The Filer record. (Filer, Idaho) 1919-1930, 1922-07-06
Tramp. tramp, tramp.
Tie boys are marching"

Tie boys are marching"
These words drlfted TO the ears OF
the gray-headed Old soldier sitting by
the open window lost in thought. Many
long years had gone by since he had
first heard those words sung. He could
see the boys" seated before the camp
lire in 80, reading letters from home
or singing 10 keep up a semblance Of
cheerfulness; or camping over miles
of rutty roads, and singing 10 keep
their spirits up.
For many years. now, he had been
living with his oldest daughter and
her family. Yes. Susie had always
been kind and daughterly to him, but.
just the same, he didn't want 10 be
constantly reminded that he was get
ting old and feeble. Ii was Father,
don't do this" and Father. don't do
that; you are too old" or you are not
strong enough"
Every year previous to this one he
had marched with "the boys" on Me-
mortal day. and each year had found
the number smaller ard smaller. until
this year there would be but five. As
"Old Captain" as he was fondly called
by the children Of the neighborhood.
sat there lost In thought he was rude
~ brought back To the present by the
voices Of his daughter and her hus-
band.
Father Is really too old TO try to
march this Memorial day. We must
persuade him that II would be better
for him TO sit OF the plaza and watch
the parade" Susie was saying.
Persuade himi Indeed Perhaps
this would be the last chance for him;
10 one knew what might happen be-
fore another year rolled by. A bit OF
the old lighting spirit was awakened
in the aged soldier. He'd show them
d thing or twOl He had quite made
up his mind to march, and march he
would.
So each day, while Susie was busy
In the kitchen. "Old Captain" crept
softly upstairs to the spare room
closet. tucked IA bit OF his blue uni
form under his jacket, as softly crept
down again. and sat. apparently lost
In thought, in his favorite chair by the
window. BY and by Susie would come
in to tell him that she was going up
stairs 10 straighten up the bedrooms
and to call her If he wanted anything.
OF course. he wasn't able to do any
thing for himself Perhaps she
wouldn't be surprised As soon as he
thought she was safely out Of hearing,
he went to the shed back Of the house
and carefully hid that part Of his uni
form. Each day he did this until
every part of his uniform was care
fully hidden away.
Memorial day arrived. but nothing
had been said to "Old Captain" about
not taking part In the parade. How
ever, the time had come.
"Father. don't believe you had
better march this year. You are not
strong enough. and I'm sure 1t would
he too much for you. You can sit on
the piazza and watch the parade as II
rpes by. OF course, you Will agree
with me and see that | mean II for
your own good" Susie paused. Il
will point out the different people as
they near the house. and II will be
lust as il you were there yourself
There. l knew you'd understand"
1t was just as he had thought. He
wasn't even given chance TO remon-
strate: It was all settled without his
"yes" or mo-"
"All right. Susie. I'm going for
short walk about the farm" and he
pushed back his chair and walked
slowly from the room.
81 didn't think he'd take II so easy.
Susie remarked to her husband, after
her father had left the room.
ale didn't have much to say about
n. | must say" was The answer.
Meanwhile "Old Captain" made
straight for the wOod-shed and with
hands trembling with excitement
donned his uniform. then made his
wav ~cross lots" to the meeting place
on the common
The morning crept on and the time
came for the parade TO pass the house
@Where can father be7" asked Susie
Of her HU~btfl0. nc NO1Aa lFtA pc
~ bad to miss the parade. I've looked
everywhere around the house and have
called for him several times"
Inst then the sound Of rusic could
be heard.
Tramp. tramp. tramy.
The boys are marching
"Susie. saSie. come quick. See who
is in the p~zder
And there was 'Old Captain" With
head up and eyes sparkling. marching
with the rest
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ola stone. located NJ n. Defiance. IL
the Oldest Presbyterian church In Viz