WEBVTT 1 00:00:00.200 --> 00:00:04.679 Chapter one of Teddy's Button. This is a LibriVox recording. 2 00:00:05.120 --> 00:00:08.400 All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more 3 00:00:08.400 --> 00:00:13.560 information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org. Recording 4 00:00:13.640 --> 00:00:18.600 by Robert Harder. Teddy's Button by Amy La Fever. Chapter one. 5 00:00:19.280 --> 00:00:24.160 An antagonist, he stood in the center of a little 6 00:00:24.160 --> 00:00:27.000 crowd of village boys. His golden head was bare in 7 00:00:27.000 --> 00:00:29.719 the blazing sun, but the crop of curls seemed thick 8 00:00:29.839 --> 00:00:32.079 enough to protect him from its rays, and he was 9 00:00:32.119 --> 00:00:35.399 far too engrossed in his occupation to heed any discomfort 10 00:00:35.439 --> 00:00:38.880 from the heat. A slim, delicate little lad with a 11 00:00:38.880 --> 00:00:41.880 finely cut face and blue eyes that, by turns would 12 00:00:41.880 --> 00:00:45.719 sparkle with animation and then settle into dreamy wistfulness with 13 00:00:45.759 --> 00:00:48.759 a deep, far away look in them. They were dancing 14 00:00:48.840 --> 00:00:51.479 and flashing with excitement now, and his whole frame was 15 00:00:51.560 --> 00:00:56.679 quivering with enthusiasm. With head thrown back and tongue, hand 16 00:00:56.719 --> 00:00:58.799 and foot all in motion, he seemed to have his 17 00:00:58.880 --> 00:01:02.079 audience completely spelled, and they listened with open eyes and 18 00:01:02.119 --> 00:01:05.560 mouths to his oration. With one hand, he was figuring 19 00:01:05.599 --> 00:01:08.799 a large brass button, which figured conspicuously in the center 20 00:01:08.799 --> 00:01:11.560 of his small waistcoat, and this button was the subject 21 00:01:11.599 --> 00:01:15.879 of his theme. My father rushed forward, Come on, men, 22 00:01:16.079 --> 00:01:18.959 we'll save the old colors. And they shouted hurrah as 23 00:01:19.000 --> 00:01:22.200 they made after him. There were guns going, and shells flying, 24 00:01:22.280 --> 00:01:25.359 and swords flashing and hacking away, and the enemy poured 25 00:01:25.359 --> 00:01:28.519 on with fiery red faces and gnashing teeth. My father 26 00:01:28.640 --> 00:01:31.079 drew his sword, and no one could stand against him. 27 00:01:31.200 --> 00:01:33.719 No one. He cut, and he slashed, and heads and 28 00:01:33.799 --> 00:01:36.200 arms and legs rolled off as quick as lightning, one 29 00:01:36.200 --> 00:01:38.480 after the other. He got up to the colors, and 30 00:01:38.519 --> 00:01:40.400 with a shout, he plunged his sword right through the 31 00:01:40.480 --> 00:01:43.879 enemy's body that had stolen them. The enemy fell stone dead. 32 00:01:44.200 --> 00:01:47.439 My father seized the colors and looked around. He was alone. 33 00:01:47.879 --> 00:01:50.200 The other soldiers had been beaten back. But was he 34 00:01:50.239 --> 00:01:53.000 in a funk. No. He gave a loud hurrah, picked 35 00:01:53.040 --> 00:01:55.280 up his sword, and fought his way back. The enemy 36 00:01:55.319 --> 00:01:57.640 hard after him. It was a race for life, and 37 00:01:57.680 --> 00:01:59.959 he ran backward the whole way. He wasn't going to 38 00:02:00.200 --> 00:02:02.920 turn his back to the enemy. He pressed on, shouting 39 00:02:03.000 --> 00:02:05.560 hurrah till he got to his own side again. And 40 00:02:05.599 --> 00:02:10.560 then he reached his colonel captain dead sir, I've got 41 00:02:10.560 --> 