The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1914-11-13

of utter fear or of mortal agony nc
longer set him to neighing or sweat
ing in sympathy. Pilgrim, superb in
strength and superb in intelligence
plodded efficiently through a battle
just as he had plodded efficiently
over the circuit of Jason's Methodist
father.
And Jason, cool and clear-headed
with his wonderful long strong hands
sawed and sewed and probed an6
purged his way through field hospital
after field hospital, until the men be-
gan to hear of his skill and to ask
for him when the fear of death was
on them. His work absorbed him
more and more, until months went by
and he neglected to write to his
mother! Just why, who can say?
Each of us, looking into his heart
perhaps can find some answer. But
Jason was young, and work and
world hungry. He did not ask him.
self embarrassing question. The
months slipped into year, and the
first year into a second year. Still
Jason did not write to his mother,
nor did he longer hear from her.
In November of the second year
Jason was stationed in the hospital
near Richmond. One rainy morning
as he made his way to the cot of a
man who was dying of gangrene, on
orderly stopped him.
This is DR.. Jason Wilkins?"
yes"
Sorry, doctor, but I've got to ar
rest you and take you to Washing
ton"
Jason looked the orderly over in
credulously. you've got the wrong
man, friend"
The soldier drew heavy envelope
carefully from his heart, and handed
it to Jason. Jason opened it uneasi-
ly, and gasped This is what he
read: SHOW this to Surgeon Jason
Wilkins, Richmond,
Virginia. Arrest him. Bring him to
me Immediately. A. Lincoln"
Jason whitened. What's up?" he
asked the orderly.
81 didn't ask the President" re-
piled the orderly dryly. We'll start
at once, if you please, DOCTOR"
In daze Jason left for Washing
ton. He thought of all the minor
offenses he had committed. But they
were only such as any young fellow
might be guilty Of. He could not be-
lieve that any of them had reached
Mr.. Lincoln's ears, or that, if they
had, the great man in the White
House would have needed them.
Jason was locked in a room in
Washington clearinghouse for one
night. The next day at noon the ord
erly called for him. Weakened,
Jason followed him up the long drive
to the door of the White House, and
into a room where there were more
orderlies and a man at a desk writ
ing. An hour of dazed waiting, then
a man came out of a door and spoke
to the man at the desk
Surgeon Jason Wilkins" said the
sentry.
''Here!" answered Jason.
"This way" jerked the orderly,
and Jason found himself in the inner
room, with the door closed behind
him. The room was empty, wet filed.
There was but one man in it besides
Jason, but that man was Mr.. Lincoln,
who sat at desk, with his somber
eyes on Jason's face-still a cool
young face, despite trembling knees.
you are Jason Wilkins?" said
Mr. Lincoln.
Eyes, Mr.. President" replied the
young surgeon.
Where are you FROM"
"Green Valley, Ohio"
"Haye Won any re1ativas2"
"Only my mother is living"
eyes, only mother! Well, young
man, how Is your omther?"
Jason stammered, why, WHY
1ont know"
"You don't know" Numbered Lin
,oln. "And why don't you know? Is
she living or dead?"
II don't know" said Jason. ITO
ell the truth, I've neglected to write
Ind I don't suppose she knows where
am"
There was silence in the room.
Mr.. Lincoln clenched a great fist on
lis desk, and his eyes scorched ia
ION. II had letter from her. She
iupposes you dead and asked me to
race your grave. What was the
natter with her? No good? Like
most mothers, a poor sort? Eft?
Answer me, sir?"