The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1910-08-02
ITEM MINUTES I'm
LAND OF STORIES
THE DRUMM ER-MAJOR.
By Harold Carter.


out Napoleon's army when it be-
came known that the surly drum
mer-major had taken comrade-
the little bugler.
What made the contrast the more
remarkable was that the drummer
major was the strongest, surliest
man in the regiment, while the
bugler was young recruit newly
of age. The drummer-major was
the only man who could carry the
gigantic drum which he had borne
into a hundred battles. Always,
wherever the bullets flew thickest
the giant drummer appeared, bear
ing a charmed life, and wherever
his rub-dub, rub-dub was heard
victory perched upon the banners of
France
The little bugler and the drum
mer-maior were stationed together
before Ratisbon. When the French
stormed the city the drummer was
in the thick of the assault Hun
dreds fell, but he was not touched
by lead or steel. But after the bat
tie lie OOuiu ilot liIu tHC illtiC pu-
gler.
Where is he?" he asked. but no
one ventured to reply. At last a
grizzled old soldier said:
The little bugler will be shot be-
fore the ramparts tomorrow at
dawn for cowardice in the battle
For a moment men said. the
drummer-major seemed turned to
stone, so silent and motionless he
was. Then he swore into his beard
and cursed the little bugler for a
traitor to France
He is too young to die!" the
soldiers said.
mo traitor is too young to lay
down his life for France" the
drummer-major answered.
His love seemed all turned to
hatred. He went to Marshal Bien-
court, and begged, if ever he had
done anything for France, that he
lbe permitted to drum the squad
THAT should shoot the little bugler
Ion the following morning on the
,ramparts of Ratisbon
/ 1t was not the marshal's policy
10 refuse favor to an old soldier.
He granted the request. More, he
permitted the drummer-major to
carry his drum into the prison yard
where the little bugler was con-
lfihed the evening before his execu-
ftipn, since the drum was heavy, and
the drummer-major pleaded that he
/ could hardly carry it through the
city upon an empty stomach to a
daitor's execution.
Is behind the bars the little bugler
| weeping and praying, saw the drum
mer-major enter the yard before
the ramparts, carrying his enor-
nous drum. The turnkey who adj
mitted him. accorded him leave to
say farewell to the little bugler
He knew the friendship that had
existed between the two men
| The drummer-majOr marched ur
and down playing, humping his
drum. Presently he came before the
little bugler's bars.
Little bugler, coward and trai
| tor, dost thou wish to die?" he de
manded. Thus wilt thou purge
thyself of thy sin against France
81 do not wish to die" sobbed
the little boy bugler.
Thou art not worthy to die
the drummer-maior growled. "Ther
why dOSt thou not flee?"
The little bugler looked at the
drummer-major and looked at his
! bars.
"Faugh, That is nothing, said
the drummer-majOr, and, bending
/ forward, with one wrench of his
powerful hands he pulled two bars
apart so that the little bugler could
have crept through
"But outside sits the turnkey
whimpered the little bugler.
well. wilt thou save thy miser
able skin?' the drummer-majol
growled. Disgrace of France
listen. Many brave men have run
away in their first battle. 1t is said
the Emperor was himself afraid. II
thou escapest-wilt thou re-enlst
under new name and win honor
| for France?"
II will" the bugler pleaded. "Bui
how can | escape? Tomorrow ]
die"
The drummer7major halted right
in front of the broken bars, and
with deft turn of his wrist. I'M.
covered one whole side of his drum
The parchment was but nailed to
the drums side.
Fool" he growled, "creep into