The Wahpeton times. [volume] (Wahpeton, Richland County, Dakota [N.D.]) 1879-1919, 1916-08-10
old GLORY LEADS
BY izoLA FORESTER.

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what We really need is some war
relics, Kit, don't you know"
Orrie sat down on the top Of the
stepladder and surveyed the town
halls Memorial day trimmings. They
were meager in spite of all good In
tentions.
There's old Mr.. Millard-"
Kit stopped, too, and frankly gig
gled.
III he'd be willing to let you take
any of his relics"
But they'd be Southern"
"Just Virginia. Everybody loves
Virginia. Anyhow, who'd know which
side they came from?"
IF you'd ask Walt, Kit, he'd get
them for you"
Il won't ask him. He told me the
whole thing was an idiotic mixup that
should have been avoided by cool
heads and he said the North should
have paid for every slave and not i'm
poverished the South and he said that
cotton and politics lay at the back Of
It,"
Then we must get them" In al
emergencies Orrie rose supreme to
trifling obstacles.
That morning about II as old Mr..
Willard came slowly and painfully
along the old stone-flagged walk from
the well to the barn, he faced two Wis.
itors-Kit in her very prettiest gown
of white, with little green and pink
sprigs, and q big white hat dropping
around her face, and behind her Or
RE, plump and positive.
When they reached the side porch
Of the old house in which he had lived
alone for years. Kit stated their or
rand. Could the Daughters of the Vet
Grams borrow his war relics?
Il amt got any folks buried up this
side Of the line," he said shortly. Il
reckon I don't want to show any.
thing"
"Oh, but please; we haven't hardly
anything" Orrie broke in, and for is
minutes the two argued, one ON each
side Of the old chap, begging and ex-
planning. When they finished, there
/ was a subdued twinkle in his eyes,
and he looked at Kit.
"Ain't you the girl my Waits been
going with?" he asked cheerfully. Up
to her forehead, Kit blushed, but stood
her ground.
Then why don't you get him on
your side, too? He wouldn't shoulder
gun II all creation was climbing over
his back fence He'd 60 out and read
book at them and offer to take down
the fence to save them the trouble Of
climbing over it."
"Mr. Millard," Kit leaned forward
now in dead earnest, you're the only
man left here in Buell. who knows real
ly what war is. Won't you get up and
make a speech tomorrow"
me? Never made q speech in my
life. but believe in being ready!" He
thumped the porch heavily. "And
what happened back in 81 amt nei-
Their here nor there when 1t comes to
what's best for today. You can have
all my things If you'll get Walt to say
he'd fight If the rest had to. That's
all-that he'd fight If the rest had
to-
It'll see Walt" Kit answered firmly,
and when they came to the main street
up she went all alone to the little law
Office that Walter Willard had opened
up over the drug store. The color left
his face at sight of his visitor, but he
was grave and courteous and listened
to all she had to say.
You know how feel, Kit" he said
finally. Il can't go back on my prin.
ciples just because it's Memorial day."
i. Then you needn't come to see me
again. Kit flashed back at him. Il
wouldn't marry any man who wouldn't
fight if the rest did, just as your grand
father says"
Yet all the success of the celebra-
ton could not take away the bitter.
ness and hopelessness. They were
both college bred, children of the later
day bringing up in the little New
England town, and proud. Kit, stand
ing beside the other girls on the little
green, listened while the two select
men and the town doctor made their
speeches, followed by the preacher
and the superintendent of schools in
this district.
Orrie helped him down, and then ID
boriously but resolutely old Mr.. Mil
lard took his place. A cheer went up
from the crowd, and he smiled. Right
in front of him was Kit, expectant and
wide-eyed. and behind her, tall and
silent, stood Walt.
What I've come here to say, friends
and neighbors." began the old chap
what l come here to say is this: I
amt any sreechifyer nor orator, and l
amt sorry that fought for the side l
believed was right. nuther, but do
say this today-'United we stand, d.
vided we fall Let's stand together,
back to back. and follow where the old
flag calls. That's my message. Walt,
get up here and echo it."
He stumbled down, and Kit watched
In breathless suspense as Walt stepped
forward. There was heavy hush