The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1918-10-07
IN FRANCE
BY FRANCES q. LlNskY.

Copyright, 1918, by the Mcclure Newspa-
per Syndicate.)
Jean was knitting sweaters for the
soldiers.
Everyone must do her bit" she said
to her admiring family, as jacket after
jacket was neatly folded and sent on to
the local headquarters to be shipped
to the .boys at the 'front.'"
On the particular day Ia question,
Jean decided to go into the pine grove.
with her knitting.
"It will be cooler there" thought
she, land 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.
Not really" said Grace.
YES, real one" replied Jean, calm
~ ignoring the intended sarcasm.
"And this is 1t. Haven't you ever
heard of farmers who write their
names on eggs when they pack them
to ship to the cityr
''Why, yes" said Grace, II have, but
don't see what that has to do with
knitting sweaters for the soldiers"
WELL" said Jean, I'D like to put a
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 q lucky
piece has stopped bullet"
So jeans needles flashed back and
forth and dead silence reigned In the
pine grove until the sweater was I'm
ished.
Now for the letter." said Jean and
with the stump Of an old tree for her
writing table, she wrote:
Il 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 name and address.
Some two months later, as the Wood
family sat at breakfast, the postman
came with the mail.
'Hello," said Mr.. Wood, as he CLAM
ced over the pile which the letter car
rier had handed him, heres q very
official letter for JEAN" and he held
up blue envelope with censored"
stamped across It's face. "It's from
France, toO," he said.
Maybe Jeans got Teller In the
hoo bod 30
In particular.
Somewhere In France" 1t was
headed:
Dear Jean Wood "A very lone
some soldier boy Is just one great
big Thank You Ma'am' to you for
the sweater, the letter and the
lucky piece. IF you would only
write me once in q while, tell
you I'd appreciate it. It would
seem like shaking hands with
someone from back home
I'm sending you souvenir In
exchange for the luck piece. It
isn't much, but I made it while I
was In the hospital here with bad
knee-so hope you'll accept 1t
with my compliments.
Il was afraid it might get smash
ed If mailed 1t, so gave 1t to my
brother to take to yOu-he's been
here on duty with the university
medical unit, but he's gone home
on furlough. You'll see him soon.
Gratefully, Max Norton"
Jean read the letter and re-read it.
and then-went straight down stairs
and told the whole story to her father.
"Well, 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 I'm
his well-itting uniform, and introduc-
ing himself as DR.. Robert Norton, he
explained his errand to Mr.. Wood, and
asked for Jean.
Jean came forward, looking so sweet
and girlish In her embarrassment, that
as they shook hands, his lips said: II
am pleased to meet you" but his eyes
were far more eloquent
II want to thank you Tor my brother,
Miss Jean." said Doctor Norton, sand
| to give you this"
This" proved to be bird cage very
cleverly made Of thin sticks Of wood
carefully set together.
"Oh, how lovely" exclaimed Jean.
II shall hang 1t on q tree down In the
pine grove as q reminder-Of-@My
Great Adventure" and, feeling her Wis