Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1921-09-16
PATRIOTS ALL,
BY JENNIE LITTLE.

Ills anu bVNS, Sdld the young
minister, of course the general sub
Ject that fills the back Of your heads
just now is vacation. But the out
standing idea is the Fourth.
Nov, l have Il question to bring be-
fore the house. Last year your cele-
braton consisted of noise. and what
were meant To he bowling funny
tricks. Suppose we have worth
while program--a parade with
noats, decorated vehicles. scouts. and
a picnic supper out here in the birches?
Then splendid flag raising, as the
good, old one has done its duty to the
point Of dissolution-music, speeches
ana real fireworks. Let's have some
thing that will leave good taste in
everyone's mouth"
The bell sounded dismissal, and the
pupils IMMERSED in the subtle science
OF mental telepathy, swarmed about
the teacher and preacher like hum
ming birds on hollyhocks, and knocked
cold his plan to walk home with her
alone. Don't blame the children,
though, for the little teacher was the
KIND that the girls copy and the boys
would rather look at than their les
sons; while the minister, instead Of
being one of those solemn dignitaries
whose opening conversation was sure
to expose fellows ignorance of
youngsters right off the bat, such as
1 trust you attend church regularly
william. Can you recite the Com
mandmentsY would call "Say Bill
If you can hook a two-pounder to-
day I'll 90 you one better" Yes, and
dig his own bait too.
From the hedge squirmed the under
sized body and unsmiling face of a
boy who had listened wistfully. Stingy
Bud Daniels, on the back road had
taken him from an institution to
"chore,' in return for hard bed and
poor food and he had not made
friend. Once he ventured to school.
but with that cruelty to animals that
children unthinkingly practice on each
other. they made his life miserable
July 4th was as perfect as if made
to order, and things went off glorlously
till the happy procession neared the
schOolhouse.
Fire.
The flames were eating greedily
through the dry timbers, and the
youngsters stood aghast, for their be-
loved fireworks were stored inside.
Suddenly a figure that had followed
afar off hurled itself like a streak
across the yard and into the burning
building. Men tried TO follow, but re-
turned gasping, and there in an up
per window poised the Shrimp" with
the new flag in his arms.
He threw it to safety, and before
it touched the ground scouts caught
and raised ii high. The rockets ex-
ploded deafeningly, and he fell into
strong arms below.
In the preachers study he opened
his eyes as the doctor gently I'M
fastened the blistered fingers from a
package pinned inside his blouse,
which disclosed an exquisite pictured
face called Mother" little flag,
three medals, and letter, frayed with
much reading.
Dear little son whom I have scarce
~ knoWn-0nce when misfortune
crushed me. | took money to buy
necessities for which your angel moth
err was suffering, yes, dying; and jus
tiCe showed no mercy. But from
CharlestoWn prison to Flanders was
step upward, and now l am about
to receive the highest promotion pos
sible and be with her. These are all
l have TO bequeath you, but try and
forget my great mistake by remember
ing that l died for America. and, what
ever your lot in life, be a brave and
honest gentleman"
The doctor adjusted the bandages
and slipped out and got busy.
simultaneously the minister and teach
err bent and kissed each scorched
cheek, for their eyes were too misty to
see distinctly. Their own cheeks
brushed as lightly as butterfly wings
and their hands met behind the pill
low.
"Muriel," he said, softly, as your
spiritual adviser. may l clearly point
out your patriotic duty TO marry me
and help me look after this hero?
Wen put youth IN his heart JOY in his
life and flesh on his bones" He
paused, for happiness and disappoint-
ment wrestIed together in the
Shrimps" face.
IT wanted TO marry her myself" he
gulped, "but you spoke first; so she
can take her pick
She smiled down at him. Lets
make If a three-cornered partnership.
laddle boy. I fancy YOU would Ike
me better as sister, while Mr..
Thayer has no use whatever for sis
ters."
But why the band playing and PEG
pie cheering to beat the band? The
doctor re-entered and, wrapping the
Shrimp" In rug, carried him ont
where the assembled village waited TO