The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1919-11-13
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HER CONTRIBUTION

Observation-Disclosures

1
Grub dub dub, rub-a-dubdub
| Three men in tub +. sang Anne Dex
| ter as she swished the clothes about
In the foaming suds, her firm round
arms keeping time to the jingle.
Abruptly the tune ceased; with :
gesture OF despair Anne raised hel
dripping hands from the soapy water
1T is too mean for anything" she
pouted. "All the other girls In the club
have time to knit AMI make all sorts
OF pretty things for the soldiers ba-
zaar, but T." with disdainful glance
at her ugly, checked apron. Il have
to stay on the farm and chore around
all Of the time!"
In an instant the dark cloud disap-
peared from Anne's cOuntenance; even
her yellow curls bobbed with delight
as she plunged her hands again into
the suds.
Captain Briggs said we might en-
ter anything she whisper
ed softly, her dark eyes glowing with
Joy at the overwhelming thought.
The notice from the cantonment
some Is miles away. had specified
that any girls club within radius OF
20 miles was eligible to enter arti-
cles in soldiers bazaar to be given
for the benefit OF the Red eros on
June 25. All such articles must not
exceed. the sum of IS for materials,
and would be auctioned of to the high.
est bidders. The maker OF the con-
tribution netting the largest amount
would receive 4 prize of $40.
On the morning Of June 25 Anne
arose when the sun was yet barely
peeking over the hilltops. She hus-
tied and fed the pigs, MIXED the cows,
watered the calves and prepared break
fast Before eight o'clock the dishes
were washed, the kitchen made spick
and span, and Anne had the house to
herself Cautiously she looked about
for intruders, then finally barred the
doors and set to work for the soldiers
bazaar with smile Of determination.
Ten O'Clock saw a trim little figure
In plaid Bingham dress. trudging
through the deep sand OF the country
road. In her hands she gingerly car
ried a large square pasteboard box.
A chattering group Of girls met her
at the clubroom.
"Oh, Anne, dear what have you
broughty' they chorused.
please let me see it"
But Anne shook her curly head mys-
teriously and only held her precious
burden more tightly
Carefully Anne placed the box In the
truck amid confusing heap OF pack
ages.
One day went by and no news from
the bazaar; two days, three days
passed, and still no word On the
fourth afternoon the next meeting Of
the club was scheduled to take place.
The girls were anxiously expectant;
surely a message would then come
from the cant0nment.
Again Anne dressed herself freshly
and started for town.
"Toot, toot, toot! came an automo.
bile horn behind her. Instinctively she
turned to the roadside and, half hid,
len in the bushes, waited for the ma
chine to pass by.
Anne watched 1t come.
$50 powerful and strong" she !
thought to herself "Oh, how / would |
owe to own one!"
Just as 1t neared her the speed de-
and the engine stopped. Blink
ng through the whirling clouds Of dust
Anne saw pleasant, masculine face
milling down at her. With curiosity
he noted the officers uniform and the
rig military cap dotted in her honor.
DO you care for a ride to the vii.
age?" he inquired in courteous man.
Ter.
yes, thank you," answered Anne,
lad enough for lift on such long
andy road.
Perhaps you are one of the club
irls?" he asked, after she was seated.
yes" said Anne, "and l am now on
~ way to the meeting"
Good !" laughed the soldier, $50 am
No doubt you will be pleased to
earn that one Of your number won the
rize, and am selected to present It,"
With quiet dignity Anne escorted her
uest to the astonished president Of
le club. Briefly and without affecta-
on he introduced himself.
II am Albert Briggs from the camp.
is my duty and pleasure to award
rize to one Of your girls for the merit
her contribution, which netted US /
100 for the Red Cross"
Wild suspense chilled the girls to 81.
nee.
"This remembrance" he continued.
>lding tiny white box In his hand.
,oes tO-Miss Anne Dexter. VIII she
ease come forward?"
The tension was broken. A cheer
ose as Anne. with scared, white face
I'd shaking knees went up to Captain
riggs.
Gently he placed the box In her
md, held both firmly for moment in
; strong grip. then, with glance =
at made Anne's cheeks burn red. he t
inquired, God bless your t
A babel Of inquiries came from the :
CUP Of excited girls. I
what was 1t, Amer" 2
'sWhat did you make TO win tha |,