The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-12-03
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direction of Culps Hill, Little Round
Top, and the other renowned parts OF
the historic battlefield the last notes
of ''mess call" had, a half hour before.
died upon the air. and now, for Sat-
rrday night junta in the town, hun
dreds Of khaki-clad figures wended
their way down the road, turning past
the post office to the town square,
where hundreds Of lights, proclaiming
their readiness for the evening, blazed
their commercial welcome to the host.
Some ran, some walked, some sang as
they swung along In step, others moved
listlessly, as II merely to goal where
they might abide the time between
mess and taps.
Among the latter were Corporal Ar
thur Ewing and Harry Adkins Of his
squad, his inseparable companion.
They stood in front of the window OF
the largest store in the .square--the
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 v going" he demanded,
giving the bundle curious glance.
"Over to Abbottstown-fo the day."
vouchsafed Arthur, briefly.
"Ah, cut it," protested the other.
"We're gonna have ball game this
morning. What's up?'
"Nothing special" snapped Arthur,
"but I'm off. G'by, Harry"
And he left his chum staring after
him In amazement, as 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 low fence, he made for a large
barn and disappeared within. After
moment young girl peered in at
him.
81 wouldn't" said the girl. Don't
be a deserter."
I'm not deserving" flared Ewing.
'Tm just taking holiday for the
day"
"Why the change of clothesf she
persisted, and she pointed again to the
uniform. "Are you-ashamed-of
themf"
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 a day.
People will notice me then" he added,
bitterly "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 a girl In town last
week."
zone Of themi" he echoed. "Just |
because of one you condemn thou |
sands. Is that sign all of them are |
bad?"
"No" she admitted, and the truth |
of the challenge caused her TO hang |
her head. But why don't you stick
to yourselves? Then you wouldn't be
snubbed"
"Why do we have to be snubbed. you
mean?" he shot right back. Were
going out to fight your battles-yours
and your sisters-and your fathers,
brothers and mothers. We're leaving
bright, happy homes, good positions,
for what? Don't think we're asking
that. We're glad to 60"
Ewing started to leave the barn,
his eyes straight ahead, when he felt a
hand on his sleeve and, turning, he
saw that her free hand was hiding her
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."
mo 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.
IL came to warn you"
"You-you came TO warn me" he
echoed wonderingly.
Il can't tell you, now" she an
swered, her eyes twinkling mysterious
ly. but you'll know later. Now please
you?"
She reached out per hand, with a
pleading look in het misty eyes, and
he grasped it and held 1t soberly for
a brief instant.
'Tll do it, Miss Maynard" he an
swered. quickly. But tell me-will 1
see you again?"
"You may" she answered, with a
bright smile. and in another minute
she was gone. For a minute he stared