The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1910-09-06
THEIR ONE VETERAN
G2&2Uz9aQ9Na9
BY ALICE MILLER WEEKS

- OFT May breezes showered the pink and white
~ of the apple blooms gently down from the
~ gnarled old tree at the corner of the side
porch One dainly curled petal foated light fairy
shell, and came to rest unnoticed on the bowed gray
head of Grandpa Jones sitting in his old armchair
beside the porch railing.
Robins and orioles flew here and there, busy with
nest building; the air was sweet with the odors of
spring. But there was no sign of human companion
ship, save in the still bent figure in the battered
armchair. Lower and lower dropped the silvered
head. The old mans shoulders shook convulsiveIy,
and from between the shaking fingers covering his
slender grsh figure, in fluffy white dress and with
utterng ribbons of red, white and blue, hurrying
down the road and across the soft spring grass.
Grandpa! Dear Grandpa Jonesp
Bettys voice was full of distress With blue eyes
wide with dlsmay she had stopped short, painting
little for breath, for the day was warm and she
had been running
The old man raised his head In a moment he was
encirced by pair of loving arms.
Didnt-didn't we go with the others, Betty? Why
WINS what's happened, dearief
CIR dpa Jones wiped his eyes furtvely, and slipped
his ndkerchief hastily into his coat pocket 1t was
OF use Bettys loving eyes were too quick for him.
. Grandpa Jones, you were crying! New tell me
One girsh arm still rested upon his shoulders, and
Betty shock threatening finger in her grandfather's
face, on which smiles and tears were. struggling for
mastery. Smiles won, of course; who could with
stand Bettys laughing eyes? Not grandpa Jones, who
loved her, So
Betty's small hand was promptly laid across his lips.
Now know better, Grandpa Jones! ! knop you
wanted to go2 knew. it all the while Why
shouldn't you, when it's Memorial Day and you were
in the war, your very SELF should like to know?
| told them that, but they said you never cared to
go anywhere and you'd be all tired out and the
buggy crowded anyway, and all that stuff But
just couldn't stand the thought of you left here all
alone and so when we got to the Crossroads slipped
out and all the way home to you. I'd lots rather
have my Decoration Day here with you than to see
all the parades in the country or sing in the chorus.
either, Grandpa dear.
Betty Struggled closer and laid her rosy cheek against
Grandpas silver hair She spoke stoutly that even
he forgot how dear to her loyal little heart the
flags and banners the patriotic songs and spirited band
music of Memorial Day; and how momentous had
been the making of that very white dress. But that
Of course had been when Betty had expected Grandpa
Jones would go with them.
Nov, you'll tell me about it. won't you Grandpa?"
Betty perched herself comfortably on the of the
ated down to Join the DRIFT Of 6 s snoW
lying across the fresh green grass "Te me some of
your very . best war stories, wont you, dear1" she
you'll I'm lots happier, right here with really truly
soldier, don't you see? It's soldiers that Decoration
Day is for, Grandpa"
There was no resisting Bettys coaxng WAYS Ever
since Grandpa Jones had sold the old homestead and
came, nearly year before, to make his home with
ordered household who had stolen into the mans
heart and seemed to understand his loneliness and
between the imaginative young girl and the broken old
soldier.
And so Grandpa Jones cleared his throat, drew
little nearer the shade of the bossoming applebough
The spring sunshine filtered softly down through the
leaves GROWING with light the silver head Animation
frightened he faded eyes, the bent shoulders straight
ened. Grandpa Jones soldier more
Shouldering nlaginery musket, with head erect and
eyes flashing he sprang his feet and paced to and
from down the length of the long porch.
Splendid Splendid" cried Betty, picking herself
I'D from the floor where she been unceremoniously
rolled by Grandpas sudden move what splendid
soldier you must have been, you dearP
Neither had noticed the approach of carriage nor
the click of the gate, till hearty masculine voice
chimed in:
"Bravoi Bravol" A pair of white cotton gloved
hands clapped enthusiastic approval while Betty and
her grandfather stood speeches. with astonshment
TALL uniformed man, wearing respondent badge,
stood beside the steps. He smiled and lifted his
plumed hat with a courtly bow, which Betty's
heart at once.
"Our committee learned this morning" he began by
way of explanation. that a real veteran has come
among Sergeant Jones' / commissioned to re-
quest you to occupy place of honor at the head of
our parade. Well have everything comfortable
possible not to tire you Tt is what parades have
always lacked-the presence of real soldier of the
Civil War. Will you consent to Gomez
The sudden change from war "reminiscences to this
unexpected request bewldered Grandpa Jones Betty
however always ready to accept miracles, jumped up
and down and clapped her hands in delighted excite
ment.
ooh, CrandDap she cried "You won't only see
the paradeyoull be in 1.-THE very incest part of it
ALL Oh Grandpa it's Just too lovely to be trueT