Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1921-12-09
AND DAD
Ry G. 2 BROOKS.

John Morley threw down his paper.
he sat looking moodily through the
half-elosed door, just catching a
glimpse of the knitters within-one
making sweater, another pair of
seeks. the third helmet, all for the
boys
He TOOK up his paper and reread the
paragraph that told what dads bit in
the war consisted of-the one who
stayed at home caring for the younger
children, while mother goes to the Red
Gross rooms to work, and the money
be gave the girls to aid the sufferers
Of the stricken countries, and after all
not one show of appreciation or praise
does a father get. He was not sup
posed to cherish tender memories of
bis boy as child and man.
Hfnl' grInted Mr.. Morley, doesn't
dad sacrifice his son and feel the
loss Of eompanionship? Doesn't he
share in the proud possession OF a
soldier boy2"
Now, John Morley was quite a fire.
eusHt visitor at the fire station, where
his friend, Tim Bourne, chief, was al
WAYS gladsto welcome him. This eve
hing found Morley at his old retreat
Even there he could not escape an
array OF sweaters and socks.
How did you learn?" he asked.
NY daughter Grace showed u.s."
proudly admitted Bourne.
Looks queer to see men knitting.
I've never noticed it so much before
fascinating by the looks" yielded Nor
ley.
It's" laconically agreed the chief,
struggling with stitch half escaping
his clumsy fingers. "She--comes-
nearly yery-evening," he added,
hesitatingly, so engrossed was he in
his struggle with the truant stitch.
Coming tonight" asked Morley, his
Voice half tremulous from the most as
founding idea working in his brain.
"Ye-es," answered Bourne, trium-
phantly catching the stitch back on the
needle.
1t was with hands trembling with
pride and fear that Morley took his
first lesson from pretty, goodnatured
Grace Bourne. How the man worked
and perspired over the arduous task
I'm coming again. l won't give it
up. ! want to make. a sweater for my
hoy Bill, over there" Morley confid-
ed TO his young teacher.
"Why, I'm making one for VIII; so
Wen both be making a William sweat
er; how funnyi" laughed the girl.
your brother?" asked Morley, mis-
chievously.
''N--no--a friend" blushed Grace.
Il see,e answered her pupil, staring
audaciously at the ring sparkling on
the young teachers finger
Late that night his opinion of the
young teacher was set forth in glowing
terms In letter to his son, Bill. The
letter ended with these words:
So -- and Bill, don't get entan-
gled In any love affairs over there, for
/ have found perfect sample of a
wife. No, You can't have this one, for
sparkling ring tells me she is mort
gagged to another fellow. Remember
l said sample. so she's not for sale.
Remember my advice,
s'tY0UR OLD DAD"
There came an evening when Dad
entered the room conqueror, with
head held high. He opened square
bundle. Enthusiastically, and held aloft
sweater and pair of socks.
aHm!p triumphed Dad; perhaps
dads are some use in this war;" and
he pointed to the articles.
Whatdo-you-mean, john" be-
gan Mrs Morley.
''Why. Dad Morley, you-you never
-" Blanche gasped, then paused in
amazement
Yes ! did. Do you think fathers
are mere puppets; that they have no
patriotism? These are for Bill. Grace
Bourne showed me at the fire station.
Dad began rubbing his hands together.
f.As If you had to go outside to
learn" pouted Ethel. "Why didn't you
ask usf''
Dad shook his head and then said,
jokIngly: "A prophet in his own coun
try, you know"
TT is not true here, you dear old
dad" and Ethel Notwithstanding her
yarn ensnarled feet, sprang to her IA
Their and Rugged him tight.
Mrs. Morley quietly put q paper into
her husbands hand.
pTelegraml Bits coming home !"
Dads face fell little,
sSorry, Dadr' exclaimed Blanche.
fN--no; sort of disappointed about
sending the sweater and socks. That's
all Bless the boy i can't wait"
rPerhaps he may need sweater In
America saneily suggested Ethel.
Il hope he won't rave about any girl
over there, for / want to recommend
one like any idealF-Grace Bourne.
What are you laughing att"