00:02:13.080 the colors. He saluted as he said it, and then 42 00:02:13.159 --> 00:02:16.680 dropped dead himself at the colonel's feet, the blood gushing 43 00:02:16.719 --> 00:02:19.400 out of his heart and over his clothes, and over 44 00:02:19.439 --> 00:02:24.080 this button. The little orator paused as he sank his 45 00:02:24.199 --> 00:02:27.319 voice to a tragic whisper. Then raising it again, he 46 00:02:27.360 --> 00:02:30.879 added triumphantly, And thirty bullets and six swords had gone 47 00:02:30.919 --> 00:02:36.360 through my father's body. That was something like a soldier, Oh, 48 00:02:36.400 --> 00:02:39.479 I say, murmured a small skeptic from the crowd. It 49 00:02:39.599 --> 00:02:43.960 was twenty bullets last time, make it fifty, teddy, And 50 00:02:44.120 --> 00:02:47.120 that's the story of my button, pursued the boy, ignoring 51 00:02:47.159 --> 00:02:51.039 with scorn this last remark. And did your father have 52 00:02:51.120 --> 00:02:54.560 only one button to his coat? The voice was a 53 00:02:54.560 --> 00:02:56.520 strange one, and the boys turned round to meet the 54 00:02:56.560 --> 00:03:00.479 curious gaze of a sturdy little damsel who had noticed 55 00:03:00.599 --> 00:03:03.680 joined the group. She was not dressed as an ordinary 56 00:03:03.759 --> 00:03:07.039 village child, but in a little rough serge sailor suit 57 00:03:07.479 --> 00:03:09.960 with a large hat to match, set well back on 58 00:03:10.000 --> 00:03:13.719 a quantity of loose dark hair. A rosy cheeked, square 59 00:03:13.759 --> 00:03:16.840 set little figure she was, and her brown eyes fringed 60 00:03:16.879 --> 00:03:19.960 with long black lashes. Looked straight at Teddy with something 61 00:03:20.000 --> 00:03:24.439 of defiance and scorn in their glance. Though at first 62 00:03:24.479 --> 00:03:29.039 a little taken aback, ready rose to the occasion. One button, 63 00:03:29.199 --> 00:03:31.840 he said, with emphasis, The coat was sent to mother 64 00:03:31.919 --> 00:03:35.840 with only one button left on. And if you here, 65 00:03:35.919 --> 00:03:38.800 he turned upon his questioner with a little fierceness, if 66 00:03:38.840 --> 00:03:41.319 you had been through such a bloody battle and killed 67 00:03:41.360 --> 00:03:43.680 so many men, you would have burst and lost all 68 00:03:43.719 --> 00:03:47.919 your buttons and not had one left, like father. There 69 00:03:48.000 --> 00:03:49.919 was a round of applause at this, but the small 70 00:03:49.960 --> 00:03:54.919 maiden remained undaunted. Is that a true story you told? 71 00:03:55.560 --> 00:03:59.400 She demanded, with severity in her tone. Of course, it's true, 72 00:03:59.680 --> 00:04:03.080 was the indignant shout of all. Then I tell you, boy, 73 00:04:03.199 --> 00:04:06.159 I don't believe a word of it, And with set 74 00:04:06.240 --> 00:04:08.800 determined lips, she turned on her heel and walked away, 75 00:04:09.199 --> 00:04:12.120 having sown seeds of anger and resentment in more than 76 00:04:12.120 --> 00:04:16.079 one boyish breast. Who is she asked Teddy, As tired 77 00:04:16.120 --> 00:04:18.720 and exhausted by his recital, he threw himself on the 78 00:04:18.720 --> 00:04:21.800 grass to rest. One of the bigger boys answered him, 79 00:04:23.000 --> 00:04:25.160 I seed her come yesterday in a cab from the 80 00:04:25.240 --> 00:04:28.399 town to Old sol at the turnpike, she and her mother, 81 00:04:28.439 --> 00:04:31.199 I reckon they had two carpet bags and a box, 82 00:04:31.240 --> 00:04:34.079 