Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1915-11-04
A British
: Volunteer
By F.. A. Mitchell

stances There were no crowds to
greet him. Instead of the handker-
chiefs waving from the windows and
the sounds of martial music many Of
the blinds were closed, and there was
only the rattle of the cab in which he
was driven through the streets.
Sackvillc had lost a foot and ankle
and was discharged from the ranks.
He had been among the first to re-
spond to his eountry's call, leaving the
service Of a bank in which he was
employed, to join the colors. His posi-
ton In the bank was still open to him,
but it required him to stand all day
paying checks, and he was unable to
fill It, Indeed, there were few posi-
lions he could fill. The only occupa-
.tion that occurred to him as suited to
his altered condition was that of chauf-
feur. He was gentleman without
means and shrank from doing mental
work, but it was the best he could do,
and he hobblcd to garage and Sc
cured position
One day he was directed to go to a
hotel and call for Miss Amelia Duncan,
an American young lady travelling with
her invalid mother, who was confined
to her room under her daughters care,
assisted by nurse. The daughter
needed the air and proposed to drive
out every day when the weather adj
mitted. This was not very often, for
the sun seldom shines in England. She
had called for a reliable chauffeur
whom she might use when required.
On this first afternoon that Sackvtlle
drove Miss Duncan they became cor
nered in street crowded with people
who We're witnessing the departure of
troops for the war. Drums were beat
ing flags We're flying, and the air was
filed with cheers.
isn't it splendid" said Miss Dun
can, partly to herself and partly to
her chauffeur IF | were man l
would surely go to the war"
And either leave your bones in Bel
GUM or return minus an arm or leg
or an eye or perhaps all three" replied
the chauffeur.
well, never!' exclaimed Miss Dun
can in disgust. Have you no patriot
Ism 2"
II don't believe In nation relying
solely on its best men in case of war
think every man of proper age should
be liable to military duty. These SOL
diers are oil volunteers
That's what like about them," re-
the states was fought by volunteers
Our manifest men enlisted"
"And bore the brnnt of the struggle
Cor two years, when those on the north
ern side began to pay the laggards to
enlist. Just before the war closed men
were enlisting and deserving to get the
bounty. Do you consider that justice?"
Il don't know anything about that
war. was not born till many years
after it had closed. 1t must be nice to
be one of those noble men who volun-
teer. Don't you think sop
''No, don't"
Then you admit that you belong to
the class Of laggards 2"
II don't admit that either / believe
In CONSUMPTION
There's nothing noble in q man go
ing to war because he is obliged to go"
'War is duty, not something to be
proud of. 1t is horror. Did you ever
see men standing in line ready to face
death?'
mo, of course not"
every face is serious, solemn. Not
word is spoken. They are like pris-
oners facing firing squad, only with
prisoner death is certain, while with
them it is probable, or, what is worse,
they may expect to be manned for life. !"
"Are they cowards?''
"No; they are men, but when the
fight. is on they cease to be men and
become wild beasts"
SITS shame for you to talk In this
way. Instead of sitting comfortably
in an auto you should be among those
noble fellows marching to war"
st will not be so fine when they
return"
'tThey will come back victorious with
their battle stained banners flying,
greeted with the applause they de-
serve
"Many of them will never come hack.
Many will hobble back. IF the regi-
ment returns as unit most Of It's menu
bers will be men who are not marching
now. Quite likely they will be con-
scripts; possibly they will have been
paid to 60
BY this time the troops had passed
and the auto was released. Miss Dun
cap ordered her chauffeur to drive her
to her hotel She did not like his talk
and resolved not to have him drive
her again. When she altghted he got
down and handed her out. She noticed
that he limped.
whats the matter with your foot? p
!, she asked.
TITS made Of wood"
"How did you lose the real oner
Fighting in Belgium"
'Oh, how horriblev'
Then, red as rose, she stalked into
the hotel
The next day the young lady sent for
Sackville to drive her out again, and,
after berating him for not telling her
that he had been soldier. she forgave
him. After all, he didn't lose 80 much
by serving his country. He lost foot,
! but he gained an American heiress for
4 wife.
WnadAH NAfhA RkA nAAa~A
Miss Carter had not been successful
In bringing young Dodge to her feet.
and in consequence felt q little spite.