The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1922-02-08
COLUMBUS
BY GRACE n. oLIN

VI course MS name wasn't "COlum-
bus" at all. II was Antonio Cor Tony,
II you like) Morello. But as he was
born In famed Genoa. and because
doughboys have a. happy knack Of
clubbing" their comrades, Antonio Tor
Tony, II you prefer) was dubbed" Co
lumbus.
Not that Tony minded In the least.
In fact, he rather enjoyed II.
When the war clouds had hung
threateningly over Europe Tony had
told his mother and father:
Go, my parents, quick before the
land Is red with blood. Go to America,
the beautiful. She is young and
strong, oh so strong. The enemy will
never reach her shores"
And they had gone. tearfully, reluc-
family.
Often In their meager little rooms
on crowded side. street in the heart
of a great American city the parents
thought OF the lad.
He had never forgotten to write Al
ways his letters we're bright and
II.
he told them. and Joined the Amerl.
cans in France, and they called him
columbus"
How the old folks had shaken their
heads and laughed at this. Then came
reports of battles-terribIe battles
tb,. Marne Arconne ana then s,Ionoo
To the two old people, strangers in
a strange land. the suspense had been
horrible. And then>ot last 'after MANY
DAYS. the lonped-for news came.
He had been wounded. badly wound
ed. but now all was well again.
But the war was ended and he did
not come. The money came regularly
twas true. enough to nav for humble
shelter and bread bit no word as TO
when their Tony would come to them.
HE writes he is doing so we'll" his
mother would say. but he does not
mention we shall see him" she would
finish, TREMENDOUSLY.
1.-TWO hours more, precisely" sale
Mr.. James Brown. with enthusiasm,
''and we shall he en- route for the good
old U. s. A. and home"
you've said 1t, Jim. the u. S. A.
and home" answered his companion,
Mr.. Thomas Adams.
Gee, it's great, isn't 1t, Jim, to he
able to 60 home when fellow wants
tor
Tommy" said Mr.. James Brown
i with a grin, cant you forget the
trenches and bombs. and war, and hor-
rid things like that? Don't you know
that we are really at peace2 And
what's more, we shall steam up the
harbor on Columbus day, a fitting day
for two such red-blooded patriots to
be returning"
by George, Tom, to be serious a
minute, speaking of Columbus day
makes me think Of Columbus who
went through the hell of Argonne with
us. Columbus, the bashful young hero,
who but for his bravery would have
lost you friend In the person of one
James Brown.
"And whether or not It's fancy or
real, that fellow down there loading the
ship has a mighty familiar look, Tom
I'm going TO take a chance" MI
James Brown leaned over the rail and
called:
"Columbus?
The thin, brown arms dropped the
heavy box.
/ "Columbusw
Hello, JIM" came the anwser.
Two hours later the great ship sailed
majestically on her way. On board two
excited ~ung men talked to still
more excited third young man.
Columbus" said Mr.. James Brown,
sternly, "Tm ashamed Of you. Didn't
/ tell you to keep in touch with mel
Didn't l tell you owed you debt l
could never repay, and how did you
obey instructions%
Eyes. how did you obey instructions,
Columbus?" reiterated Mr.. Thomas
Adams.
The third young man mOistened his
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