The Meeker herald., 1918-09-21
IN FRANCE
BY FRANCES q. LiNskY.
Copyright, 1918. by the Mcclure Newspa
per eyndicato.)

(Copyright, 1913, by the Mcclure Newspa-
per syndicate.)
Jean was knitting sweaters for the
soldiers.
Everyone must do her Bit" she said
to her admiring family, us jacket after
jacket was neatly folded and sent on to
the local headquarters to be shipped
to the "boys ut the front"
On the particular day In question.
Jean decided to go into the pine grove
with her knitting.
at Will be cooler there" thought
she, ''and I'll call for Grace on my way.
She'll probably be glad to come with
me-"
A little later the two girls were COM
fortably seated In the pine grove, each
busy with her work.
"Grace, I've an idea," said Jean.
mot really" said Grace.
ayes, real one," replied Jean. calm
ly ignoring the intended sarcasm.
"And this IL 1t. Haven't you ever
heard of farmers who write their
names on eggs when they pack them
to ship to the city2"
"Why, yes" said Grace, II have, but
1 don't see what that has to do with
knitting sweaters for the soldiers"
SWELL" said Jean, "Td like to put
note inside one of the sweaters and
send 1t to some poor fellow over
| there
"Why, jean Wood, think that's
great exclaimed Grace. getting into
the spirit Of the thing at once, land I'll
give you my Luck Piece to put In the
letter. I've often heard that lucky
piece has stopped bullet"
So Jeans needles flashed back and
forth and dead silence reigned In the
pine grove until the sweater was an-
ished.
"Now for the letter." said jean and
with the stump Of an old tree for her
writing table. she wrote:
II hope this sweater will keep you
warm. and may the lucky piece bring
good luck to someone-sOmewhere In
France" And down In the corner she
signed her nnme and address.
Some two months later, as the Wood
family sat ut breakfast, the pOstman
came with the mail.
"Hello," said Mr.. Wood, as he CLAN
ced over the pile which the letter car.
rler had handed him. "here's a very
official letter for JEAN" and he held
up blue envelope with censored"
stamped across Its face. ats from
France, too" he said.
"Ainybe Jeans got Teller In the
trenches" remarked Bobby, to no one
in particular.
Somewhere in France" It was
headed:
"Dear Jean Wood:-A very lone
some soldier boy IL just one great
big Thank You Mn'arn' to you for
the sweater. the letter and the
lucky piece. II you would only
write me once in a while, tell
you I'd appreciate 1t. 1t would
seem like shaking hands with
someone from back home
"Fm sending you souvenir In
exchange for the luck piece. It
Isn't much, but made II while
was In the hospital here with bad
knee-so hope you'll accept It
with my compliments.
II was afraid It might get smash
cd II mailed It, so give It to my
brother to take to yOu-he's been
here on duty with the university
medical unit, but he's gone home
on a furlough. You'll see him soon.
"Gratefully, Max Norton"
Jean read the letter and re-read It,
and then-went straight down stairs
md told the whole story to her father.
swell. little GIRL" said he when she
had finished. II don't know as 1t was .
very wise thing to debut I'll see this
doctor man when he comes and until
he does there's nothing to worry
about" So pinchIng her cheek. he babe
her run along and tell Grace all about
It," which she very promptly did.
He came, that very EVENING" pleas
ant-voIced. very much tanned young
man. looking every inch a soldier In
his well-fitting uniform. and introduce
ing himself Ms pr. Robert Norton. he
explained his errand to Mr.. Wood. and
asked for Jean. y
jean came forward. looking 80 sweet
and girlish In her embarrassment, that
as they shook hnnds. his lips said: II
am pleased to meet you" but his eyes
were far more eloquent.
II wnnt to thank you for my brother.
Miss JEAN" saId Doctor Norton, "and
to give you this"
"Thls" proved to be bird cage vssy
cleverly made Of thin sticks Of wood
carefully set together.
"Oh. how lovely" exclaimed Jean.
II shall hang 1t on a tree down In the
pine grove rs a reninder-of-"My
| ireat Adventure" and. feeling her Wis.