The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-02-02
EVENING STORY
The AirInan.
(By Joseph r. kescel.

L
his comrades, could not stifle the
groan that escaped his lips. He at
tempted to change his position slight
~ and make himself more comfort
able.
He was seated on the ground his
back against a tree, to which he had
painfully crawled after his fall. In
half delirium he muttered to himself
numerous broken sentences.
commanding officers orders were
Go out over enemys position, ascer-
tain strength and report Immediately
upon your return Tried to do it,
and would have done it. hadn't been
for that devilish shell. Machine dam
aged and old Fred badly wounded
Cant forget his words and action
when he saw we were hard hit. Good
by George, old man, good-by,' he
yelled. I'm badly wounded. 1nfor-
nation very much needed at head
quarters. Alone there is chance to
make it, With me in the machine it
is impossible. Tell Katy my last
thoughts We're of her Then for love
of country he threw himself out into
! space. Struck the hard ground in
side the enemy's lines, and was killed.
Rotten luck. Just downright hard
luck, after everything had gone so
well. Splendid flight we were making
to headquarters, with the Information
they wanted, when that whistling
devil caught us. With Fred's weight
gone the machine partly righted it
landing BIT for this beastly tree
Steering gear broken, no chance
to guide. Leg busted, arm broken
and head feels smashed. Worst luck
is in being unable to make report
Now my head has gone wrong. Saw
the mnon above, now see moons all
over, going everywhere. Funny!
Wish l had a drink of water and
canteen empty. Wow, Big moon IS
coming right toward me. There it
comes. Hear voices. strange, and the
man in the moon has an automobile.
Can hear the purr of his engine"
With a start THE Bird realized
that it was an automobile from his
corps. He attempted to raise an arm
and uttered faint shout Figures
ahghted and came rapidly toward him.
They wore the uniform of his regi-5
ment. He heaved a sigh and, as they
bent over him, recognized the face of
his commanding officer.
In a low, but audible voice he said,
Il wish to report position very strong.
Heavily reinforced and more coming
up rapidly Then he lapsed into I'M
consciousness.
DAYS had passed. One cool bright
morning 1.-The Bird opened his eyes.
now free from deliripm. A gentle sigh
passed his lips and a figure bent over
him. Two questioning brown eyes
gazed into his. In a weak voice he
whispered. Report enemy's position
strong, heavily reinforced. This is
very important
Good Nurse Winthrop grasped the
situation at once and, knowing it best
to humor the patient, hurried away.
Returning 70 the bedside of the
wounded man, she said quietly. our
orders have been obeyed. Headquar-
/ tore have beeu in formed
1.-The Birds thoughts broke into
words. Thanks, nurse, thank YOU,
| he murmured.
Il know you" he gasped. Katy,
dear old Fred s sister. His last words
were of you. 1 say goodbye for him..
Am tired now and sleepy" With this
he lapsed into peaceful slumber.
The late afternoon sum- Strea ming
thru the big hospital windows, found
Nurse Winthrop again standing beside
her new patient. The head nurse gem
thy chided Miss Winthrop for the de-
| cded interest in patient No. 245.
The girls eyes filled with tears and
| she answered humbly, please don't
scold, for he was with my brother
| Fred. The two were together when
| the machine was hit.
Forgive me, dear, I did not know"
replied the older woman. Stay here
until he awakens. L will attend to
| your other duties
| line B1rQ eyes opened, anu III d
| low, quavering voice he repeated what
was uppermost in his mind. Report
to headquarters. Position very strong,
| heavily reinforced"
| Questioning glances passed between
the two women The head nurse
| grasped the situation at once also,
| had Nurse Winthrop that morning.
VERY WE'LL she said. 81 will
! port to headquarters Immediately. Lie
still until l return With these words
she hurried away.
The injured man gazed in wonder
ment at the face before him. Il know
you-I have seen you before he re-
peated, you are Fred's sister Katy
Two small white fingers were placed
on his lips and a sweet voice admon-
ished, You must not talk now
With the uninjured hand he re-
moved the fingers from his lips. EX-
4 erting his whole strength he held
them firmly while he insisted, Il
to understand. Dear old Fred, my
best friend, comrades since war start
ed. Sends all his love to you
Her eyes filled with tears and WITH
gentle firmness she released her hand.
! saying, please do not talk any more.
You must be quiet. for you are injured
and ILL.,
| Miss Winthrop's lips curved into a
faint smile as she repeated, you are
soldier and will obey orders I COM
mand you to be quiet"
! Again the fingers were placed on
his lips and as 1.-The BIRD" raised his
! hand in attempted salute she knew
her orders would be followed out.
His convalescence was rapid When
| he was almost well one day they were
seated on the cool, wide, sun-shaded
porch. the small white hand of Miss
| Winthrop nesting in his, and he re-
cited the adventures of her brother
1 and himself. Her eyes overlooked
| !, -I7p
| brother. So noble. good and truei"
Firmly he held her hands and in a
gentle voice beseeched, Wont you be
my Katy now? Fred's last words were
Look after her, George 1 know it
would please your brother and to me
you are everything. l love you, dear,
and 1 want you to be my Wife he
pleaded.