The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1909-01-15

/ AaQ uSe0. Every Gay Ne 00pen08 on
me more and more. And 20, Bob,
can't give you my promise. knowing
what dad would say"
And I knew she wouldn't. So finally
seeing how hopeless II all was, just
gave up. I asked the house to call me
In to the home once and send out
!. jenkins in my place. I made up my
mind 10 go back to New York and
| work and work and work, and forget
/, Betty-as IL could! But I said to
, myself that l would forget her, know.
I, ing all the while that was lying.
II was April then. The leaves were
al out and the birds singing every.
where. The blooms Of the dogwood
that looked like big white stars. made
MILKY ways through the green woods
back Of the Shelby place.
We were at the big gate, and was
telling Betty good.by for good and all.
Right there. at the eleventh hour,
and knowing how hopeless everything
, was. ] tried to argue II all over again
with Eetty. Her big gray eyes were
swimming and her lips quivered. but
she held her brave little head up
, straight. like a little soldier.
IT isn't any use. Bob. she said
, trying tc smile at me through the
tsals. Il reckon I'll have to stay
Cut of the union as long as dad does.
She held out her hands to me. !
was standing there. holding both Of
them in mine. neither one OF us say
iEs word. when heard steps behind
me. / dropped Bctty's hands. II was
the co.onel. His face was redder than
! had ever seen 1t. his eyes we're
blazing under his white eyebrows. He
walked SO fast he was painting.
Mister Thornton" he said, looking
straight at me. may ask where you
were born?"
He took me by surprise 1t was q
little late for the colonel to begin
taking a personal interest In me.
"Connecticut-New Haven. Connec-
lieut." biurted out
and did you have any kinspeople
Who fought in the war Of the confed-
crate secession" he said.
the colonel was thinking Of reopening
hostilities and meant to begin by at
lacking me. But I was about to get
OF the firing-line. anyhow. and, be-
sides. l didn't feel In the humor right
then for playing Fort Sumter.
my father was an officer in . Mas
sachusetts regiment" told him, and
I had an uncle on Sherman's staff"
Sir" he said. ALLOW me to shake
your hand"
He shook 1t. looked out Of the
corner OF ny eye at Betty. Her ex-
preston said palmer than words:
My poor father has suddenly gone
daft; please humor him."
My child" said the colonel. turn.
Ing to her, Il have glorious news for
you--news of your brother. Lieut.
Mother. the Prussians Are Coming"
John r eckinridge Shelby. u. 8. A."
90, dad" cried Betty, and she
threw both her arms around his neck.
good news OF Breck. But, daddy.
Breck's not lieutenant-he's only q
corporal"
He was a corporal. my dear-he
was corporal" said the colonel.
drawing himself up until he looked
two inches taller. He is now a lieu
tenant. have just received tele
gram from the secretary Of war-our
secretary of war. Mister Thornton. an.
noGncing that my son has been com
miss.oned In the field for highly meri-
ferrous service.
1T appears that there was an en-
eagement with sayages In the island
o: Samar. A detachment was led into
an ambush. The officers were shot at
the first yolley from the jungle. The
men began falling back In disorder.
The company eo,ofs were captured by
one OF the insurgents. My son re-
captured the eolors and rallied the
men. He was wounded.
Wounded" cried out Betty. "oh.
daddy"
Not badly wounded. my child"
said the colonel. merely a flesh
wound. But he turned rout into a
victory. In his telegram our secrc-
tary Of war congratuiates me upon be-
ing the father of so gallant young
officer.
mister Thornton" the colonel
went on. 4 objected to my sons en-
listmeIt In the army OF the United
States. | had never accepted the re-
suit of the war between the states
as just AMI p-oaer result. | had
thought | would never so accept It.
am still! loyal. sir. to the traditions OF
the Cause. but the flag my son fights
for AMI sheds his blood for is my flag
now. | am about. sir. To drink a toast
TO the United States flag. II you will
join me | will feel honored. sir.
Did | join him. III the colonel 40
ticed that was holding Betty's hand
as the three of US walked up the
drive 10 the house he didn't say any
thing about It. | have never seen q
man so utterly happy. The news that
he had received OF his son had trans
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