The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1917-08-30

kind fate that allowed me to I've" no
said frankly, and now, because you
have spoken TO me, / no longer want to
die. Strange" he added thoughtfully,
"how few simple words with the
glance from sincere eyes can illumine
the world"
Polly Malone said nothing. She was
touched to the heart by the quick re-
Spouse in Gavin's nature. This little
Hurried call to friendship had made o
different man of him. His need had
been grave. In her heart Polly was
thankful for the strength that had
prompted her to address him.
Had you not worn your uniform, ="
she said shyly, 81 would not have
known"
II hate taking it of and getting into
multi" he replied quickly; 81 seem
nearer the chaps out herewith khaki
on"
Polly swallowed hard. She must be
a soldier for she was facing one. The
depths Of his hurt lay in those simp.e
words. His life and soul were still IN
khaki, fighting the enemy while nts
body, crippled and unneved, was
dashed back in physical inability.
He told her OF heroic deeds, beautltu'
stories Of self sacrifice for God anL
the good of man. The terrific havoc or
warfare was made to seem but the
glorious fight for eternal good, the
struggle for supreme civilization and
honor. The triumph and grandeur Of
a clarion note sounded through his
words. Polly sat quietly and listened
"And, Jimmy" he added softly,
brave old Jimmy saved our entire bat
talon that night. He went on q re-
connoitering tour alone, and lone.hand-
ed bombed the enemy trench. But they
got him, the fiends, by hosting the
flag OF truce-and Jimmy-fell. TOOK
command then, and we fought like uev.
lis gone mad. When the skirmish was
over | found Jimmy and held him In
my arms while he smiled through the
pain-that brave, brave smile OF the
Borderland.
Captain Gavin" Polly faltered Gag
erly, you have lighted a great big
torch for me. have been fighting de-
preston, grief and an overpowerias
sense OF defeat. This horrible ache,
ach6, ache for Jimmy has just sickened
me until longed for oblivion. 1t was
weak, l know, but loved Jimmy with
my entire being; he was pal, brother
and friend. We had been together ali
our lives-just he aadI l." She rausad
while the brave little smile again strdg.
gled through the pain.
Captain Gavin drew heavy breath.
There were fragments of emotion fly
ing about him much like the bits of
shrapnel from a bursting bomb. His
smile was slow and searching.
But now" continued Polly, "yol
have brought Jimmy back to me in a
way that makes me ashamed Of my
weakness. His body is lost to ms,
but"
His soul is shining right in your
eyes," Gavin said softly, "the soul or
a soldier. l think between us-littlc
sister of Jimmy Malone-we are going
to patch up quite remarkable friend
ship"
at is not going to require great
number Of patches" Polly commented
shyly; 1T is charmingly whole eYea
now. And when you come to see mt
every day and ride and drive and chat
with me and l try to make you forge;
the nerve.tearing part Of war-perhapy
you will not find any holes in ouf
friendship that need patching"
The searching smile deepened in
Gavln's eyes. Behind it, however, waa
trend OF thought that Polly intuE
lively followed. She knew that he was
going to ascertain for a certainty that
his mind and body were going to re
spond to the call Of health and
strength before serious affection ma
tured. He would never, she realized
offer her the fragments Of a strong life
Beng Of an expressive nature, Polly
gave voice to her thoughts.
"You know" she said wistfully, II
shall always feel very, very small and
humble beside you. You have suffered