The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1910-09-06

Aren't you gong7" the stranger asked, locking at
Bettys gala dress. Probably he had daughter in that
chorus she thought But before she could reply Grand
pa was himself again, and explained briefly how she
to ~ RF she'll rot !. Ii, -. .;.h.- ~ ,ou,;.4.
man said, with smile "Now, have you an old army
coat Sergeant or a musket-anything, you know, to
make the affair seem real to the spectators?"
In twinking Betty was upstairs, pulling out the
faded uniform and battered musket she knew and loved
we'll Almost before he knew it Grandpa Jones
was arrayed in full regmentas VIII the donning of
the old uniform all signs of WEAKNESS and despond-
ency vanished He walked with Betty to the waiting
carriage with rm steady tread, holding his head high
Ihey were soon flying down the road toward town
behind pair of handsome bays.
Along the main street of Biankton all sorts of We
hicles stood waiting while throngs of espectant people
jostled one another on the sidewalks Memorial Day
was great event and all the country around turned
out to witness the parade and listen to the band and
the speeches. Some unaccountabe delay seemed to
have occurred The parade was late in, starting
1 declare said Bettys father turning in the demo-
cat wagon to speak to Mrs Jones' sitting on the back
seat II don't feel right about father being left this
way. It's too bad Bettys had to give I'D the singing
and ALL too. She'd been looking forward to it long
time"
"Well he'd have been all tired out" Bettys mother
began but rumor running through the crowd caught
their attention
Iheres an old soldier--a veteran--going to be in
the parade That's what's made them so late They
didn't know about him till the last minute"
oh, why didn't bring father!" Mr. Jones ex-
claimed I'm afraid we've been making mistake,
Anna, thinking he's old for such things How he
would have liked to see another war veteran wish
we could go back after him. wonder who the other
soldier is anyway?"
"Harks" cried the boys. There's the bandl It's
coming-oh its started at ast!"
Silence settled down over the throngs of people
strainng their eyes to catch the first glimpse Of the
SHINING gittering instruments of the brass band of
Blankton, which from time immenorial had ALWAYS
headed the parades new element of expectancy was
added by the floating rumors of the coming of rep
resentative of the Civil War soldiers
HaIi, Columbia! blared forth in stirring measure
as the band drew nearer and nearer but all ewes
were instantly fixed an open carriage Immediately
following the big bass drum The carriage was eIab
orately draped with folds of red, white and blue
Wreaths and festoons of flowers hung from its sides
and with Old Glory proudly waving above him. an old
soldier in faded blue sat enthroned on the cushioned
seat Very straight he sat- an oldtne nusket on his
shoulder and the undying fire of patriotism shining
IN his eyes, as the inspiring strains from the cleaning
instruments fell on his ears BY his side and holding
last to his unoccuped hand, sat pretty young girl
in fluffy white Dress decorated with futterinr rib
bons of red white and blue
Intense silence at first hailed the approach of the
carriage-then voice from the succeeding carriage
where road the members of the committee, broke the
spell:
Three cheers for Sergeant Jones, veteran of the
Civil War; called the voice "Now! One! Two!
Three!"
Cheer after cheer resounded all along the line Flags
were wildly waved. Betty held closer to her grand
fathers hand; but he unnindfu of the battle and ex
element gazed calmly forward living in memory other
days and other scenes beside which the present was but
dim reality
Why, it's father-God bless himl" said sudden.
broken voice, when through blur of tears, Betty's
father gazed on the gloried figure beneath the floating
Stars and Stripes His wife made no reply. beyond
mutded sob and vigorous wiping of her eyes But
the two boys climbed to the seat of the democrat
wagon and cheered and cheered till they were hoarse
Wreaths and flags reverently laid upon the
dozen scattered graves in beautiful Oakwood where
rested the soldier boys of whom their people were
50 proud and then Grandpa Jones' now "our esteemed
fehow-cltizen, Sergeant Jones" responded to re-
guest Tor speech. Gravey mounting the draped
grand-stand, he stood before the people in the old
uniform which had seen such service in defense Of his
country and made personal appeal to every heart in
behalf OF the country he loved and eloquent of tribute
tor the brave sons his own comrades, who had laid
down their lives for her sake When he finished
men, women and children pressed forward to grasp the
old soldiers hand and to thank him with tear-dinmed
eyes for his inspiring words. Betty's heart was SO
thrilled with loving pride that smiles and tears mingled
and blended strangely on her rosy face
The democrat wagon logged homeward behind the
carriage in which Sergeant Jones and Betty were
being driven back to the porch and the appIe-blos-
sons Fahtre and mother were silent, each busy with
thought but in the bacxseat the boys were talking it
over
I tell you what" cried Phil with shining ewes. II
never realized before what hero Grandpa Jones has
been"
Yes, and is" added Robert. Il tell you, Phil, it's
fine thing to have a hero for your own grandfather
! mean to let them we appreciate him, and I'm
going to try to grow up to be brave and good as
he is, too"
And so am I" cried Phil "Im proud of Grandpa
Jones'"
amen" said the father softly ct shant be only
Betty who appreciates him now"