The Coolidge examiner., 1933-04-07
CHAPTER l-Continued


In his fervor Amos had entirely
lost his hold on "sperital things"
No historian would report all of
his profanity. The thought OF IL
worried him as they headed for
their own quarters. His left cheek
rose in a rueful squint that affect
e0 the setting of one eye.
Seems so when git mad it's as
nst'ral fer me 10 swear as IL is
fer a bird 10 sing" said he.
Amos shook his head and blew
and signed anc brushed his hands
and added:
Alas, | wisht somebody would
make up some words that would
feel as good as swearin' when a
man is mad which il would save
ne lot o. sufferin'. Ay es! II
would"
Colin offered this comfort: 1T
would be impossible. There are no
such words. But | think that a
mans soul could be forgiven for
slipping a little when he tells of
that adventure. The stery needed
all the trimming you gave IT,"
But it's plain shameful an may
God save us from the flames o.
hell"
Colin had three days OF service
as private under Captain Farms
worth AT grass. wood and water
duty. sleeping rolled in his blanket
on bed OF straw under a tree
hear the captains lodge at night.
lie had met many officers and
men in and ont of the regiment.
lie had easily thrown his cOmpeti-
tors in the wrestling bout with the
Rhode Island boys witnessed by the
Commander I'm Chief. a part of his
STAFF and large crowd of the idle
Soldiery. When the last sturdy
Rhode Islander in Cabot's hands
went down there was great cheer
ing and Amos let out a yell that
was heard mile away. Colin had
become popular in the regiment.
Amos patted his shoulder saying !:
THAT was cordy man. II was
snug work to heave him but you
done IT,"
The third morning he was awak-
ened as usual by the fife and drum
corps marching through the camp
soon after daylight. Far and near
one could hear the rattling drums
and the thrilling sound of the flies.
Colin found Amos building a fire
i'm front of his lodge. He had a SOL
emn face.
The big Chief was here bout
ten minutes ago" he said.
"Do you mean General Washing
tong"
Yes. sir. He an a squad o. cav
airy. Been ridin' round the camp
which ne wants We to come TO head
quarters fer breakfast at seven.
My Cd. sir He's colder than an
iron bar on winter MOI nIn'-like
most O the southern officers. Been
shiverin' ever since he was here.
"And now you're sliding"
$50 be-an' may God take the
flint out o. me. It's the plague o.
my heart. was kind o. riled.
Spoke To him friendly like-not
thinkin'. same as If | was TO hum.
Forgot ! was in the army. Nice
mornin'.' says |.
"'Salute. sir says he. cross as a
bear. an me gittin' no pay since
got here. by Cd An my hay un-
cut. Id like 10 be hum an orto
he. Two o my men have deserted
an when We think it over We can't
blame 'em much"
There was q moment of silence
while Amos bent and blew on the
Goals.
Hey hoi I've slipped ag'in." he
muitered. An may the Lord fer.
give me. This place is about as
slippery as side hill in midwin.
ter. Uh huh p
Amos had voiced almost a com.
mon spirit among those home-lov.
ing. peaceful. industrious men as.
sembled in the camp at Cambridge
Colin went into one of the lodges
and hathed himself as best he could
with soap and a basin of water and
pui on fresh clothing.