The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1910-01-06
A SOLDIER
Bv MARK JohNsoN.

Il 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
ton.
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 job. But
this young man was different, as the
officer saw at glance.
What's 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, or did
you have row with your old man.
THAT is none of your business
said the youth, haughtily. "Confine
yourself to the regular questions,
please
20, certainly" said the recruiting Of
lINtl, iDl tSotu a Illllt ny lo"h =
mans imperious manner. He regis
tered q 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, I 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.
81 know know" said the young
man. I'll answer your questions all
right If l decide to enlist-and that is
| have a right first to make some in
quries 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"
Il would like to plunge into the fore
front of battle" said the young man
who wanted to be a soldier. Il desire
to go where shot and she'll 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 a
slight commotion at the door, and a
beautiful woman approached. AS the
young man caught fleeing glimpse
of the young woman 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. 80, 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, | 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, "for
you / will give up my dream of glory"
THAT is 50 good of you, Jimmie"
she mulmureu. i nate 10 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
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 he
gazed at the recruiting officer.
He slipped the young woman's hand
through his arm and turned toward
the door, marching proudly past the
soldiers who were gathered about.
Together they left the recruiting
station.
Il wish something like that might
have happened TO me when | came to
enlist" said the recruiting officer, as
he returned the unused application
blank to the top drawer of his desk.