The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1919-11-04
gle
GoldenHelnet
TN
BY VICTORIA MARSH
Copyright. 1919. by the Western News
paper Union.)

tCOpyrlBnt, lSlsr py tuo WosteFh Ns"s
paper Union.)
Because his favorite nephew, Earle
Winston, had chosen to write poetry |
and compose music, and because his |
mother had encouraged her son in
"the freshness and sentimentality OF |
useless, unworthy occupation" Aaron
Pearce had closed his doors against
both.
The old mar removed to another |
town, bitterness and sneering In voice |
and. manner when he referred to ibis
ungrateful relative" and experiencing
something of vicious satisfaction when
he learned that 1t had been about all
young Winston could do to support
himself. Then he heard that Earle had
gone abroad as war volunteer. The
Lyndon newspapers had half column
about his gallant deeds abroad and the
details of an enthusiastic home well
come when the war was over, but
Aaron Pearce as soon as he perused
the head lines with characteristic per-
versity thrust the printed sheet from
him as If even deserved praise Of 1.-THE
migrate" was a personal affront.
Pearce had one close friend, Roger
Dunn, a man as old as himself but
his direct opposite.
Plainly he had many time CEN
sured Pearce severely for his auto
cratic treatment of sister and nephew,
but his criticism and counsel alike
were totally ignored by the irascible
old man. Dunn appeared at the office
of Pearce one day with his automo-
bile.
81 want your company for few
hours" he said. "I've got to make
| trip to Lyndon" and Pearce made q
wry face, for that town was where his
"disobedient relatives" lived and he
had little liking for it. Pearce eyed
his friend keenly, but there was moth
ing in his face to indicate that he was
concealing any Interior motive In the
suggested auto ride. They chatted
casually as they drove along, but when
the machine halted in front of what
Pearce knew to be the humble home
Of his discarded sister, his face flushed
and there came wrathful CLEAN into
his eyes.
"What is this!" he growled out, "a
trap?
| Call it what you like" retorted
Dunn coolly, "but have an object in
view in bringing you here, and after
all my trouble I'm going to carry 1t
through. Besides, have some business
here" and he lifted from the auto a
satchel so heavy apparently that It's
weight made him quite lopsided.
"Don't you pull back, Pearce, for 1t
won't do you any good. I'm bigger and
stronger than you, and I'm going to
show you something in that house If
have to carry you there. Don't fret,
now--no one is at home, I've arranged
that"
Very reluctantly Aaron Pearce al
lowed himself to be led into the little
+, cottage. AS If following out a set
program and entirely familiar with the
place, Dunn entered little room hung
+ with the national colors. Upon table
were spread out variety Of war relics
and helmet hat. Beside 1t We're sew
eral medals and scrolls.
Il "Pearce old friend" spoke Dunn
3 with serious emphasis, "those me-
? mentoes of brave young fellows valor
[ and patriotism tell the story Of your
nephew's military career. He has come
back so poor that he has to wait
maybe for years before he can afford
to marry the girl Of his choice, but
with townful of honest, loyal admir-.
ers who recognize his bravery and
sacrifice for his country. Another
] hero" and Dunn faced his companion
around to niche where the portrait
Of man In Union army uniform was
hung, decorated with the stars and
stripes.
Aaron Pearce thrilled. 1t was the
portrait of himself, painted over fifty
years ago and treasured by his faith
full loving sister.
"You can imagine" observed Dunn
softly, "how proud Nellie Winston 4,
Of the two heroes in her family
brother and son. Its the true fight
ing blood and Earle is worthy of YOU
old friend. Now then, I've anticipated
what you are going to do, recognizin.
as you must the indulgence and dut,
you owe to this brave young soldier
In this satchel have enough doubl,
eagles to fill that war helmet to over
flowing. | know your generous nature
and brought them along so you coulC
do the graceful thing without DELAY
You can reimburse me later. Here yo,
are. Dump them into the helmet, leay,
your card by the side of it and, havin,
done an act of justice, go home wifi
clear conscience and happy heart.
"See here, Dunn" began Pearc,
stormily.
"And when you get blue, or cross n
stubborn, think Of the joy YOU ar,
bestowing in making 1t possible fo
two young hearts to become united.
interrupted Dunn buoyantly.
Anything elser questioned pearc,
satirically.