The patriot. [volume] (Indiana, Pa.) 1914-1955, 1919-10-18


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 man removed to another
town, bitterness and sneering in voice
and manner when he referred to "hiS
ungrateful relative" and experiencing
something of vicious satisfaction when
he learned that it had been about all
young Winston could do to support
himself. Then he heard that Earle had
gone abroad as a war volunteer. The
Lyndon newspapers had half a 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 "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 a 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.
II want your company for a few
hours" he said. 'Tve got to make a
trip to Lyndon" and Pearce made a
"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 ulteriOr 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 a wrathful gleam into
his eyes.
"What is this" he growled out, "a
trap?"
Call it what you like" retorted
Dunn coolly "but I have an object in
view In bringing you here, and after
all my trouble I'm going to carry it
through. Besides, have some business
here" and he. lifted from the auto a
satchel so heavy apparently that its
weight made him quite lopsided.
"Don't you pull back, Pearce, for it
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 a little room hung
with the national colOrs. Upon table
were spread out variety of war relics
and a helmet hat Beside it were sew
eral medals and scrolls.
"Pearce, old friend" spoke Dunn
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 J" and Dunn faced his companion
around to a niche where the portrait
Of man in Union army uniform was
hung, decorated with the stars and
stripes.
Aaron Pearce thrilled. it was the
portrait of himself, painted over fifty
years ago and treasured by his faith
full loving sister.
"You can imagine" observed Dunn
softly, chow proud Nellie Winston is
Of the two heroes in her family
brother and son. "It's the true fight
ing blood and Earle is worthy of you,
old friend. Now then, I've anticipated
what you are going to do, recognizing
as you must the indulgence and duty
you owe to this brave young soldier.
In this satchel I have enough double
eagles to fill that war helmet to over
flowing. 1 know your generous nature,
and l brought them along so you could
do the graceful thing without delay.
You can reimburse me later. Here you
are. Dump them into the helmet, leave
your card by the side of it and, having
done an act of justice, go home with
a clear conscience and happy heart"
"See here, Dunn" began Pearce
stormily.
"And when you get blue, or cross. or
stubborn, think of the Joy you are
bestowing in making 1t possible for
two young hearts to become united"
Dunn buOyantIy.
Anything else?" questioned Pearce