Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1913-06-19
SAY! Dick!"

us, and we won't forget it; and Wen
all hurry up to get well and join you!"
Danvers' voice was steady enough
now and pathetic effort at a cheer
came from all the cots.
Spruce lifted his fist and shook it
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, keep
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 i'll to think much about
anything except themselves. In some
way, however, every one in the tent
showed to Spruce that he felt that
sacrifice had been made.
81 know you hated it 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 hem" was Dicks trib-
ute: "and know why you went into
town yesterday when the boys went
off 1t is rough, Chris. and that's the
truth.
ooh, it's only putting things off
bit; the captain told me so himself,
said Spruce, very light and airy But
his heart was sore. The G boys un'
derstood; he wasn't so sure that all
the others did understand. He caught
his name on one gossipng groups
lips, and was conscious that they
gazed after him curiously. wonder
II I'm scared that | 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 We're discussing his
various Indian experiences and admir-
ing him in their boyish hearts. But
he wa unluckily out Of earshot.
By this time the town was not only
his town, but he was sure that he was
figure in the conversation of the
place Thus his anxiety of mind in
creased daily. He kept it 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
ther 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 off home on furlough tomor-
row; I'll get Strengthened out there
quicker, and I'll be after you next
week. see if I don't! knew you'd
be hanging on, so | won't give you
the excuse. My sisters coming
tomorrow"
Really. Dick" gasped Spruce, "and
you-you're sure the other boys are
SOS 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 ont of it, this will be swell
hospital, with all the luXuries.
Spruce, go, and don't get hurt or
I'll murder you!'
Spruce giggled like happy girl
He was on his way to put in his ap-
plication to join his regiment the next
day--after Dick Danvers' sister had
arrived, when something happened.
He did not exactly know what 1t was
himself, until he felt the water on his
forehead and tried to lift himself up
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
off his tongue the surgeon had been
fumbling at his blouse under the pre-
text of opening it for air, he was look
ing in a queer, intent way at Spruce's
chest.
OF sudden the eyes Of doctor and
soldier who had been nurse, met and
challenged each other. There was
dumb terror in the soldiers eyes,
grave pity in the surgeons. 81 seen
them spots yesterday" said Spruce,
slowly, in toneless voice, "but I
wouldn't believe they was typhoid
spots, nor they ANTI"
"You get inside and get drink,
Spruce, and go to bed" said the doc
tor. "Of course, I'm not certain, but
as good nurse as you know that is
isn't safe to try to bluff typhoid
fever"
By this time Spruce was on his feet
able to salute with his reply That's
all right Major, butt got to keep
up till Danvers gifts off with his folks,
or he'd be kicking and want to stay.
lest let me see him off, and I'll go
straight to bed"
"No walking about, mind, though"
said the doctor, not we'll pleased, yet
knowing enough of the two men to
perceive the point of the argument.
Spruce saw Danvers off with joke
and a grin, and an awkward bow for
Danvers' sister Then he went back
to the hospital and went to bed. hav-
ing written his aunt's address on
prescription pad Zone Of his acquire
ments in his foraging trips) with
remarkably spelled request that his
pay be sent her, and his other proper
ty be given his friend, R. E. Danvers,
to divide among his friends, giving