The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1916-05-26

gether in many a hard-fought battle
Many a night they lay in the trenches
or marched weary miles in each others
company. One night-my father tells
the story with loving remembrance
your soldier boy did picket duty II
was cold and wet. Next day the march
was a hard one, through the mud OF q
country road. My father was not
well. When after plodding YEARLY
for many miles halt was called. and
/ camp made, he was assigned to picket
| duty He was very tired, too tired to
keep awake. and so your boy volun-
teered to serve in his stead. Your boy
had served the night before. He had
marched as far as my father, but he
| accepted the duty to spare his friend.
| Can you not see him as he trudges
painfully back and forth on his post?"
There was another night the
governors voice was quiet now and
all was very still-"a small detach-
ment Of the Fifth was surprised by the
enemy. In the skirmish that followed,
my father was shot"
Reuben's mouth had fallen open.
Il knot; wasn't | there to see? But
he was killed" he murmured.
His chum," continued the COVER
nor, seeing his comrade fall, dashed
in amid rain of bullets thick as hair,
and dragged the senseless body to
place of safety, then disappeared.
"Grays ketched me" muttered Reu-
ben.
When my father recovered con.
sciousness he was in a field hospital of
the Christian Commission. There he
learned of his friends part in that
night attack. Search was made; but
all effort TO find that friend proved un-
availing, and he was given up for dead
When my father recovered, minus his
right arm, he received an honorable
and returned home. Later
he left his home and went to Yer
mont. l learned today that his old
cOmrade is still alive. | have listened
with interest to the glowing tribute
your speaker has paid to the voun-
teers Of this village. Put he has been /.
too modest Some Of the bravest !
leeds he has left unrecorded. So 7
AXE pleasure in giving my inadequate /
testimony to the bravery and kindness .
If your neighbCr and my fathers COM
'ade, Reuben Henshaw."
There was not sound to be heard
Is the governor turned and clasped
feuben's hands in both his own. The
Id mans eyes were full of tears, and
lis voice trembling as he asked eag-
rly, rs Tom alive? is Tom alive?"
Yes returned the governor not
My alive but here. Ne came with me
oday because it was to your town
'as coming"
The crowd had been quiet long
nough and now broke into tumultuous
pplause.
Down through the aisle another old
ian was coming, gray, bent his right
eeve hanging empty Making his
ay through the curious applauding
lrong he reached the platform, while
le governor, still holding Reubens
and, stepped forward to meet him.
ne look into each others eyes, and
le two old comrades clasped hands ,
ith a cry Of "Reuben!" Toni" Then
eir trembling voices failed and their ,
res Overhowed.
Samantha laid timid hand on that !,
her neighbor
I'm afraid father can't stand it," G
e said anXiously. Il must go and get .
M"
Shouldering her way to the plat r
rm, she caught Reuben'2 coat Come, o
ther," she said You and Mr.. Duff a
Id come outside with me. I'm fraid s
u can't stand it," And so, led by a
they passed out into the t
might v