The Khaki Boys at Camp Sterling; Or, Training for the Big Fight in FranceChase, Josephine
General
The Khaki Boys at Camp Sterling; Or, Training for the Big Fight in France
Chase, Josephine
World War, 1914-1918 -- Juvenile fiction
Leaving the Y. M. C. A., the four Brothers started briskly toward their
barrack, which was no farther away than would be two ordinary blocks in
a city. Call to quarters sounded just as they entered the building.
During the short walk Ignace had ambled along in happy silence, holding
tightly to his treasure trove. He was secretly wondering which of his
three Brothers he liked best and what he could do for them to prove his
loyalty. Just now he could think of nothing to do that seemed worth
while, except to work hard and show them that he could be a good
"solder." He resolved to study night and day the "fonny" rules Bob had
written for him. Could Bob have foreseen the outcome of this firm
resolve, he might have considered well before supplying Ignace with the
rhymed record of instruction he had just delivered into his Polish
bunkie's keeping with the advice, "Stay on the job until you can say 'em
backward."
"There! We forgot to mail our letters," commented Roger regretfully to
Jimmy as he began removing his shoes.
"Too late now. Taps'll sound in a minute. I'll mail 'em all the first
thing in the morning, right after breakfast. Give me yours now. I'll get
Iggy's and put 'em all together on the top of my shelf. If you happen to
think of it first, remind me of them."
Collecting from Ignace the one letter he had written, Jimmy placed it,
together with his own and Roger's, on top of a little folding shelf
above his bunk. He had brought it from home and it held his father's and
mother's photographs. It also boasted of several kodak prints. There
was one of the girl friend with whom he had grown up, another of Buster,
his dog, and still another of himself, seated in 'Old Speedy.' "They're
all here," he had remarked to Roger as he had set them in place, "even
to Old Speedy."
Sleep soon visited the eyelids of the four Khaki Boys. Having been more
active than usual that day they were quite ready for a good night's
rest. The last to drop into slumber, Roger was the first to awaken the
next morning. Long accustomed to rising at a few minutes past five
o'clock, he had found himself awake before first call blew each morning
since his arrival in camp. His eyes opening to greet the daylight
pouring in at the windows, his gaze roved idly over the rows of sleeping
soldier boys. Remembrance of Jimmy's request concerning the letters sent
his glance next straying toward the shelf where he had seen his bunkie
place them. They were not there now. Roger stared frowningly at the
shelf, then his face cleared. Jimmy had evidently taken them from there
and put them elsewhere. Perhaps in his suit-case. As soon as Jimmy was
awake he would ask about them. He was sleeping so peacefully now. It
would be a shame to disturb him before first call. Jimmy always slept
until the last minute, then fairly dashed into his uniform.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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