and a pole parrot in a cage. I counted them myself, 83 00:04:34.079 --> 00:04:36.279 for I was havin a ride behind. And the woman 84 00:04:36.439 --> 00:04:38.759 she called soul father, so the little un must be 85 00:04:38.800 --> 00:04:44.199 his granddaughter. Perhaps they've come from Merrikey suggested a small urchin, 86 00:04:44.720 --> 00:04:47.959 keeping around on his hands and feet. Poles alais come 87 00:04:48.000 --> 00:04:53.519 over the seas. You know she didn't believe me, murmured Teddy, 88 00:04:54.079 --> 00:04:58.439 chewing a wisp of grass. Meditatively, Gal's is no good. Never. 89 00:04:58.759 --> 00:05:00.639 If she'd been a boy, you would a fodder. But 90 00:05:00.680 --> 00:05:04.480 I shouldn't care for naught like her. Ted Teddy turned 91 00:05:04.519 --> 00:05:07.879 his face upward to the speaker. No, I couldn't have 92 00:05:07.920 --> 00:05:10.720 fought her, Sam, if she'd been a boy. I've promised 93 00:05:10.759 --> 00:05:13.000 my mother I won't fight again till she gives me leave. 94 00:05:13.399 --> 00:05:16.079 You see, I fought four boys in one week last time, 95 00:05:16.279 --> 00:05:18.519 and she says she won't have it. I don't see 96 00:05:18.560 --> 00:05:20.160 if it is right for soldiers to fight. Why it 97 00:05:20.199 --> 00:05:24.199 isn't right for boys. I don't think there are any 98 00:05:24.199 --> 00:05:27.240 fellows left for you to fight with, so you're pretty safe. Besides, 99 00:05:27.319 --> 00:05:29.360 it was only Tom Larkin who set them on to 100 00:05:29.399 --> 00:05:31.360 try and get your button from you, and he's gone 101 00:05:31.360 --> 00:05:35.439 off to another part of the country. Now. I think 102 00:05:35.560 --> 00:05:38.560 perhaps went on Teddy slowly as he turned over on 103 00:05:38.639 --> 00:05:40.639 his back and looked up at the clear blue sky 104 00:05:40.680 --> 00:05:43.920 above him. But I wasn't quite true about the bullets. 105 00:05:44.680 --> 00:05:47.480 I think it was six bullets and three sword cuts. 106 00:05:47.920 --> 00:05:49.839 I forget when I tell it how many it was. 107 00:05:50.600 --> 00:05:55.040 But she said she didn't believe a word. Five o'clock, 108 00:05:55.160 --> 00:05:58.120 struck by the old church clock close by, Teddy was 109 00:05:58.199 --> 00:06:00.240 upon his feet in an instant, and with a wild 110 00:06:00.279 --> 00:06:02.639 whoop and shout, he was scudding across the green, his 111 00:06:02.720 --> 00:06:05.279 curls flying in the wind, and his little feet hardly 112 00:06:05.279 --> 00:06:07.759 seeming to touch the ground. There was none in the 113 00:06:07.839 --> 00:06:10.800 village so quick footed as Teddy, and for daring feats 114 00:06:10.839 --> 00:06:14.439 and downright pluck, he held the foremost place. Perhaps this 115 00:06:14.519 --> 00:06:18.120 accounted for his popularity. Perhaps it was his marvelous aptitude 116 00:06:18.160 --> 00:06:21.480 for telling stories, many of them wild productions from his 117 00:06:21.560 --> 00:06:24.399 fertile brain. But certain it was that he was pet 118 00:06:24.439 --> 00:06:26.920 in the darling of the village, and none as yet 119 00:06:26.959 --> 00:06:31.160 had resisted his sway over the green, up a shady 120 00:06:31.240 --> 00:06:35.439 lane across two fields and then, breathless and panting, Teddy 121 00:06:35.439 --> 00:06:39.000 paused before an old fashioned farmhouse. He passed his hands 122 00:06:39.079 --> 00:06:41.839 lightly through his curls, pulled himself upward with a jerk, 123 