54
PATRIOTIC PIECES
"Before you go, will you tell me, my boy, why you chose the infantry?"
"Well, when you read of anything real hard that has to be done you will notice that it is always the infantry that does it. They have to be strong, young fellows they can depend on for the real hard things. So I chose the infantry, sir."
There was a silence, which he broke with the quiet words, "I think I'll be going. Good-by, sir."
Springing from his chair, the man grasped the boy's hand. "God bless you, son, and good luck!"
With misty vision we both stood and watched him out of sight; then, with all previous convention of acquaintance forgotten as we looked into each other's eyes, the man said, "It is the spirit of '17 gone to the colors."
