Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1914-03-14
The T1uenty Sec
0nd

very well. they deemed, be allowed to
decide for themselves what to do and
what not to do: but, when they had re-
cited the Charge of the Last Brigade
and "Casabianca," had listened to
stories of great generals and conquer
ing kings, of judges who condemned
kings sons, and so on, they began to
see obedience as manly and soldier
like quality, and to boast of possessing
it!
Just think said Jim West, "of he.
ing in the boys fire brigade, and hav-
ing to go to tire!'
WED have a uniform, too," cried
Oliver King. "as good as the boy
scouts!"
We'll talk it over with committee
made up of your fathers" Mr.. Scott
con Guided.
The committee meeting was held on
the evening of the 21st of February.
The boys were to assemble in the yard
of Mr.. SCOTS house at 10 on the morn
ing of the next day, which was, OF
course, holiday!
Promptly at the appointed time, with
military erectness of bearing, the
boys were at the yard gate. Mr.. Scott
came out at once. The day was keen
ly cold. and he beckoned them inside.
Come to the library, boys he call
ed out. We'll talk round fire.
Oliver King, who was all Of IA, led
the way as matter Of course. The
rest, whose ages ranged from his
proud seniority down to Jim Vests
nine years and eleven months, follow
ed. The room was bright and CHEEKY,
lined with books and maps. They
found seats, and Mr.. Scott began.
Your fathers he said, approve of
the ideal"
There was a murmur of applause.
The boys of the Fire Brigade" went
on the headmaster, will have uni
form. 1t will hang at their bedside.
On Saturdays they will put Il on and
assemble here for drill, which the SER
geant will give them. But, when there
are fires"
Oliver interrupted: They'll 60 to
them, sir, won't they? Day or night?"
Mr.. Scott smiled. .-
"Well, the nights We'll leave to your
waking and your parents; but, if a
fire occurs out of school hours, you'll
certainly co."
Fred Winter spoke up eagerly
Don't you think we ought to go in
school hours, too, sir?''
That must be left to your teachers
decided Mr.. Scott. Il feel pretty sure
however that if the Boys Fire Brigade
has done good work, the teachers will
be for letting them co.
The boys looked satisfied.
Your work." continued Mr.. Scott,
will be to take up your place, in
single or double file as the space may
allow, to stand there in silence under
your own Captain" here every boy
looked at Oliver, who tried to look
modest, "and do nothing till he tells
you what to do. The iremen proper
will give their directions to him. These
directions may be to run messages to
the nearest telephone or to take mes
sage back to headquarters; but your
chief usefulness will be in keeping
back, with gentleness, boys and chill
dren not of tn brigade, and in taking
care of any women or children res
cued from the building on fire, or per-
haps of property-portable property.
New ways of usefulness will probably
develop. We must have band, of
went on the young headmas-
ter, with mounting enthusiasm, land
our own parades, some evenings. Now,
will enroll all boys over ten and I'M
der fourteen. We have another bri-
gade for those over fourteen
He began to call names and enter
them in a new book. No one noticed
Jim West, whose face had fallen sadly.
please, SIR he said suddenly.
"When may boys join?'
we shall have recruiting week.
replied Mr.. Scott, 'every three months.
He finiashed the name he was writ.
ing and called:
Next"
Jim thought hard He would be ten
years old on the 22d of March. He
couldn't join until May the 22d! He
would be out of all the fun for three
months, and wouldn't be in the first
bunch" in any case. 1t was very hard
and shame! 49,
Suddenly a thought flashed into his
mind. Perhaps flashed" is not the
right word, for fash is bright, and
this thought was dark! He had come
to this nice little town, with its ex-
cellent school, just after Christmas!
No one knew when his birthday was,
except the teacher who taught his
room. and she happened to be away
sick, with a substitute in her place.
No one would think about his age. He
was tall for 1T. If he said ten, he
would not be doubted.
"Now. Jim West, age?" inquired Mr..
Scott. The last boy had been entered
while Jim thought.
"T-ten.' ne stammered. No one
noticed his confusion. because it was
evident he had been in brown study
when spoken to.
"Birthday?' said Mr. Scott, briskly.
jim had not counted on this. He
couid not invent anything. He said
quickly
To-day, sir
Mr.. Scott laid down his pen and