The Khaki Boys at Camp Sterling; Or, Training for the Big Fight in France — John Shaqi
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
"I'd like to take a trip to Tremont," nodded Roger. "We've all worked
good and hard since we came here. It's time for a little harmless
recreation."
"You can count me in," readily assured Jimmy.
"I can no go," stated Ignace regretfully.
"Why not?" Jimmy demanded. "What's going to hinder you?"
"I have no the monies. A little, yes, but no much. So stay I here.
Anyhow, you go. I very glad for you have the fon. While you way think I
to you," Ignace added with a sigh.
"No money! For goodness' sake, where is it? You just drew---- I beg your
pardon, Iggy." Jimmy colored hotly. "I shouldn't have asked such a nosey
question. Forget it."
"Ask all thing you want ask all time." Ignace accompanied this gracious
permission with a sweeping flourish of his hand. "You are the Brother.
So have you the good right. Firs' think I no say nothin'. Anyhow, now I
tell. I am to poor my mother the bad son for that I run way. When I home
give her all monies no my father take. Now I here she have the nothin'
for long time. He my father give only for the rent an' the eat. No much
the eat. In my house are the three littles, two sister an' one brother.
So have I nother brother. He have sixteen year. Work hard but every week
get only the five dollar, an' my father take mos'. Now have I the pay
sen' all my mother. Only I keep two dollar. It is enough here, but no
for have the eat, the show, the good time Bob say. Som' day go along
Tremont. No now. I am the broke." Ignace looked mildly triumphant at
having been able to express himself in slangy Bob's vernacular.
"You may be 'the broke,' Iggy, but you've got a solid gold heart!"
exclaimed Bob, his shrewd black eyes growing soft. "I call that mighty
white in you. Never you mind, if we can get the passes you come along
with us just the same. I'll do the treating and glad to at that."
"Count me in on that," emphasized Jimmy. "My dough is yours, Iggy. You
can draw on it till it gives out."
"Same here," smiled Roger, who had been signally touched by the broken
little tale of sacrifice.
"No, no!" The Pole's tones indicated stubborn finality. "I can no do.
Thank. You are the too good all. I know; un'erstan'. I have for me what
you call it, the respet. So mus' I the no say an' stay by the camp. You
ask me more, I no like; feel fonny mad!"
Ignace's characterization of hurt self-respect as "fonny mad" raised a
laugh. That, at least, did not disturb him. He merely grinned and
remarked tranquilly: "You make the fon one poor Poley."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account