The Rathdrum tribune. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1903-1963, 1922-12-22
PATRIOTS
By JENNIE LITTLE.
9e9e9e9eSeSoS9s4
81. by Mcclure Newspaper Syn,

Girls and boys" said 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 a question to bring be-
fore the house. Last year your cele-
bration consisted of noise, and what
were meant to be bowling funny
tricks. Suppose we have q worth
while program-a parade with
floats, decorated vehicles, scouts, and
q picnic supper out here In the birches?
Then a splendid flag raising, as the
good, old one has done its duty to the
and real fireworks. Let's have some
thing hat will leave a 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 a fellows ignorance Of
youngsters right off the bat, such as
II trust you attend church regularly,
William. Can you recite the Com
mandments? ?" would call, Say Bill,
If you can hook a t~wo-pounder to-
day I'll go 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
Door food, and he had not made a
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 gloriously
till the happy procession neared the
schoolhouse.
Firel
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
1t touched the ground scouts caught
and raised 1t high. The rockets ex-
d~eafeningly, and he fell into
arms below.
In the preachers study he opened
his eyes as the doctor gently I'M
fastened the blistered fingers from q
package pinned inside his blouse,
which disclosed an exquisite pictured
called Mother" a little flag,
three medals, and a letter, frayed with
much reading.
Dear little son whom / have scarce
" knOwn-once when misfortune
me, 1 took money to buy
necessities for which your angel moth
ar was suffering, yes, dying; and JUS
ice showed no mercy. But from
prison to Flanders was
step upward, and now I am about
% receive the highest promotion pos
;ible and be with her. These are all
have to bequeath you, but try and
my great mistake by remember
ng hat l died for America, and, what
.ver your lot in life. be a brave and
lenest gentleman"
The doctor adjusted the bandages
md slipped out and got busy.
simultaneously the minister and teach
r bent and kissed each scorched
heck. for their eyes were too misty to
distinctly. Their own cheeks
as lightly as butterfly wings
nd their hands met behind the pill
"Murlel." he said, softly. "as your
piritual adviser. may I clearly point
ut your patriotic duty to marry me
help me look after this hero?
Ven put youth in his heart, joy in hi.
fe and flesh on his bones" He
aused, for happiness and ~disappoinr,
lent wrestled together In "the
hrImp's' face.
II wanted to marry her myself" he !
ulped, but you spoke first; so she |
an take her pick" 4
She smiled down at him. Lets