The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1918-02-05
A Soldier S
Idyl
By JESSE ETHEL sHERwIN

!
Every mother was In tears, ever sis
ter looked sad. Only the thoughtless
sweethearts and those who had no rel
atlve going 10 the front seemed indif-
ferent 10 the occasion.
II was a pathetic picture, for all the
brave or mock-buoyant bearing Of the
boys In khaki. In the minds Of all
was the sorrowful knowledge that
many among the odd five hundred re-
cruits leaving the training camp for an
eastern shipping point. were viewing
friends and home for the last time.
As TO the soldiers, every man was
erect, bright.eyed, laughing, joking and
singing. One fair-haired fellow
seemed to be the prime favorlte of the
group with whom he marched.
"All got your troubles, fellows" he
jollled. Free from care I--tra-la-la
Not a living relative In the world, so
no weepers, and IL / get It on some
lone hill, why, no mournersy
There was a tug at his arm as he
ranged up with the others on the depot
platform to await the backing in Of
the train. He turned, Off came his
hat, gratlfied flush crossed his face.
"If you please, Mr.. Wilbur" spoke
shy, lovely, dimpled girl, scarcely his
own age. "Could mamma say good-by !
to your"
Roy Wilbur had said he had no rel |
atlves or friends in particular. He rec |
ognized his mistake. Was not Eva |
burt here at his side? And her moth
er had sent for him And because he
never dared to raise his eyes with the l
fervor he inwardly experienced, but
now sudden hope Inspired him.
'You have neglected us Of late, Mr..
Wilbur" spoke Mrs. Burt, but her
tones were indulgent, almost caressing.
No one could resist the appeal of that
boyish. Ingenious face and the pathos
Of his environment.
Training camp-getting ready to
cave" and like fragments Of explana-
ion tided Roy through a confused
apology.
VIC tiihh VI sou NtdiAhS ihho /
n the trenches" continued Mrs. Burt,
landing Roy a parcel containing
weater. Homemade, and especial
y for you, and Eva"
The young girl fiuttered like a timid
ird. ut is only a little comfort kit,
fr Wilbur" she said.
Their eyes met as he accepted the !
title package. Then Eva Burt burst
1to tears and hid her face against her
lother's arm. =
"Poor boy!" said Mrs. Burt. herself
eeply affected, and her hand rested
pom the uncovered head with a gen.
eness of a blessing. II know you
Ill make us all proud of you"
A quick order came from an officer,
nd, waving his hand in adieu. Roy
nstened back into the ranks, new
leal come into his life at that mo-
lent.
Strike her up!" hailed comrade,
nd the unslung ukelele twanged out
'clody he could now inspire with gen.
inc appropriation and fervor, 'The
irl Left Behind Me-"
At the open window Of the passen-
,r coach he was going over the
brightly air to the accompaniment Of
e voices of his comrades. when the
ain started up. In the near distance
rs. Burt was waving her handker-
lief In adieu. Eva, standing just be-
nd her, kissed her hand TO him. He
rilled. He was no longer friendless
n lonely.
you're putting the right punch into s
at song" enthused a fellow soldier, /
d every note brought new life and I
urage TO dashing, reckless, single c
arted Roy Wilbur. +
In the trenches the whimsical little =
strument did Its cheering duty, and ;,
lovable owner was the soul of that
lily which makes hardship endur-
lie. One night Roy was returning !
I'm visit to a near camp, when a
rtion of the brigade to which he
onged swept by him, bent on cap
ing redoubt somewhat ahead. As :,
drew aside to let them pass a shell