The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1913-04-19

these ere boys-Oh, damn 1t all! III
walked out Of the tent. There was
little group about a wagon, at whicl
he frowned and sighed. Poor MAJ
Welt" he said. Then he tossed nj
head and stamped his foot. "Oh
damn it ALL" said he again, between
his teeth.
But his face and manner were bacl
on their old level of good cheer whel
he bent over Danvers, half an hou
later.
SAY Dick"
"Yes, Chris. You come to say good
by, Well, it's good luck to you ant
God bless you from every boy here
and We know what you've done fo
us, and we won't forget IT; and wei
all hurry up to get we'll and join you!'
Danvers' voice was steady enough
now and a pathetic effort at cheer
came from all the cots.
Spruce lifted his fist and shook Il
severely You shut up! All Of you!
You'll raise your temperature!
amt going, neither. Be quiet. It's
all settled. I've seen captain, and he
wants me to stay and see you boys
through; all the G boys. Then we're
all going together. l tell you, keer
quiet"
Dick Danvers was keeping quiet
enough, for one; he was wiping away
the tears that rolled down his cheeks
The others in general shared his
relief in greater or less measure; but
they were too Ill to think much about
anything except themselves. In some
way. however, every one in the tent
showed to Spruce that he felt that a
sacrifice had been made.
Il know you hated 1t like the devil,
and just stayed for fear some Of your
precious chickens would come to mis-
chief If they got from under your
wings, you old hen!" was Dicks trib-
ute; land l know why you went into
town yesterday when the boys went
off. 1t is rough, Chris, and that's the
truth.
"Oh, it's only putting things of a
bit; the captain told me so himself"
said Spruce, very light and airy. But
his heart was sore. The G. boys I'M
derstood; he wasn't so sure that all
the others did understand. He caught
his name on one gossiping groups
lips, and was conscious that they
gazed after him curiously. Wonder
II I'm scared that I stayed home,
guess" he muttered, being a sensitive
fellow like all vain men. 81 wish
they'd see the things I've been in!
Damn 'em!"
The men really were discussing his
various Indian experiences and admir-
ing him in their boyish hearts. But
he was unluckily out Of earshot I'm
luckily. also. he was not out of ear
shot when a lieutenant of another
regiment, who had had a difference
about right of way with Spruce's
captain and been worsted by Spruce's
knowledge of military traditions, freed
his mind about that "bumptious Regu-
lar who was so keen to fight, but Che
noticed) was hanging on to his sick
detail, now the regiment had a chance
to see few Spaniards" Spruce, in
his properly buttoned uniform. his
face read with the heat and something
Of the words, .saluted vigorously and
passed by, not a single muscle witch
ing. All the while he was thinking:
I'm glad he don't belong to my
town.F God! II anybody was to write
them things about met"
By this time the town was not only
his town. but he was sure that he was
a figure In the conversation Of the
place. Thus his anxiety of mind in
creased daily. He kept 1t from his
charges. who grew stronger all the
week, and the next; and he read such
papers as drifted out to the camp and
such shreds Of news about the fighting
with frantic interest. Danvers was
able to sit up at the end Of the three
weeks. but most Of the boys were fur
Their along. walking about the wards.
or gone back to their regiment.
you get out, Chris" said Danvers,
I'VE all know you're on your head
with aching to go. We're all right;
and I'm oil home on furlough tomor-
row; I'll get Strengthened out there
quicker. and I'll be after you next
week. see II l don't! I knew you'd
be banging on, so I won't give you
the excuse. My sisters coming
tomorrow"
Really. Dick" gasped Spruce, "and
you-you're sure the other boys are
SOS I can leave?"
well. you know there are going to
be some women from the Red Cross.
last Of the week-Oh, by the time we
are all out Of 1t. this will be a swell
hospital. with all the Injuries!
Spruce, go, and don't get hurt, or
I'll murder you!"
Spruce giggled like a happy girl.
He was on his way to put in his an
plication to join his regiment the next
day-after Dick Danvers' sister had
when something happened. |
He did not exactly know what It was
until he felt the water on his |
forehead and tried to lift himself I'D
from the sand, catching the arm of |
the surgeon-in-chief.. "Sunstroke.
doctor?" he whispered.
Just tainted" the surgeon answered
cheerfully, you've been OVERRIDING It
In this heat. Be careful"
"Oh. It's nothing. SIR" Spruce
grinned back; had 1t lots of times.
only not so bad. All the boys git
giddy heads"
Somehow the ready words faltered
on his tongue; the surgeon had been