The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1918-04-05

was clad in khaki end he carried him
self with II jaunty, conscious air Of
pride that found eager reflection Ia
the admiring maid at his side.
Ann and Tommy turned to look after
them. Who can resist a backward
glance at n pair OF lovers?
"Oh y sighed Ann, doesn't he look
splendid?'
And then valor tweaked disc-etion's
ears and rushed into the fray.
How can you stay at home and let
folks call you n Stacker. when all these
brave fellows are giving up their
homes, their work-ycs. even their
lives TO make our homes. our work
and our lives safe? You've told me be-
fore that you loved me. but don't
want to hear you say 1t again, for IN
never marry n Stacker. Neverl oh
how wish | had been mani"
And to Tommy's CONSERVATION Ann
started to cry. He waited until her
sobs had ceased, then said:
But look here, Ann, want to tel
you"
"Oh, what's the use of arguing about
1t now" querled Ann YEARLY. There's
only one way for a mana strong
healthy young fellow like you--to
prove his patriotism. If you won't do
1t, your friends can't force you to-
This was the proper cue for n digni-
fled exit, and as at this precise moment
they reached the front gate of AIMS
home she murmured brief good
night" and left him abruptly.
Tommy's voice, still maddeningy
cheerful, called after her: If you hap
pen to feel like the movies tonight,
darint, don't forget my phone num-
ber."
And Ann could hear him tramping
up his own front steps whistling:
Keep the home fires burning"
Yes, you'll keep them burning all
right" she spitefully apostrophized
him, as she entered the house aud
CLAIMED the door with a vigorous bang
that brought her mother hurrying from
the dining room, where supper was
just sending forth its savory invita-
ton.
"Why, dearie, you came In like a
cyclone. No villain pursuing you, is
there?" And Mrs. Donovan laughed
eXpectantly, for she and this only
daughter of hers were chums and
shared a sense of rich Irish humor.
Nothing, mother. I'm just little
tired and hungry, I guess and supper
smells so good. I'm ready, If it is"
"All right But, Ann. did you hear
about Tommy Regain? His mother was
over this afternoon and told me about
it. She cried and cried, but she's so
proud of him, and she says he's so
anxious TO so, and"
"What, mother? Tommy hasn't :"
Enlisted Yes. he has" exclaimed
Mrs. Donovan, dabbing at furtive
tear with the corner of her apron.
THAT'S just what Tommy has gone and
done She told me all about how he's
felt ever since this war started how
it hurt him TO see the other fellows
marching off when he had to stay at
home"
well, why did he have to stay al
homeY" interrupted Ann. "Of course
/ know it would leave his mother
alone, but Mr.. Regain must have left
quite lot of money when he died"
"But he didn't" exclaimed her
mother. Everyone thought so. but It
appears that he specuated heavily, not
only with his own money, but with
some that had been intrusted to his
care. His sudden death was a result
of the shock of losing everything, and
Tommy who was just starting out to
make his way in the world, promised
his father that he would see that the
funds which had been misused were re-
placed, though 1t took years of self
denial on his part. His mother says
he has stuck manfully to his promise
and has done everything possible to re-
store his fathers honor, but it seemed
such a hopeless task"
Mrs. Donovan paused for breath
'Go on, mother" prompted Ann.
"Well. what do you think? Some of
that mining stock has turned out 10
be valuable after all. There wasn't
any gold In the mines, but they have
found something eSe-tungsten. | be-
lleve 1t is called that is worth nearly
as much. Anyway. they can pay off
all their debts and Tommy will know
that his mother is well taken care of,
even If he's away off in France She
said after he made sure he didn't
waste minute getting down to the
recruiting headquarters"
Ann started for the telephone.
Where are you going?" asked her
mother, with the kindly inquisitiveness
of those near and dear.
Ann looked around the coy living
room with n speculative eye
Tommy wanted me to call him up.
But | wonder if we wouldn't rather
stay ut home than go downtown to
night? I'm kind of tired of the movies
myself"