00:06:42.000 --> 00:06:44.800 and then quietly and sedately opened a latched door and 124 00:06:45.000 --> 00:06:49.680 entered the long, low roofed kitchen. There was something very 125 00:06:49.720 --> 00:06:53.199 RESTful in the scene. A square, substantial table covered with 126 00:06:53.199 --> 00:06:55.439 a white cloth in the center, a large bowl of 127 00:06:55.560 --> 00:06:59.600 roses and honeysuckle, home made bread and golden butter, A 128 00:06:59.639 --> 00:07:01.920 glass dish of honey in its comb. A plate of 129 00:07:02.000 --> 00:07:05.680 fresh watercress, and a currant loaf completed the simple fare. 130 00:07:07.120 --> 00:07:10.120 Presiding at the tea tray was a stern, forbidding looking 131 00:07:10.199 --> 00:07:13.639 woman of sixty or more. Opposite her was seated her son, 132 00:07:14.040 --> 00:07:17.360 the master of the farm, a heavy faced, sleepy looking man, 133 00:07:17.879 --> 00:07:20.360 and at his side, facing the door, sat Teddy's mother, 134 00:07:22.040 --> 00:07:24.959 a sweet, gentle faced young woman. She was with the 135 00:07:25.000 --> 00:07:27.959 same deep blue eyes as her little son. She bore 136 00:07:28.000 --> 00:07:30.879 no resemblance to the elder woman, and looked as she 137 00:07:30.959 --> 00:07:35.319 indeed was superior to her surroundings. Two years ago, she 138 00:07:35.360 --> 00:07:37.199 had come with her child to make her home amongst 139 00:07:37.199 --> 00:07:39.959 her husband's people, and though at first her mother in law, 140 00:07:39.959 --> 00:07:43.399 Missus Platt, was inclined to look upon her contemptuously as 141 00:07:43.439 --> 00:07:47.000 a poor, delicate, useless creature. Time proved to her that 142 00:07:47.079 --> 00:07:50.480 for steady, quiet work, no one could eclipse her daughter 143 00:07:50.519 --> 00:07:54.480 in law. Young missus John, as she was called, was 144 00:07:54.519 --> 00:07:56.720 now her right hand, and the dairy work of the 145 00:07:56.800 --> 00:08:02.360 farm was made over entirely to her. Late again, you, 146 00:08:02.360 --> 00:08:05.240 young scamp, was the stern greeting of his grandmother as 147 00:08:05.240 --> 00:08:08.399 Teddy appeared on the scene. The boy looked at her 148 00:08:08.439 --> 00:08:10.319 with a twinkle in his eye, put his little hand 149 00:08:10.319 --> 00:08:13.800 to his forehead, and gave her a military salute. Sorry, 150 00:08:14.399 --> 00:08:16.120 was all he said, as he slipped into the chair 151 00:08:16.160 --> 00:08:19.720 that was waiting for him. What have you been doing, Sonny, 152 00:08:20.120 --> 00:08:22.399 asked the young mother, whose eyes had brightened at the 153 00:08:22.439 --> 00:08:26.959 sight of him telling father's story, replied Teddy with alacrity. 154 00:08:29.000 --> 00:08:32.240 A shadow came over his mother's face. Her lips took 155 00:08:32.279 --> 00:08:36.159 a distressed curve, but she said nothing, only occupied herself 156 00:08:36.159 --> 00:08:39.720 with attending to the child's wants. Your father was never 157 00:08:39.799 --> 00:08:44.559 late for his meals, the grandmother put in with asperity. Never, Grannie, 158 00:08:44.720 --> 00:08:47.279 not when he was a boy. I shall be always 159 00:08:47.320 --> 00:08:51.159 in time when I'm a soldier. Better begin now, then 160 00:08:51.440 --> 00:08:56.399 bad habits like weeds grow apace. Teddy had no answer 161 00:08:56.399 --> 00:08:59.039 for this. His mouth was full of bread and butter, 162 00:08:59.360 --> 00:09:02.360 and he did not speak to The meal was over, then, 163 00:09:02.519 --> 00:09:05.320 whilst tea was being taken away by the women, he 164 00:09:05.360 --> 00:09:07.919 turned to his uncle, who, pulling out a pipe from 165 00:09:07.960 --> 00:09:10.360 his pocket, sat down by the open door to smoke. 