The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1918-11-01
GOOD COURAGE
BY AGNES @. BROoAN.
,copyrixht. 1913. western Newspaper Union. }

Guided corner of the public library
and seated himself in an attitude o
detection. The natty collar Of hi
khaki uniform rested against hi
| doubled hand, as he gazed, elbow OF
table, into space.
His, was a handsome face beneath
wavy hair, even the somber eyes coult
not detract from its frank charm
"Cold day." volunteered a big maj
at his side; he ceased writing abrupt
ly, his eyes seeking almost hungrily
the speakers face.
EYES," he answered eagerly, "cold
up In my boarding place too. That's
why 1 came down here. Going away
tonight to camp"
1907" asked the big man. "S'pose
all your folks will be down to speed
the parting hero"
mo-" the soldier replied, you see
I don't happen to have-any folks.
Mother and dad, both died-last year.
Broke up the home pretty sudden.
Couldn't stand 1t there, afterwards, so
came on to get new position here"
His voice dropped huskily. "City
boarding houses aren't much like your
real home," he added.
"So7" said the big man again. His
tone lacked interest, furtiyely during
the youths quick confidence, his eyes
had been scanning his paper. "Well,
good night; good luck to YOU"
The face of the man In uniform re-
sumed it's tense lines, his lips curved
.cynically. HE should worry" he
muttered.
II beg your pardon" said voice
nearby, were you speaking to mef'
The soldier turned hastily. Behind
him, looking over the book shelves
stood a girl, as she ended her ques-
ton she came directly, taking the va
Gated seat.
"I was grumbling to myself" the
man murmured confusedly.
The girl before him was such pref
ty girl, her eyes were all aglow with
the sympathy for which his very soul
had hungered, her cheeks and lips
we're glowing, too, against the Dack-
ground of her furs. But with an abb
,ence of all self-consciousness she
ooked back at him, her tone was d.
'ect and impersonal.
81 heard all you were saying to that
man," she said, land l want to tell
-ou that I am sorry. Have you no
riends in the city,"
The soldier shook his head.
ave been here such a little while"
Nor back there, where your home
vas?"
Perhaps it is my fault that they
ave overlooked me-" he admitted. Il
Il kept to myself good deal after
~ loss, and came away without even
aging good-by. Everything seemed so
The girl nodded "Well, 1t doesn't
luch matter" she said brightly. You
ill have many friends with you, COM
AIDES going together, great bond OF
uniting you all. OH"
he caught her breath and the man
lrilled at her vibrant words, ft Is
ich a glorious, wonderful thing to
,. putting your life at your country's
,rvice. See here" impulsfvely she
aned forward. Il have been knit
ng things, sweaters, helmets, mufflers,
r soldiers whom I shall never know,
see. Why can't I do the same for
~? And write you letters? Would
at help?" She laughed softly. my
lends tell me that I have a perfect
MUS for letter writing. You might ,
k me about anything special you
shed to know, either here, or-where
rs your homer"
Harrington" he announced me- +
anically, his eyes watched hypnoti-
lily her inspiring face.
II could get the Pennington papers,"
e went on, "and mail them with my c
tiers. 1t will be such a comfort to '
:, to feel that 1 am really helping
er so little. Why" she threw out
r hands, "this is my one actual op-
rtunity."
Fhe somber light left the mans
es, the natty collar was raised in
lie soldier style. How could you do Y
that for stranger?" he asked won c
ing, you who know nothing about
-
Nothing about you'll" repeated the
/, she stood and looked at him
oss the book-laden table, then point
to the tiny symbolic guns Of his =
form. There are your credentials
said softly. what more need /
DIV of a man who goes to offer his n
for my safety"
Your safety" the soldier whis-
ed. He, too, arose, and stood look
down upon her as one who sud
Ily sees a vision. ''That is true"
said slowly, that makes it worth az
ile." M
Our country" said the girl.
Our country" the man repeated,
their hands met and clasped. IL
'riskly the girl picked up her muf. OF
what time do you leave tonightT h.
asked. He told her.
| shall be at the station to see you
. she said, land to bid you good
rage. You might write your name
address for me now" she suggest
Mine will come in the first let le
y And as the regimental train n,
red out of the station that evening