The producers news. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1918-1937, 1918-06-07
GOOD COURAGE
BY AGNES q. BRoGAN.
copyright. 1913. Western Newspapers u

uNJSetioh, AuS udlly COlIdF OF Ills
khaki uniform rested against his
doubled hand, as he gazed, elbow Oh
table, into space.
His, was a handsome face beneath
Wavy hair, even the somber eyes could
not detract from its frank charm
Cold day" volunteered big man
/ at his side; he ceased writing abrupt
! ~, his eyes seeking almost hungrily
] the speakers face.
Yes he answered eagerly. "cold
up in my boarding place too. That's
why ] came down here. Going away
tonight to camp"
"So?" asked the big man. "S'pose
all your folks will be down to speed
the parting hero"
/ Mo- the soldier replied, you see
don't happen to have-apy folks.
Mother and dad, both died-last year.
Broke up the home pretty sudden.
Couldn't stand it 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
the youths quick confidence, his eyes
had been scanning his paper. swell,
good night; good luck to YOU"
The face of the man in uniform re-
sumed it's tense lines, his lips curved
cynically "He should worry" he
muttered.
81 beg your pardon" said voice
nearby, were you speaking to meY'
The soldier turned hastily. Behind
him, looking over the book shelves
stood 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 lips
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 di-
rect and impersonal.
81 heard all you were saying to that
man." she said, "and | want to tell
you that / am sorry. Have you no
friends in the cityY
The soldier shook his head. Il
have been here such little while"
eNor back there, where your home
VASE"
perhaps it is my fault that they
have overlooked me- he admitted. II
Il kept to myself good deal after
my loss, and came away without even
saving good-by. Everything seemed so
different"
The girl nodded. "Well, it 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. Oh!-"
she caught her breath and the man
thrilled at her vibrant words, 1T 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, mRffiers.
for soldiers whom shall never know,
or see. Why can't / do the same for
you? And write you letters? Would
that help?' She laughed softly. My
friends tell me that / have perfect
genius for letter writing. You might
ask me about anything special you
was your homer
Harrington" he announced me-
chanically, his eyes watched hypnoti-
cally her inspiring face.
81 could get the Harrington papers"
she went on, "and mail them with my
letters. 1t will be such a comfort to
me, to feel that am really helping
ever so little. Why" she threw out
her hands, ''this is my one actual OPP
portunity."
The somber light left the mans
eyes, the natty collar was raised in
true soldier style. How could you do
all that for stranger?" he asked Won
der-irg, "you who know nothing about
me-"
Nothing about you!" repeated the
girl, she stood and looked at him
across the book-laden table, then point
ed to the tiny symbolic guns of his
uniform. .9There are your credentials
she said softly. "What more need
know of man who goes to offer his
life for my safety
''Your safetyv' the soldier whis-
pered. He, too, arose, and stood look
Ing down upon her as one who sud
denly sees a vision. 'That is true
he said slowly, "that makes it worth
while"
"Our country said the girl.
"Our country" the man repeated,
and their hands met and clasped.
Briskly the girl picked up her muff.
s.At what time do you leave tonightY
she asked. He told her.
81 shall be at the station to see you
off" she said, "and to bid you good
courage You might write your name
and address for me now" she suggest
ed Mine will come In the first let