Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-03-27
By ELLEN ADAIR
ten Specially for the EVENING LEDGER

Written Specially for the EVENING LEDGER.
EDINBURGH March IA.
When Sandy MacTavish comes back to Inverary
Marching to the pipers' military strain
The chorus rings to the roof of the
Caledonian Railroad station in Edinburgh.
For hundreds of Sandy MacTavishes, who
never will come back again. are leaving
on the big troop-train for the firing line.
Above the noise of the engines, escaping
steam and the voice Of the singers, comes
the faint skirling of pipes
"The Campbels Are Coming" echoes
through the station. And the old familiar
strains bring tears 10 the eyes of the
older folk, who remember them in happier
times. There's always pathos and a
hidden heartache in the music of the
Scottish pipes
out of Edinburgh's streets into the
railroad station marches curious little
party, led by killed soldier, rifle in one
hand, the other linked in the arm of an
old man, bent with years. Immediately
behind comes a string OF relatives and
friends. In the rear. a younger brother
is struggling under the weight of tightly
packed kit-bag-and all are singing.
For the returning soldier must be
cheered on his way. Such is the creed
of Scotland. SANDY MacTavish" once
more makes the smoke-clouded roof ring.
other parties bound for the same destin-
alton enter the station. Voices are re-
infOrced, and strange "hoochs" punctuate
the different songs.
SANDY IN A SCRAP
At the barriers beside the big train
the soldier stops. mo one but ticket
holders admitted" says the man at the
gates.
But this is the auld man." says the
big soldier, amazed: dye mean to say
he's no to get seeln' the train away, and
him with special leave from the night
shift. too! Ye big stupid, stand aside,
and let's pass !"
"Ticket holders only" says the guard
laconically, barring the way.
A dramatic pause. Then: IF my aud
fathers no good enough to get into the
France" says the big soldier angrily.
you Just haud your tongue. This is
question Of principle, no OF discipline"
The situation appears helpless For
when the ScOtchman talks OF principle"
then be sure he's as dour and dogged and
immovable as the Castle Rock
A sudden rift I'm the lutte. Into the trem.
bling hand of the "auld man" ticket is
thrust by a kindly spectator. "This'll
carry you as far as the next station"
says voice, ''and you'll be allowed on the
platform now"
Through the barriers tramps a now
triumphant and smiling soldier, the
"auld man" proudly at his side. "Diddled
them that time. didn't we, faither?' he
chuekles. They're mighty fly, but no fly
enough"
Here comes another soldier. one arm
carrying his equipment, the other round
the waist Of a pink-cheeked girl. "I'H
aye be lookin' for your letters, Annie" he
says, "and when come back"
Annie presses Is arm. Her rosy face
smiles up bravely, and for a brief mo-
ment she forgets the fear away down In
her patriotic heart In her glistening eyes
one can picture the coming back-the little
big stalwart husband-peace
after war, happiness after pain.
The minutes-such precious last min
utes-quiekly pass. A little klddie car
rying his fathers rifle staggers proud
ly along beside another soldier There's
a quiet-faeed woman. too, tartan shawl
about her and In the shawl a tiny figure
that stares with eyes OF innocent wonder
ment at the scene. She'll be a big girl
when you come back" says the woman
slowly kiss daddy good-by. baby"
Seated on his kit-bag and cheerily pol
ishing his rifle, sits Happy Harry, the de-
light OF his regiment He's only a little
private, with red hair, freclles and such
an impudent little snub nose, but the men
all love him, for nothing ever daunts him,
and troubles slide from his genial nature
like water from a ducks b.ck. Listen
to Happy Harry singing" cries someone
1T does your heart good TO hear him. He
never can bit The tune, but I'm thinking NO
nuaics better than bis voice"
Ana suze enough. ths voice q HAPPY