Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1915-08-06

Within two hours after Johnny had
donned his new soldiers uniform he
had been court-martialed on two
charges The first was for shooting at
his father and the second Tor almost
drowning the baby, because when his
darts were taken from him he had
filed the weapon with water and used
it as a water pistol. Johnny was
found guilty of these charges.
For the first he was reduced in rank
and for the second was sentenced to
close confinement in the guardhouse.
He bravely fought the hot tears that
persisted in filling his eyes as he de-
jectedly walked upstairs to his room.
After sobbing for a few minutes he
remembered that his daddy" said that
soldiers never cried.
He proceeded to view his sur
roundings.
A bottle containing something that
looked like water, but was labelled
ammonia" caught his eye.
Filling the gun with the liquid he
proudly marched around the room.
Suddenly he was startled by a shrin
scream and after madly plung1ng
downstairs, he beheld his mother con-
fronted by a burly tramp. Courag-
eously stepping in 'front.' of his moth
er Johnny gave the command, Halt!
Right about face, march!"
AS the itinerant traveller refused 60
obey orders the young soldier pulled
the trigger and as the tramp felt the
burning, suffocating ammonia he
turned and fed precipitately.
Johnny's sentence was revoked, and
the war department, consisting or his
father and mother, presented him with
a sword for 'commendable bravery"
The next event of Importance that
happened to Johnny was his first day
in school. Johnny had worn trousers
for such long time that he felt quite
a man, and as only babies stayed at
home $50 his mother informed him) he
anxiously awaited the opening of term.
At last the great day arrived, and
he marched proudly down the street
with his mother, the envy of the "ba-
bies and the amusement of the men"
Holding his head up and his should
ers thrown back in true soldier fash
ion he walked bravely into the school
room. A suppressed litter went
around the room at his entrance. He
was assigned to a seat among the
girls, much to his disgust.
His beloved ''pnuvver' sat behind him
and he was soon lost in viewing his
future school room. Suddenly he
turned to whisper to his mother and
found to his horror she was gone.
The tears started, but he remember
ed that he was a soldier, and his res
olution to cease crying was strength
ened when he saw the older boys re-
SdrU1nS MIN Wlln VI duluSS-
ment. The rest of the morning was
very trying, and, besides there were SO
many questions he desired to ask
''muvver." Finally he was at liberty.
He quickly scampered home to court
martial ''muvver' for deserving him
in time of danger"
Affairs had not been going smoothly
at home since Johnny's first day at
school. Going to school was not quite
as nice as he had anticipated. He also
missed his afternoon nap.
One day he yielded to the influence
of some older boys and played
hockey"
When he arrived home he found that
his act was known. He was sent ur
stairs in disgrace. The next morning
matters looked threatening and I'M
comfortable for Johnny.
He began to think that he was a
much abused boy, and decided to run
away. He packed up his small things
and strobe bravely out of the back
gate.
:. AS he stopped to gaze for the last
| time of his late home, a great lump
arose in his throat. He was tempted
| to return, but when he remembered
| how he had been abused, he went
| doggedly on. He did not go so fast
| down the alley.
He slackened his gait still more
when he came in sight Of the school
He wondered what his mother was