Evening star., 1928-05-30
THE EVENING STORY

"Why-oh. nothing. Only was
wondering whether we would be able
TO hear some Of the music II the wind
should be blowing strongly this way. 1t
would be-nice"
Fifteen miles aWay?"
"Only IS miles--and If the wird bleR
strongly. We heard the battle of Bull
being hurried to the front. HarG!"
leaning forward a little Then he
Strengthened. shaking his head.
"An old mans vagaries, Myra." he
smiled. II thought heard strains of
music-a memory OF Bull Run. 1 sup
pose"
A few minutes later and then Myra
sprang excitedly to her feet, her face
full Of wonder
There is music. grandfather" she
cried There is. Listen!"
Clearly and distinctly now it came.
borne on the breeze, and evidently
from beyond bend Of the mountain
path. where they could not see.
The old man had risen, too. and vas
leaning forward with his one hand be-
hind his ear. to hear more distinctly. =.
ITS march we used to play in bat
tie and after victory" he whispered.
II seem to hear Bob Tvrell piaTing IL
now. But Bob's dead. killed in the very
AdSb EdLttC DClOIE "AA0k
does it mean. Mvra?"
But Myra could only shake her head
and wait.
Five minutes and all the time the
music growing clearer and more triun1-
phant as it drew nearer. Then around
the bend they came man on horse-
back and two men and a driver In an
automobile in which was an empty
seat. One Of the two men in the csr
y.Tr
cornet.
Straight up the mountain road they
came. the musicians playing steadily.
changing from one march To another.
all Of which were old and familiar 70
| the frail old man who listened with
| wondering but rapturous face.
Not until they had approached to
within a few yards Of the bench did
| the music cease and the horseman
slide from his animal. Raising his hand
| in quick military salute he sprang
| forward and caught the hand Of the
man in front.
Captain" he exclaimed. his voice
breaking little. I'VE meet again after
nearly so years. / have been out West
and returned only few days ago to
| spend the remainder of nv life in the
| old neighborhood When the talk Of 2
| reunion began, I made inquiries about
| you and wrote letters to several post
Offices. But no one seemed to know of
your exact whereabouts, though they
seemed TO think you were still alive.
Only yesterday did we hear from
hunter that you we're in this vicinity
Now We want you to go back with us
and take charge Of the Teunion-tQ
lead the old company. you know. And
and" hesitatingly, I'VE viii have an easy
car for you to ride in advance Of Us 50
the strain need not be very great"
But the old leader was standing erect
now. and his hand had ceased to
tremble.
Thank you, Lieut.. Breck," he an
swered. with the old-tine ring IN his
voice; but shall ride horse at the
head of my company. as in the old
days, though the charge be only a
peaceful one through the village street
instead of toward the mouths Of can
mons. You need not fear for my
strength. But L do not understand
about the music. My ears told me It
was Bob Tyren playing the drum, and
my eyes declare it is Bob on the seat
| yonder. And yet saw poor Bob killed"
Its Bob's grandson. When he heard
was coming he insisted on coming,
too, and approaching your house with
music. But we must be starting back.
| for there is long ride before US. We
| have secured accommodations for you
and your granddaughter at the hotel
and the car is an easy one. You have
some one you can leave to look after
| things?"
| @Yes. an old negro woman who has
| a cabin Just below us. will call her"
| They had been grasping hands all
/ this time and looking into each others
eyes. Now the strong grasp loosened
| and the old leader went forward %
speak to the men IN the car. Myra
/ slipped into the hcnse, her face work.
/ ing.
II didn't understand what old
| comrades could be to each other" she
whispered to herself ''I never realized
| But know now. Dear grandfather
and his dear soldiers!''
icoDyrizht 1891
(THE END)