The Ordway new era., 1918-07-19

frightened Across memory's page
was coming a long-forgotten incident
The one time when she had really ad-
mired the lad and forgot his much-be-
freckled countenance. She turned AMI
matedly 70 her brother. anxious to tell
him of this one worthwhile thing Bert
had done in her presence.
Rob, Bert did have a brave nature.
even though perhaps We didn't realize
II at the time. I remember one beauti-
full summer day. when he and 1 were
going home from school together. We
were crossing a swampy field over a
narrow path. Suddenly a nasty. little
green snake reared its head just ahead
of me In the path. Horrified. squealed
my loudest. Bert. who was chasing
butterfly just In back of me. hurried
near to see what the trouble was. I
suggested that we step aside and let
the reptile go its way. but Bert en-
phatically said no. the younger chill
dren were coming just behind US and
they. too. would come across the snake.
Though demonstrated. boldly he took
heavy stones and crushed the menac-
came along"
She paused reminiscently, and then.
as IL some sudden understanding had
taken possession of her, her eyes Wild
ened and a new light came into their
dark depths.
"Oh Rob. i never thought about 1t in
that light before. but what Bert did
that day was what he tried to do when
he enlisted, wasn't it? It's just what
all the soldier boys are trying to do
make this world safer for those who
come after. I see it all now. oh what
selfish creature I've been! Oh Rob.
IL"
Sobbing. she turned shamed eyes to
her brother. and he, boyishly caught
her against his shoulder and patted her
tousled head comfortingly. After she
had quieted down a bit he arranged
the chair pillows about her In some
what embarrassed fashion, apd then
stood before her eager eyes. asking the
question which his parted lips were
shyly refusing to do.
Myra sensed the situation immedi-
ately, as she looked up into his face.
was real bravery in her voice as she
said wistfully:
81 know what you are aching to ask,
Rob, seeing that have been the OBJ
jector until now"
Until now-does that mean that
you consent, Sis?'
She nodded, though 1t cost her
brave effort.
Eyes, I couldn't say otherwise now,
Rob. Uncle Sam needs every young
man, and-and Bert's place In the
ranks Is empty"
THANK you. Sis, he does need US.
answer the call. I know motherIl be
glad"
An hour later. when Mrs. Crane en-
tered the house. smiling happily with
the thought of morning well spent, a
distinct odor of scorched potatoes
crept up her nose. HurryIng into the
kitchen through the sitting room, a
surprising sight met her eyes.
Molly. supremely unconscious of
burnt potatoes, was busily superintend-
ing the cutting out of big red cross,
while Myra's unframed fingers were
clumsily following instructions. The
boy. whistlIng happily, was gathering
up the remains of tan silk, from which
the dainty sewing bag. hanging across
the chair arm, had been cut.
At glance the mother knew that
something unusual had happened, and
burnt potatoes and everything else
were forgotten until she heard the
story of the casualty list and how 1t
had awakened the heart of her daugh-
ter at last.
With her arms about her daughter.
the mothers eyes looked over the
bronze tresses and smiled bravely.
proudly at her son. who was soon to
be one Of Uncle Sans soldier boys.