The herald., 1918-06-27
GOOD COURAGE
BY AGNES g. BRooAN.
Copyrlght. lsls. we.tern New,paper Union. }

His, was handsome face beneath
wavy hair. even the somber eyes could
not detract from its frank charm.
Gold day." volunteered a big man
at his side; he ceased writing abrupt.
ly, his eyes seeking almost hungrily
the speakers face.
"Yes," he answered eagerly, cold
up In my boarding place too. That's
why 1 came down here. Going away
tonight to camp"
"SoT asked the big man. "S'pose
all your folks will be down to speed
the parting hero"
NO" 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 a new position here"
His voice dropped huskily. City
boarding houses aren't much like your
real home" he added.
"So? said the big man again. His
tone lacked interest, furtively during
had been scanning his paper. well,
good night; good luck to you"
The face of the man in uniform re-
sumed its tense lines, his lips curved
cynlcally. HE should worry" he
muttered.
II beg your pardon" said a voice
nearby, were you speaking TO me?'
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.
81 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 hps
were glowing, too, against the back
ground of her furs. But with an alb
sence of all self-consciousness she
looked back at him, her tone was d.
rect and impersonal.
II heard all you were saying to that
man." she said, "and 1 want to tell
you that 1 am sorry. Have you no
friends In the cityf"
The soldier shook his head. Il
have been here such little while"
Nor back there, where your home
wasT
Perhaps 1t is my fault that they
have overlooked me-" he admitted. IL
Il kept to myself good deal after
my loss, and came away without even
saying good-by. Everything seemed so
different"
The girl nodded. "Well, 1t doesn't
much matter" she said brightly. you
will have many friends with you, COM
rades going together, a great bond OF
sympathy uniting you all. OIL
she caught her breath and the man
thrilled at her vibrant words, ut Is
such a glorious, wonderful thing to
do. putting your life at your country's
service. See here" impulsively she
leaned forward. II have been knit
ting things, sweaters, helmets, muff1ers,
for soldiers whom / shall never know, |
or see. Why can't do the same for
your And write you letters? Would |
that help2" She laughed softly. MY |
friends tell me that l have a perfect |
genius for letter writing. You might |
ask me about anything special you
wished to know, either here, or-where
was your homer
Harrington" he announced me-
his eyes watched hypnoti-
rally her inspiring face.
81 could get the Pennington papers,"
she went on, land mail them with my
letters. 1t will be such q comfort to
me, to feel that I am really helping
ever so little. Why" she threw out
her hands, "this Is ny one actual op-
The somber light left the mans
eyes, the natty collar was raised in
rue soldier style. How could you do
Ill that for a stranger7" he asked won
lering, you who know nothing about
ne."
Nothing about you" repeated the
girl, she stood and looked at him
.cross the book-laden table, then point
ID to the tiny symbolic guns of his
inform. "There are your credentials
The said softly. "What more need /
NOW Of a man who goes to offer his
life for my safetyw.
"Your safety'' the soldier whis-
,ered. He, too. arose, and stood look
ng down upon her as one who sud-
lenly sees a vision. "That is true"
lie said slowly, "that makes 1t worth
While"
"Our countryl" said the girl.
"Our country" the man repeated,
md their hands met and clasped.
Briskly the girl picked up her muff.
AT what time do you leave tonightT'
he asked. He told her.
IT shall be at the station to see you
IT," she said, "and to bid you good
You might write your name
md address for me now" she suggest
d. Mine will come in the first let
err" And as the regimental train
moved out of the station that evening
soldier with the light of victory In
lis eyes turned for a last look at a
fri who stood cheerfully waving.
Mighty pretty grill" remarked q
30 hnr