166 00:09:11.879 --> 00:09:15.840 Uncle jake A grunt was the only response, but that 167 00:09:15.919 --> 00:09:19.720 was sufficient. The two perfectly understood each other, and a 168 00:09:19.799 --> 00:09:24.120 minute after Teddy was perched on his knee. I'm wondering 169 00:09:24.159 --> 00:09:27.200 if I can't get an enemy, the boy proceeded, folding 170 00:09:27.200 --> 00:09:29.440 his small arms and looking up at his uncle steadily. 171 00:09:30.159 --> 00:09:32.480 All good people had enemies in the Bible, and I 172 00:09:32.519 --> 00:09:34.960 haven't one. I should like to have a good, right 173 00:09:35.080 --> 00:09:40.679 down enemy to fight, asked his uncle to carry on 174 00:09:40.799 --> 00:09:42.960 with You know, he would lay traps for me, and 175 00:09:43.039 --> 00:09:45.759 I would for him. Like David and Saul. We should 176 00:09:45.799 --> 00:09:48.120 have a fine time of it. And then perhaps if 177 00:09:48.120 --> 00:09:50.799 he did something dreadfully wrong, Mother would give me leave 178 00:09:50.840 --> 00:09:53.039 to fight him, just once in a way. Don't you 179 00:09:53.080 --> 00:09:57.399 think that would be nice? Fightin ain't the only grand 180 00:09:57.399 --> 00:10:00.879 thing in this world? Peace is grander? Was the slow 181 00:10:00.960 --> 00:10:05.080 response to this appeal. That's what mother says, she made 182 00:10:05.080 --> 00:10:08.840 me learn this morning. Blessed are the peacemakers. But you 183 00:10:08.960 --> 00:10:10.960 must have an enemy to make peace with, and I 184 00:10:11.039 --> 00:10:15.960 haven't got one. There was silence. The uncle puffed away 185 00:10:15.960 --> 00:10:18.519 at his pipe. He was a good man and had 186 00:10:18.519 --> 00:10:22.000 more brains than his appearance warranted, but Teddy's speeches were 187 00:10:22.000 --> 00:10:25.559 often a sore puzzle to him. The boy continued, in 188 00:10:25.600 --> 00:10:28.879 a slow, thoughtful tone. I saw some one to day 189 00:10:28.919 --> 00:10:31.559 that I feel might be an enemy. But she's a girl. 190 00:10:31.919 --> 00:10:36.440 Men don't fight with women. I'd rather tackle a man 191 00:10:36.480 --> 00:10:40.399 than a woman any day. They'd be a powerful enemy sometimes, lad. 192 00:10:40.600 --> 00:10:44.320 And what have this young maid done to you? She said, 193 00:10:44.919 --> 00:10:47.440 and Teddy's eyes grew bright, whilst the blood rushed into 194 00:10:47.440 --> 00:10:50.120 his cheeks. She said she didn't believe a word of 195 00:10:50.200 --> 00:10:52.879 father's story, not a word of it. And she laughed 196 00:10:53.039 --> 00:10:58.120 and walked away. That was coming it strong, And who 197 00:10:58.240 --> 00:11:02.600 is she to talk? So she's a stranger, Sam said, 198 00:11:02.679 --> 00:11:04.600 she's come to live with old soul at the turnpike. 199 00:11:06.200 --> 00:11:09.559 That must be Grace's child, said old missus Platt, coming 200 00:11:09.639 --> 00:11:12.960 up and joining in the conversation. I heard she was 201 00:11:13.000 --> 00:11:15.360 coming to stay with her father in the summer, and 202 00:11:15.480 --> 00:11:17.360 glad I am of it too. The old man is 203 00:11:17.440 --> 00:11:20.159 very lonely. I suppose her husband is at sea again. 