The Belding banner-news. (Belding, Mich.) 1918-1973, 1919-05-14
HER CONTRIBUTION
SCopyrlght. Mcclure Newspaper synalcate.l
~ EVA sYMoNEs.

1 Attb ~ Auu uuDs
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 a
gesture Of dispair Anne raised her
dripping hands from the soapy water.
1T Is too mean for anythingw she
pouted. "All the other girls In the club
have time to knit and make all sorts
OF pretty things for the soldiers ba-
xaar, but J." with a disdainful glance
at her ugly. checked apron. Il have
to stay on the farm and chore around
all of the timer n
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-anythingi she whisper
ed softly, her dark eyes glowing with
Joy at the Overwhelming thought.
The notice from the environment.
|
that any girls club within radius Of
20 miles was eligible to enter arti-
cles In a soldiers bazaar to be given
for the benefit Of the Red eros on
June Is. All such articles must not
exceed the sum of s. for materials,
and would be auctioned of to the high
est bidders. The maker Of the con-
tribution netting the largest amount
would receive a prize of SO.
On the morning of June % 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 10 work for the soldiers
bazaar with a smile Of determination.
Ten o'clock saw a trim little figure
in a plaid glngham 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
al the clubroom.
"Oh. Anne, dear, what have you
brought?" they chorused.
please let me see itw
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 cantonment.
| Again Anne dressed herself freshly
and started for town.
"Toot. foot, toot - came an automo-
bile horn behind her. Instinctively she
turned to the roadside and, half hid
den In the bushes, waited for the ma
chine to pass by.
Anne watched II come.
$50 powerful and strong" she
thought TO herself. "Oh, how would
love to own one,'
Just as Ii neared her the speed de-
creased and the engine stopped. Blink
ing through the whirling clouds of dust
Anne saw a pleasant, masculine face
smiling down at her. With curiosity
she noted the officers uniform and the
trig military cap dotted in her honor.
do you care for a ride to the vii
lage?" he inquired In a courteous man.
ner.
Eyes. thank you" answered Anne,
glad enough for a lift on such a long
sandy road.
Perhaps you are one of the club
girls?" he asked. after she was seated.
YES" said Anne, land am now on
my way TO the meeting"
Good " laughed the soldier, $50 am
/. No doubt you will be pleased TO
learn that one of your number won the
prize, and I am selected to present It."
With quiet dignity Anne escorted her
guest to'the astonished president of
the club. Briefly and without affecta-
ton he introduced himself.
81 am Albert Briggs from the camp.
II is my duty and pleasure to award a
prize to one of your girls for the merit
of her contribution, which netted us
500 for the Red Cross"
Wild suspense chilled the girls to ST.
lence.
"This remembrance" he continued
holding a tiny white box In his hand
goes to-Miss Anne Dexter. VIII she
| please come forward?"
The tension was broken. A cheer
arose as Anne. with scared, white face
and shaking knees went up to Captain
Briggs.
II Gently he placed the box i'm her
hand, held both firmly for moment In
his strong grip, then, with a glance
that made Anne's cheeks burn red, he
murmured. God bless your
- "A.