Then, too, Forestburg
was a Knownothing stronghold, and we fell naturally into our daddies'
way of thinking. So we roundly snubbed the pleasant-faced Danny and his
family whenever we had a chance, and the fellows at school used to bully
Terence, the son, most atrociously. Yet as we marched by the McDermotts'
on Saturday afternoons little Katie would always run out to the gate
delightedly and wave a large flag, and after a while we came to look
upon the little golden-haired child and her flag as quite a feature of
our parade. Finally, one day she stepped into the street, and with a
quaint curtsy presented the flag, garlanded with roses and buttercups,
to our captain. The command was at once ordered to halt, and all eyes
were fixed upon Ed and the blushing child.
"'Attention!' shouted Captain Ross. We obeyed and looked straight ahead
as good soldiers should, with a sly glance out of the corners of our
eyes at our leader. But Ed knew just what to do. He faced about sharply,
and made a low bow to the lady, took the flag held out to him, and then
made a speech. Ed Ross was always a fine talker, and had won the
elocution prize at school the year before. On this occasion he fairly
surpassed himself. I have often thought of it since. At our next meeting
we unanimously elected Miss Katherine Burke McDermott an honorary member
of the Rifles.
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