Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1918-07-04
FREDERICK, PATRIOT
BY AGNES C. BRoeAN.


for a moment staring Ut the Two uni
formed men who waited: the one wear
ing the costume Of an American army
officer, spoke first.
81 was directed here" he said, ''by
the station agent. He advised me
against the poor hospitality of your
hotel. and suggested that we might find
accommodation for the night at your
house. You do take people?'
THE girl hesitated, then for answer,
turned inquiringly to bulky red-faced
man seated behind her in the sunny
kitchen dining room.
Sullenly he arose ana came toward
them. Tonight" he said brusquely,
"our house will be full"
"That is too bad" the officer pleas
antly responded, I'VE are on our way
to camp, travelling on tomorrow. A
foolish desire to pass through my faith
er's village home, has brought us out
of our way. You can recommend no
other lodging placer
None" the man answered grufhy.
But with a sudden smile the fair
haired girl threw wide the door "Come
in" she said decidedly, you shall have
my room, and win sleep on the couch.
1t will be quite convenient"
"Why," she demanded of her father
upon her return, "did you tell them
that the house was full. You and l
are alone"
"soldiersl@ exclaimed the man in a
bitter tone,
soldiers Of my counryw She re-
peated emphatically. And after the
wholesome country supper, the young
officer came to the girl out in the fra
grant garden. II cannot tell how
much we appreciate your kindness"
ne said. "All my people are gone.
There is not one to bid me farewell or
wish nae good courage. So it was pc
culiar fancy that brought me here be-
fore leaving to fight for my country,
to walk the same streets through
which my father passed when he was
leaving for the Civil war! And you,
are quite little patriot miss-what
shall [ call your"
The girl gave him her shy smile.
"F'rederica," she answered, that is
what they all call me-"
The officer frowned. "Your father
seems not so patriotic, one might al
most believe him to averse to soldiers"
The girls lips frightened. my two
brothers fight in the German army"
she said
The officer started. "Now?" he ques-
toned
Frederick nodded. "Years ago, he
and my mother left them there with
the grandparents. They were little
boys. I have never known them"
The young officer studied the girl
curiously. at is strange" he unused,
"that you"
Il am an American" she interrupted
fiercely, eff / could, | would do for my
country, what my brothers are doing
for theirs. But girl" her hands feIi
helplessly, "can do nothing"
"Nothngn' the soldier was upon his
feet, ''why you have'given me courage
Good night" she whispered, and
fled across the lawn.
Her eyes We're averted, as she served
the guests in the morning their break
fasts, and the bulky figure of her faith
err was absent.
"We are very grateful to you, Miss
Frederick" the officer said, his hand
clasped her small roughened one "Our
departing train will pass over the
switch up there, at early twilight. [
shall be looking down toward the viii
lage and bidding you second good-by.
When victory is ours, little patriot,
shall come back again to clasp hands
with you"
"Those fighters gomez" her father
asked the girl at noon time, and Fred
erica merely nodded as she placed the
food before him and his helper. Then
she went up to her own little room.
When she came down later, the house
was silent and long shadows stretched
across the grass.
Her father could not be at home for
the evening meal" he had told her.
Frederica's face looked worn and white
as she reached for her scarlet sweater,
and went slowly out through the gar
gan to run, fleeing still, like a scarlet
bird on wing.
There at the railroad tracks, Fred
erica paused bending breathlessly
above the rails. Then with a sharp
cry of horror, she drew back before a
tie spiked across the track. Even
now she could feel the distant rumble
OF the approaching heavy troop train;
Frederick jumped to the rails. There
was no time to seek help no time to
lose. After all, what was one girls
life, to the lives of her countrymen GO
ing to battle. If she could but save
the troops by any sacrifice, how won
derful it would be-
Half laughing, half crying, Frederick
snatched off her scarlet sweater, wav-l
ing it steadily above her head. The
train was already, in sight On it came.
She heard the whistles Shrek before
all grew black.