The Meeker herald., 1916-08-19


floor. thought after you came to you
would cry and beg and plead for me
10 remain at home and protect you"
"protect me from whaty was rather
Independently asked.
From the thousand dangers whlcn
lurk about us day and night. although
we are not In the theater OF war.
Il have sever lost any sleep over It,
Mr.. Bowser was nonplused. Mrs.
Bowser seemed perfectly willing that
he should 20 to war He had expect
ed different results when the CONVEX
sation began. He had no desire to go
to war. Even II called upon to defend
his own country he wouldn't have been
my too quick about 1t. He wanted TO
stnnd well in Mrs. Bowser's estimation.
however. and he must resort to blum.
He therefore gathered himself togeth-
err and retorted by asking:
.Mrs. Bowser. want you to answer
with truth and sincerity. Are you
willing for me to go to Europe and
rake part in the great conflict which
is raging there? Now. don't try to
dodge question"
II shall not try to dodge 1t, Mr.. Bow
ser. lf you want to be hero and
have your name inscribed on the pages
OF history 1t is my duty to kiss you
goodby md pray for your safe return
| II you return with one arm or leg miss
ing shall love you just rs much as
now and shall honor and he proud of
YOU"
| Mr.. Bowser got up and walked the
floor again. and Mrs. Bowser could
hear him whispering to himself as he
walked. When he came back to his
chair again he said In very serious
tones:
II am of. shall go this very night
to catch n steamer which sails early
in the morning."
us there any great hurry about IT."
was asked.
He entered the library. took down
the old junk sword and buckled II
around him and came out with the
bare blade in his hand. After giving
II five or six fourishes around his
head he shouted:
ION men. On to victory or DEATH"
(which means you will go tonight"
asked Mrs. Bowser.
"ln five minutes. and may never re.
turn. II l do not you will remember
that my last thought was of you as
cannon ball struck me full In the chest
i and mnde n widow of you"
Il know you will fight bravely. Mr..
Bowscr. and If you will wait minute
| will find pencil and pad that you
may write to me how your brave men
followed and cheercd you. l shall let
| HOW he, lnrf-
ously you died II you get cold and
have lame back try and get a mus
tard plaster to draw the pain out. Here
Is u loving kiss for YOU"
MIR. Bowser didn't wait for the loving
kiss. He merely waved farewell
with his hand and stalked out still
carrying the unsheathed sword in his
good right hand. He was of for the
war. but he felt no glory In his heart.
Instead OF seeking to restrain him from
going Mrs. Bowser had promptly en-
Outraged 1t. He had tried to bluff her.
but lad failed. What course should he
take now? He was walking along
the street trying to plan out something
and using the murderous sword us
cane when policeman stopped him
and asked:
rs there military parade anywhere
tonight?"
Not that l know Of" was the reply.
"Then why are you all logged out
with that old toad sticker?'
II have started for the war"
1.-THE war In Europe?" was asked.
YES"
well. you had better go back home
again. They hive got enough crazy
men over there. Where do you live?"
"Oh. back there n little ways" was
the Indifferent reply Of the hero as he
clattered his sword against the trunk
Of shade tree.
"Tben I'll see you to your gate. 1t
strikes me you are not quite right in
your head. It's against the law, any
how. for a man to walk the streets
with deadly weapon In his hand. and
| am responsible for the lives of the
people walking on the streets. Does
your wife know you are going to warp
Yes; she said that could go II
wanted to-
But you didn't want to go?" laugh
ed the officer.
Mr.. Bowser made no reply. The Of
Hcer had seen through his BLUM as
clearly MS Mrs. Bowser had done.
| Come on. old man, and don't hack
any more shade trees
The officer took Mr.. Bowser by the
arm and led him to his gate and open
ed 1t and whispered in his ear:
II am married man also and know
how the old thing works. Whenever
we have a row the old woman general
ly comes out first best. The way for
you to do Is to sit on your steps for
about two hours, although the night is
rnther chilly. and then so In and tell
| hnr thnf tho " hns cln