Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1919-01-17

filling machine, equipment fifles, etc.,
had been stored away, thnee was not
mucsl space For six men to live, not
forgetting the rats.
1t was very dark III the dugout, and
as we were only issued candle and a
half every twenty-four hours we had
to economic on light. Woe betide the
last man who left the candle burning!
In this hotel of ours we would sit
around the lonely candle and through
a thick haze Of tobacco smoke would
recount our different experiences at
various points Of the line where we
had been, or spin yarns about home.
Sometimes we would write a letter,
when we were fortunate enough to be
near the candle. At other times we'd
sit for an hour without saying word,
listening to a German over in the en-
emy's front trench playing cOrnet.
My, how that Boche could play! Just
to make us hate the war he'd play "Su-
vance River" "Home, Sweet Home"
or "Over the Waves The latter was
my favorite. During his recital our
trenches were strangely quiet. Never
shot from either side.
Sometimes, when he had finished,
Ikey Honey would go into the trench
and play on his harmonica. AS soon
as we'd see that harmonica come out
it was a case of "duck down low" for
the Germans would be sure, when the
first strains reached them, to send over
five rounds rapid" We hated that
harmonica. More than once we
chucked one over the top, but he'd sit
down, write letter, and in about ten
days time would receive, through the
mail a little oblong package, and we'd
know we were in for some more five
round rapids" We didn't blame the
Germans.
Still, that harmonica had its uses.
Often we would get dOWnhearted and
"fed up with the war, and grouse"
at everything in general. Then key
would reach in his pocket and out
would come that instrument OF tor
ture. We would then realize there
were worse things than war; and cheer
up accordingly.
On this particular rainy afternoon
in June we were in talkative mood.
Perhaps it was due to the fact that
Curly Wallace had made his s'Tom-
mics cooker" do what it was supposed
TO do-make water boil in an hour
and half. A "Tommie's cooker is
spirit stove which is very widely adj
vertised as suitable gift to the men
in the trenches. Many were sent out,
and many were thrown away.
Anyway, the cooker" lived up to It's
reputation for once, though little be-
hind its advertised schedule in maxi
ing water boil. Curly passed around
the result of ais efforts, in the form
of an ammunition tin half full Of fair
ly good tea. We each took a good
swig, lighted a cigarette--they had
"come up with the rations the night
beforehand settled back against the
damp earthen walls Of the dugout, to
see who could tell the biggest lie. For
a few minutes silence reigned--no one
seemed to care to be the first to break
in.
Then Dick Turpin, turning to me.
asked:
Remember Burton of A company
Think he was in the Third platoon;
the fellow that was recommended for
the V. G. and refused it. Got the rec
ommendation for rescuing his platoon
commander under fire."
] answered in the affirmative and
Dick "carried on with: Il never could
see into that affair, because they
seemed to be the worst of enemies.
The officer was always picking on him;
used to have him 'oR the crime sheet
for the least offense. Coy him sever
al days Of extra pack drill, and sopce
he clicked twenty-ope days erucifNji4oQIf'
-(fieid punishment No. /, tied to 2
timber wheel two hours per day for
tWenty-one days..
INC matter what dirty fatigue or
working pRrty came along, Burton's
name was sure 10 head the list.
"This Burton Appeared to be surly
sort OF a chap, kept to himself 2 whole
lot, always brooding, didn't have many
friends in the company, either There
seemed to be something on his mind.
"Most of the company men said his
sweetheart back in Biighty had thrown
him down for some other bloke.'
Happy Houghton butted in: ''That's
the way with this world, always ham
merlag at a fellow. Well, know this
Burton. assG there's not better mate
il the world, SO let that sink into your
nappers.'
Don't get sore, Happy said HJaa-
ney. IF you don't mind, let's have the
story. meant no offense. Just nat
urally cuf1eas, tlhlat;s all. You can't
deny that the whsle affair has been
quite a mystery to the brigade. Spit
&c out and get it off your chest
d1ek's have it, Happy we al
cfliaed f4 chorus.
Happy, somewhat modified, lighted
cigarette, took avg or three puffs,
and started:
"Wefl, it was this way, but aeA,t ask
any questions until am through.
SSVnI1 knoyu Rurton isn't what world