204 00:11:22.519 --> 00:11:25.799 What is her husband? Inquired Teddy's mother. As with work 205 00:11:25.840 --> 00:11:27.720 in hand, she came out and took a seat in 206 00:11:27.799 --> 00:11:32.000 the old fashioned porch. A sailor. Grace was always a 207 00:11:32.080 --> 00:11:35.399 roving nature herself. She never would settle down and quiet 208 00:11:35.440 --> 00:11:38.200 and take a husband from these parts. She was made 209 00:11:38.240 --> 00:11:40.960 to our squire's lady then, and went to foreign parts 210 00:11:41.000 --> 00:11:44.159 with her. But folks say she's steadied down now. Wonderful 211 00:11:44.559 --> 00:11:47.120 they've been living at Portsmouth, she and her little girl. 212 00:11:48.440 --> 00:11:58.440 End of chapter one, Chapter two of Teddy's Button. This 213 00:11:58.720 --> 00:12:01.879 is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the 214 00:12:01.879 --> 00:12:06.080 public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit 215 00:12:06.159 --> 00:12:12.039 LibriVox dot org. Recording by Robert Harder. Teddy's Button by 216 00:12:12.039 --> 00:12:17.080 Amy le Fever. Chapter two, when Greek meets Greek, then 217 00:12:17.200 --> 00:12:22.960 comes the tug of war. Two little determined figures with flushed, 218 00:12:23.000 --> 00:12:26.679 resolute faces stood opposite one another on a narrow footbridge 219 00:12:26.720 --> 00:12:30.519 over a running stream. Neither could pass the other, but 220 00:12:30.639 --> 00:12:33.559 neither intended going back and the sturdy maiden in her 221 00:12:33.600 --> 00:12:36.440 sailor dress, with her small hands placed on her hips, 222 00:12:36.519 --> 00:12:39.679 appeared quite a match for Teddy, who, with his golden 223 00:12:39.720 --> 00:12:43.120 head well up, looked like a war horse scenting the battlefield. 224 00:12:44.399 --> 00:12:47.679 It was thus they met again, both employing their Saturday 225 00:12:47.720 --> 00:12:50.440 afternoon in roaming along the edge of a stream, they 226 00:12:50.440 --> 00:12:54.320 had suddenly come face to face with one another. You 227 00:12:54.360 --> 00:12:57.480 are to let me come over first, she asserted, very emphatically, 228 00:12:57.600 --> 00:13:02.120 because I'm a girl. Boys never go back a soldier's 229 00:13:02.120 --> 00:13:04.759 son never. I'm not going to turn my back before 230 00:13:04.799 --> 00:13:07.399 the enemy. I would disgrace my button if I did, 231 00:13:08.679 --> 00:13:12.399 that old button. The tone was that of utmost scorn. 232 00:13:13.639 --> 00:13:16.320 Teddy's cheeks grew rosy red at once, but he said nothing. 233 00:13:17.360 --> 00:13:20.279 I got to this bridge before you did, she continued. 234 00:13:21.679 --> 00:13:24.360 I began to cross it first, and you who are you? 235 00:13:24.799 --> 00:13:27.480 No one knows anything about you. I've been crossing this 236 00:13:27.559 --> 00:13:31.440 bridge for years. More reason you shouldn't cross it now. 237 00:13:31.840 --> 00:13:36.240 My name is Nancy Wright. That's who I am. A princess. 