Page 45 - Among the camps, or, Young people's stories of the war

*l I desire to introduce to you my son,” said Colonel
Stafford, proudly presenting Bob* ‘‘ H e is a hero."
The General bowed as he shook hands with him. I^er-
haps he had some suspicion how true a hero he was, for he
rested his hand kindly on the boy's head, but he said
nothing,

lioth Colonel and Mrs. Stafford invited the old soldier
to spend the night there, but he declined. He, however,
accepted an invitation to dine with them next day.
Before leaving, he requested permission to take one more

look at the sleeping children. Over Evelyn he bent silently.
Suddenly stooping, he kissed her little pink cheek, and with
a scarcely audible 11 Good-night," passed out of the room and
left the house.
T h e next morning, by light, there was great rejoicing,
Charlie and Evelyn were up betimes, and were laughing and

chattering over their presents like two little magpies.
“ Here’s my sword and here’s my breeches," cried Charlie,
“ two pair ; but I’m goin’ to put on my gray ones. I ain't
goin' to wear a blue uniform.”

fi Here's my dolly ! ” screamed Evelyn, in an ecstasy over
her beautiful present. And presently Rob and Ran burst in,
their eyes fairly dancing,
“ Christmas gift ! It’s a real one— real gold ! ” cried Bob,
holding up a small gold watch, whilst Ran was shouting over
a silver one of the same size.

That evening, after dinner. General Denby was sitting by