The labor standard., 1918-04-15
War andLOVe

'"Fhe tall young man frowned."
 Can't"
 Why not?'
 Nobody to look after mother"
 The crippled man shook his head.
 That's tough" he said. Gee, but you'd make a fine soldier. It's nat araf to you, of course. Your dad was in tn Philippines, wasn't he? Sure, he was. Say, you'd be a credit to the whole town, Bob."
 Don't rub it in, Skippy. Pm pretty sore.''
 The cripple looked thoughtful.
 "I guess know how you feel, Bob, Pm feeling something like that every day. Amt there nobody who could stay with your mother?" "No, she's used to me-. She doesn't want anybody. else. She ain't a bit we'll, you know "Yes. know. Bob, I'd hate to have you miss this chance. You want to go. Your country needs you. It's too darn had.n
  < That's what it is,' he said. 'Thank you fc~ your sympathy, Skippy Good night"
 The cripple did not move.
 Bob" he suddenly said, "I can't go myself.
 'sOf course you can't"
 "But maybe I can send substj. tnte." ,.
 The tall man stared at him.
 "A substitute .'
 "Yes, you.'
 '4Wfat do you mean, Skippy"
 'HEhat's what I mean, Bob" He spoke more rapidly. '1'll stay here and take care of your mother. What do you say. Bob?" ...... Yhe tai, young man leaned for ward.
 You're a mighty good fellow Skip py, but you don't know what you are talking about You never had a real responsibility. Good night"
 The eyes of the cripple glistened.
 'I,m as good as you are, Bob Harter barring the leg. I'm no more of coward than, you and-and I've got just as keen regard for my word" His voice rose. Do you think you're the only man who can make sacrifices? Gee, should think you'd be ashamed to stay home !"
 Whats that?"
 tsYou heard me. You've got no ex- s cusc now. If you're not buffer you'n go"
 Ffle young man reached over and gripped the cripple's shoulder.
 "Pick up your crutch," he growled- Come in, Skippy,' he said. 'We will talk it over with mother"
 Three days later Robert Harter started for the training camp. There was notable party to see him off. He shook Skippy's hand almost fiercely. I'eYou've enlisted, too, you know" he gfowled.
 ''Of course, I know,'' replied Skip py: "You attend to your part, Bob, and I'll look out for mine. Won't I. Mother Harter?' .1.. az.~ The slender woman smiled at him through her tears.
 'sOf course you will,'' she half sob- bed. Don't worry, Bob. Just take care Of yourself. We'll get along somehow. Good-by, good-by.''
 So Skippy Stetson, right name John began his service as Il substitute. He \, Jtk, hurt leg had been handicap for years, and his income had been insufh cient for all his wants.
 Bob's mother grew very fond of Skippy. He was so ready, so willing, so cheerful
 "when you write to Bob," he said, ''teIl him I'm doing my bit the best I know how.' Of course you'll write to him your- selfP' Of course. But gee, I couldn't tell him that
 The health of the gentle woman inn proved. AS she grew stronger she did her best to persuade Skippy to take fndtC0ES CdSlSI. He was sitting on the porch one sunny afternoon watching the busy knitting needles in the gentle moth er's fingers.
 Mother Harter,' he suddenly said, "y6u must teach me to knit" sa.,
 She laughed at him. He was in dead Iy earnest. She yielded.
 Imagine Bob wearing my socks" " he said one day. Imagine him com ing home and looking for the fair knit ter.r He stopped suddenly. A young woman was coming through the gate way. A dull red surged in Skippy's cheeks. He suddenly drew back his twisted foot. but he made no effort to hide the knitting.
 'sHow do you dor" said the girl. She had a cheery voice and pretty face.