238 00:13:36.320 --> 00:13:39.080 Could not have revealed her name more royally, she added, 239 00:13:39.120 --> 00:13:42.240 after a pause, and I mean to come over first, 240 00:13:42.320 --> 00:13:46.639 so go back. Never, I never go back. Then I 241 00:13:46.679 --> 00:13:50.000 shall push you over in the water. Come on and try. 242 00:13:50.039 --> 00:13:54.279 Then then there was silence. Both the little people eyed 243 00:13:54.320 --> 00:13:57.840 each other defiantly, yet a little doubtfully, as if measuring 244 00:13:57.879 --> 00:14:00.679 one another's strength, and their faces grew eager at the 245 00:14:00.679 --> 00:14:05.360 coming contest. Boys always ought to give way to girls always, 246 00:14:05.799 --> 00:14:09.320 Nancy said, using her strongest plea, you're not a proper 247 00:14:09.320 --> 00:14:13.399 boy at all. You're not a proper girl. You're wearing 248 00:14:13.440 --> 00:14:17.120 a boy's hat and a boy's jacket. I'm a sailor's daughter, 249 00:14:17.279 --> 00:14:20.000 and everybody can see I am. You say you're a 250 00:14:20.039 --> 00:14:24.039 soldier's son, why don't you dress like one? Teddy felt 251 00:14:24.080 --> 00:14:26.240 he was getting the worst of it. He fingered his 252 00:14:26.320 --> 00:14:30.000 button proudly. I'm wearing something that has been in the 253 00:14:30.000 --> 00:14:32.519 thick of a bloody battle. That's more than you can do. 254 00:14:32.960 --> 00:14:36.919 Sailors don't know much of fighting. They know just as 255 00:14:36.960 --> 00:14:39.559 much as soldiers. And as to your old button, I 256 00:14:39.639 --> 00:14:41.799 believe you just picked up the old brass thing from 257 00:14:41.799 --> 00:14:45.639 the gutter. If you weren't a girl, i'd fight you, 258 00:14:45.960 --> 00:14:49.960 sputtered Teddy. Now with rising wrath. Pooh, I expect I 259 00:14:49.960 --> 00:14:52.080 could lick you. I don't believe you have half as 260 00:14:52.080 --> 00:14:55.120 big a muscle as I have on my arm. A 261 00:14:55.159 --> 00:14:58.840 girl half muscle, it's just a bit of fat. The 262 00:14:58.919 --> 00:15:01.720 tone of scorn proved too much for Nancy's self control. 263 00:15:02.279 --> 00:15:05.320 With a passionate exclamation, she made a quick rush across 264 00:15:05.360 --> 00:15:08.919 the plank. There was a struggle, and the result was 265 00:15:09.000 --> 00:15:12.720 what might have been expected, a great splash, a scream 266 00:15:12.759 --> 00:15:17.440 from Nancy, and both little figures were immersed in the stream. Happily, 267 00:15:17.480 --> 00:15:19.480 the water was not very deep, and after a few 268 00:15:19.480 --> 00:15:23.039 minutes scrambling they were on the dry ground, Considerably sobered 269 00:15:23.039 --> 00:15:26.679 by their immersion. Titty began to laugh a little shamefacedly, 270 00:15:26.960 --> 00:15:30.480 but Nancy was very near tears. I'll tell my mother, 271 00:15:30.559 --> 00:15:34.120 you nearly drowned me dead. If you're a sailor's daughter, 272 00:15:34.240 --> 00:15:36.639 you oughtn't to be afraid of the water. Sailors and 273 00:15:36.679 --> 00:15:40.240 fish are always in the sea. They're never in it, 274 00:15:40.480 --> 00:15:43.600 never well, they're on it as close as they can 275 00:15:43.679 --> 00:15:46.679 be to it. Why you're nearly crying, But you're only 276 00:15:46.720 --> 00:15:49.120 a girl, and a sailor's girl can't be very brave, 277 00:15:49.519 --> 00:15:53.440 not like a soldier's girl would be. Sailors are much 278 00:15:53.440 --> 00:15:57.480 braver than soldiers, said Nancy quickly, swallowing down her tears. 