The Lakeland evening telegram., 1917-12-10

Tie IdFScSI StOTc III tuc SQuuIc
mecca for the thirsty troops-and
gazed idly at the citizen populace,
male and female, who strolled by, sing !
ly and in groups, the girls tossing
their heads proudly away. as now and
then friendly smile crossed some
soldiers features.
The following day being Sunday and
their last rest-day In camp, it was an
nounced that they might have the day
to themselves, and Harry, bursting into
his tent with the news, found Arthur,
with bundle, already starting forth.
"where y goingf he demanded.
giving the bundle q curious glance.
"Over to Abbottstown-for the day."
vouchsafed Arthur, briefly.
"Ah, cut it." protested the other.
''We're gonna have q ball game this
morning. What's upr'
"Nothing special" snapped Arthur,
but I'm Of. G'by, Harry"
And he left his chum staring after
him in amaxement, AZ he slowly
trudged out Of the tent and down the
road.
For two or three miles he walked
on. through Gettysburg, and then out
into the open country, and as he
passed an old stone trestle, he saw
what he. was looking for. Vaulting
over a low fence, he made for large
barn and disappeared within. After
moment a young girl peered in at
him.
II wouldn't" said the girl. Don't
be deserter."
'Tm not deserting," flared Ewing.
"I'm just taking a holiday for the
day."
"Why the change Of clothes?" she
persisted, and she pointed again to the
uniform. "Are you-ashamed-of
them"
"No," came his proud reply. I'm
proud Of them. But others are not
you're not. You shun those who wear
them. So I'm going over to Abbotts-
town-as a plain man-just for day.
People will notice me then," he added,
bitterly. 1--WE are outcasts."
II wouldn't say that" answered the
girl, quietly. "But I'll admit we're not
allowed to talk to you. So many Of
the soldiers are not gentlemen. One
Of them insulted girl in town last
week."
zone Of them" he echoed. "Just
because Of one you condemn thou
sands. Is that a sign all of them are
! bad2"
"Nol' she admitted, and the truth
Of the challenge caused her to hang
her head. "But why don't you stick
to yourselves2 Then you wouldn't be
! snubbed."
: "Why do we have TO be snubbed, you
2 mean?" he shot right back. "We're
going out to fight your battles-yours
e and your sister's-and your fathers,
: brothers and mothers. We're leaving
I bright, happy homes, good positions,
I for what? Don't think we're asking
that. We're glad to CO."
Ewing started to leave the barn,
i his eyes straight ahead, when he felt
hand on his sleeve and, turning, he
= saw that her free hand was hiding her
e face, down which the tears were freely
coursing. Immediately he relented.
Excuse me for being so rough" he
pleaded gently. II didn't mean to hurt
you."
"But you have" she answered. BE
cause it's the truth. But please
please don't do what you're doing.
You-youll be caught-and locked up
In the guardhouse."
"No danger Of that, little lady," he
answered confidently. mo one will
see me-"
"But they WILL" she persisted. MY
father is home. He saw you come into
this barn. He's suspicious already.
II came to warn you."
"You-you came to warn mel" he
echoed wonderingly.
81 can't tell you, now," she an
swered, her eyes twinkling mysterious.
ly, "but you'll know later. Now please
change-will your"
She reached out her hand, with a
pleading look in her misty eyes, and
he grasped 1t and held 1t soberly for
a brief instant.
'T'n do it, Miss Maynard" he an
swered, quickly. "But tell me-will l
see you again?"
"You may" she answered, with a
bright smile, and In another minute
she was gone. For minute he stared
after her, then started to change his
clothes. A few minutes later a figure
In khaki emerged from the barn, and
!, with q wistful smile over his shoulder
A. distant house. turned his footsteps
!. back toward the camp.
Copyright 1917. by the Mcclure Newsps.