New Britain herald., 1926-12-30

! cold blue eyes.
 Why. madam" she exclaimed, 1 shocked into surprise. what are you 1 talking about? Didn't you know your son had been shell shocked and
 that his brain is now dead? Didn't that nurse in France notify you?" Shell shocked; Into the soft brown eyes of the little woman standing be- fore her began 10 creep the shadow of q torturing fear. The happy look Of anticipation in the sweet mother ly face faded and died. She sagged and placed her hand quickly to her heart.
 What do you mean?" she whis pered faintly. My boy-my John his brain gone? Is that what you mean? oh, tell me-"
 'I am very sorry. madam,' inc nurse said, recovering her calm bearing and taking the woman's hand in hers. "but l have told you nothing but the truth. The returned soldier. John Powell, is helpless, both physically and mentally. He has to be fed even. You might bet ter learn the truth here before you go in to see him.
 A little agonized cry burst from the girl who had not yet spoken. A rush of tears came to her eyes and then with q tenderness that was pa thetic she took the trembling form of the little mother in her arms. After a moment she looked up at the nurse again.
 Take us in---in 10 him, please she said. a trifle brokcnly. Per haps. perhaps he will know us, after all. Come, Mrs. Powcll,' she told her companion, be brave. You mustn't let him see you crying
 The nurse led the way down the hall and in through the main ward which was filled to capacity with beds occupied hy returned soldiers in all stages of shattered health and mangled bodies. She paused at q bed midway down the big room.
 There he is" she said indicating the occupant of the bed, a young man in whose eyes glimmered no light of understanding.
 The mother and sweetheart of John ". Powell of Newark, New Jersey, stepped toward the bed trcmulously and then. as they stared at the exprossionless face on the pillow. a great change came over them. Their eyes grew big with amazcmcnt
 Fl don't understand" faltered the mother.
 The girl whirled on the nurse. Why that's not him." burst froil her in a sharp cry. That's not John Powell. You've made mis- take. Somebody's made mistake"
 "I have not made any mistake" the nurse answered with positive ut- terance. Hes the John Powell brought here from off the transport from Brest. And he came from the hospital at Metz. France, where"
 'Eut I tell you there IS q mis- take" interrupted the little mother "Xcitedly. That isn't my son. John Powell. Don't you suppose I know my own boy when I see him" I never saw this man bcforc."
 The nurse retorted, stubbornly that she couldn't help that. Hes the only John Powell we have, and tn" pictures of both of you arc in that bag at the head of the bed. They were turned over to us by Lieutenant Cardy, who brought him here. Wait: I'll get them"
 Shc stepped quickly across and. ! reaching into the bag brought out two small photographs which she held mp for the inspection of the | visitors.
 DO you sec" she asked sharply, "Thcy arc your pictures and your names are on the backs. too."
 Mrs. Powell and Helen Craig star cd in bewildcrment at the two pie lures.
 'I cant understand it-oh l cant | it at all." came in vail ! ing tones from the mother of John i Powell. Her voice trenblcd and her chin began to quiver. "I can't under | stand how this man has the photos we've sent to John in August and why he's here now under my-my sons name. There is q slight re- scmhance between him and John | and that is all. tell you terrible mistake has been made somewhere, | Each of HIS received a letter from from John in November from that | hospital in France-in Metz. Oh, ! my boy, my boy-what has become | of you@'
 This outbreak was followed imme- liately by q hysterical breakdown l and the elderly woman sank into a | IL 1..s c.... II '