Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1915-01-03

We rode for a long time, until at last
We reached the great metropolis. When
we pulled into the station we were taken
out of the car and hauled to a big
steamer. But I have forgotten a most
interesting incident. On our way to the
ship, there was a runaway and the box
containing the Tin Soldier and the Teddy
Bear fell off. We did not discover our
loss for some time after the horses had
been quoted. We were put on the boat
and at last sailed out Of New York
harboF.
After we had seen the Statue of Lib
erty fade away in the distance, We
settled ourselves to enjoy the trip Mr.
Pair of Shoes then suggested that we
have a dance, that was. IL Miss Piano
would allow someone to play her. She
agreed readily to this. We had quite a
nice time that evening, all joining in tho
dance. even Mr.. Puzzle, who had OBJ.
jected at first, but found the gayety too
inviting for even his Puritan conscience
to withstand, so finally gave his con-
cent.
Suddenly terrific noise smote upon
our ears We listened. and again came
that roaring sound, and then l knew
on my journey from Paris to New York,
and the sailors had called 1t a tempest
l then told the others what thought il
was. Upon hearing this. Mr.. Tin Soldier
suggested that we get back into our
box,
Fer" said he. the sailors will soon
he along to tighten our box, IL this is
tempest as the French Doll says. and
1t would not do for them to find us act
ing as we are"
Accordingly. We climbed back into
our box and settled ourselves for we
knew not what Meantime there was
great confusion on board the ship Sail
ors hurried hither and thither. fastening
our boxes, and then the blast came. The
ship was tossed like a feather on the
breeze, while great waves came sweeping
over the deck until l thought that we
would be washed into the sea. We waited
In ever increasing anxiety, thinking that
any moment we would be hurled into
those cavernous waves beneath. But at
last the morning broke and the Sun King
shot out its beautiful rays to pierce the
torbidding clouds and stop the rain. The
wind. seeing that the sun had again won
In the fierce battle which is always going
on somewhere between the mighty mon
archs of the skies. blew one more fitfuI
blast, and left to do more mischief in
some other part OF the earth. With the
departure of the wind the waves cAIeted
and We looked out Upon a smiling sea.
And so the days passed. We had a
lovely time, for no more storms came to
trouble us In fact. when VIC at last
sailed into Devonpcrt, VIC felt no little
regret to think that our happy days were
over.
On our arriving at Devonport ve we're
taken to a big place and sorted out for
the different countries. 1 found to my
great JOY that was to return to France.
After the sorting, We were loaded on big
ships TO cross the channel. At last we
sailed into the harbor OF Havre and I
again saw my native land after the lapse
OF two years time. We were here un-
loaded again and sent 20 the Red Cross
society. to be again sorted / was placed
In Pile which was to go to the soath
OF France. This grieved me to some ex-
tent. for l had been hoping that would
be seat to my Old Partisan home
We were then loaded on a big train
and hurried away TO the old town of
Ausfs. lhetS WA assigned TO a Cer-
tain family by the name Of Du Pere
which consisted of little girl named
Cosotte, her big brother off 70 the war
a younger brother named Jules, and her
mother the father having been KILLED
in the war. This family did not live in
Tours itself. but Just outside the village
OF 81. symphorlen.
The next day l was sent TO the cottase
and hidden in a closet. for was 20 be
given at the Noel fete. Eventually. the
great night came, and was brought out
and stood In my little mistress shoe
Some other things we-e placed In beside
me, and then the mother left and ! was
alone with my thoughts. The night was a
long one, but finally the morning came.
and with II my little mistress, VINO stole
down as soon as the first sunbeam en-
tered the cottage TO see what the good
Noel had brought her. She stopped and
stood still as she saw me and then rushed
forward and took me in her arms.
IL Is evening now, and look out across
the fields, which slope gently down to-
ward tho Loire river. The sun goes
down behind the tall Lombardy poplars
and the old cathedral bell Of stately Tours
chimes out across the waters singing its
ever present song Of peace.