Grimsley High School - Whirligig Yearbook (Greensboro, NC)

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THE SAGE 11 tion on his face. The little squad marched on and Carl sought a place where he could be alone to think. What should he do? It was his brother, his brother, and he was to be shot in the morning. Suppose they should select him for one of the firing squad. Dear God, suppose they should! What would he do? Could he shoot his brother, even for the sake of the “Cause?” Swept away in an instant was his disappointment in Herman. He did not see him in terms of an enemy but only as the “big brother” of his boyhood days. He knew that some way he must free him. But how? He was on guard duty that night but that would not help him unless-. Just then an orderly came up and informed Carl that instead of the regular sentinel duty, he was to help guard the spy. This was his chance and he must succeed. Carl went on duty promptly at two o’clock that night and many and complex were his thoughts as he did so. Drearily he took up his watch to endure as well as he could the struggle raging within him. The minutes dragged like white heat. What if in his attempt to escape, Herman was caught? Then his sacrifice would be in vain and there would be two lives lost instead of one—Herman dying as a spy, he as a traitor. A traitor! Surely God would not let them think him a traitor. He who had given up everything to come and defend his country’s honor. And yet, if he did this thing he would be shot as a traitor to America. Oh, it was too much to ask, he could not go thru with it. But then how could be face his mother knowing that he had de¬ liberately allowed Herman to be killed? He knew that he would blurt out the whole story when she asked him if he knew any of the particulars of Herman’s death. He could not look into those trusting eyes and lie. In his imagina¬ tion he saw her look of love change into one of horror and a shudder ran through him. Finally he knew that he must make his descision and act quickly if Herman was to have time to escape in the darkness before the next guard came on duty. Which should it be, a traitor to America or a

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10 THE SAGE horror of war dawned upon them. Mile after mile they saw only ruins, and yet more ruins. Buins that at one minute made them sick at heart and the next ealled forth deep oaths of vengeance. Carl caught himself trying to re¬ people this devastated region in his imagination, but the contrast was too painful and only strengthened his deter¬ mination to help conquer the German and rebuild the hap¬ py little homes of France. After they had received the last necessary training they were packed into tiny, queer little cars and sent to that awful, indefinite place called the “front.” They were placed back of the lines and here they waited a few days until they were more accustomed to the shrieking and screaming of the shells. On entering the trenches they met the men they were relieving coming out. Haggard, muddy and tired they were, but still cheerful. Almost all of them were smok¬ ing cigarettes and sometimes one of them would shout a word of fun to the fresh forces. Th e first night in the trenches was a nightmare of weird lights and noises. All night long one thought kept hammering away at Carl’s brain. “What if Herman were in the trench beyond? What if he were? What if he were?” It formed a sing-song and repeated itself over and over. To Carl it seemed that he would go crazy unless re¬ lief came. For two days they held the trench and then they were relieved and sent to a rest billet behind the lines. The second day there were here numerous rumors went around. “A German spy had been caught behind the lines. He had been dressed in an American officer’s uniform and could speak English, but would tell nothing. They were bringing him there for the night and he would be shot at sunrise.” Of course all the boys wanted to see the spy and when they brought him in they watched. The prisoner was sullen and aggressive and something about his attitude seemed familiar to Carl, but it was not until they passed directly by him that he knew. “Herman!”—almost he sail? it, and then wheeled on his heel to hide the look of recogni-

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12 THE SAGE traitor to his mother? It seems that all nature was still, awaiting the decision, and Carl felt that his heart would beat out of his body. A cold sweat broke out on his fore¬ head and he trembled so that he could hardly stand. Then like all men he turned to the only one who could help. “Oh Thou, who died for all men,” he prayed, “show me the way.” A moment later he raised his head and opening the door went in. “Herman,” he whispered. In the dim light he saw the man turn and look toward him. “Damn you,” growled Herman, “what made you come? Don’t you know they’ll get you?” Carl heard the words but the ugliness of the tones made no impression on him for he had risen above them and his eyes were shining with a high resolve. “Her¬ man,” he said, “the door is open and no one will know until morning. Go quickly.” Herman stood quite still for a mo¬ ment and at that time he reached the height of his man¬ hood. “No,” he said hoarsely, and his voice trembled with his desire, “no, I will not go. I have chosen my work and I alone must pay the penalty.” Then Carl began to talk, to plead for the mother waiting in America. “Oh, Herman,” he almost sobbed, “it will kill her, kill her, and it is almost too late now. Hurry! Hurry!” Unconsciously he had taken hold of his brother’s hand and was drawing him to¬ ward the door. Outside all was excitement. Everyone was running to and fro. There was an air raid on, but inside the two men had heard nothing but Carl’s low voice. They were almost at the open door now. Hark! What was that whirring noise? The next second they felt a teriffic explosion and they knew no more. Slowly Carl opened his eyes and tried to see where he was but something warm and sticky was in them and ' he could not. He wondered dully if it were blood and if so where it was coming from. He wanted his mother too, and it seemed to him that he would give everything he possessed