" he said. solemnly, efor you will give up my dream of glory"
 That is so good of you. Jimmie" she murmured. T hate to drag my gallant boy away from his duty, but | you are 90 reckless 1 know you would be Killed"
 She was overcome again with emo lion at the Idea. and the recruit | stroked her hair tenderly, till she be- came more quiet.
 T have decided not to join the army. after sll." said the young man, up all his dignity, ss he | yazed at the recruiting oficer.
 He slipped the young womanis hand through his arm and turned toward he door. marching proudly past the soldiers vho were gathered about.
 Together they left the recruiting station
 T wish something like that m.eht have happened to me when I came to snlist.- said the recruiting of'cer. as 1e returned the unused applica,io, blank to the top drawer of hIs desk.- -Chicago Tribune