279 00:15:57.759 --> 00:15:59.679 And when they do fight, they are much more danger 280 00:15:59.720 --> 00:16:03.080 than the soldiers. Father said, how would soldiers like the 281 00:16:03.159 --> 00:16:05.559 earth to swallow them up just when they've been fighting 282 00:16:05.600 --> 00:16:08.440 hard and got the victory. That's what the sea does 283 00:16:08.480 --> 00:16:11.279 to the poor sailors. Their ship begins to sink, and 284 00:16:11.360 --> 00:16:13.840 they send up three cheers for Queen and country, and 285 00:16:13.840 --> 00:16:16.679 then stand on deck with folded arms, and go down, down, 286 00:16:16.799 --> 00:16:19.279 down to the bottom of the sea, and never make 287 00:16:19.320 --> 00:16:23.440 a cry. Nancy forgot her wet clothes in her eloquence, 288 00:16:23.799 --> 00:16:28.639 and Teddy stared wonderingly at her. Well, he said, as 289 00:16:28.639 --> 00:16:32.120 if considering the matter. They may be sometimes brave, but 290 00:16:32.159 --> 00:16:34.240 they don't fight like the soldiers, and they have no 291 00:16:34.360 --> 00:16:36.960 banners and red coats and band and they don't know 292 00:16:37.000 --> 00:16:40.879 how to march. A sailor walks anyhow. I saw him 293 00:16:40.919 --> 00:16:42.919 once and I thought he was tipsy, but he wasn't. 294 00:16:43.279 --> 00:16:48.360 A sailor walks like a goose. He waddles. You're the hardest, 295 00:16:48.480 --> 00:16:52.159 rudest boy I've ever seen, and with the utmost dignity. 296 00:16:52.240 --> 00:16:56.320 Nancy walked away, Teddy calling after her. You made a 297 00:16:56.360 --> 00:16:58.799 pretty good charge for a girl, but you couldn't get 298 00:16:58.799 --> 00:17:01.799 past me, and then, with one of his loud whoops, 299 00:17:02.320 --> 00:17:04.759 he raced home and hardly drew a breath till he 300 00:17:04.799 --> 00:17:10.000 reached the farmhouse door. His grandmother confronted him at once, you, 301 00:17:10.000 --> 00:17:12.799 young rascal, what have you been doing? You're never a 302 00:17:12.880 --> 00:17:15.240 day out of mischief. If I was your mother, I'd 303 00:17:15.279 --> 00:17:18.880 give you a good whipping, but she spoils you, and 304 00:17:19.039 --> 00:17:22.880 you do too, Grannie. Teddy's laughing blue eyes as he 305 00:17:23.000 --> 00:17:26.079 raised them to the grim face before him, conquered as 306 00:17:26.119 --> 00:17:29.400 they generally did. There, go to your mother. She's in 307 00:17:29.480 --> 00:17:33.119 the dairy. I wash my hands of you. But Teddy 308 00:17:33.160 --> 00:17:35.039 crept up to his little room to change his wet 309 00:17:35.119 --> 00:17:37.960 clothes before he met his mother, and then was very 310 00:17:38.000 --> 00:17:41.559 silent about his adventure, merely saying by way of explanation 311 00:17:42.039 --> 00:17:44.799 that he had fallen into the brook. But at tea 312 00:17:44.920 --> 00:17:48.599 a short time after, he suddenly said, if you put 313 00:17:48.599 --> 00:17:50.759 a sailor and a soldier together, which would you choose? 314 00:17:50.839 --> 00:17:55.519 Uncle Jake, eh my laddie, Well, they're both good and 315 00:17:55.599 --> 00:18:00.200 their way. I couldn't say, I'm sure, mother. Would you 316 00:18:00.240 --> 00:18:04.039 say the soldier was the bravest? Perhaps I might, Sonny, 317 00:18:04.079 --> 00:18:08.279 But a sailor can be quite as brave. Teddy's face fell. 318 00:18:09.440 --> 00:18:11.960 I never thought a sailor could fight at all, he said, 319 00:18:12.079 --> 00:18:14.839 in a disappointed tone. I thought they just took care 320 00:18:14.839 --> 00:18:16.880 of our ships and now and then fired a big 321 00:18:16.920 --> 00:18:20.880 gun off. Who's been bringing up the sailors to you, 322 00:18:21.000 --> 00:18:24.440 asked his grandmother. That little girl I told you of, 323 00:18:24.640 --> 00:18:29.200 Nancy is her name? Where have you seen her? Down 324 00:18:29.240 --> 00:18:31.839 by the brook? We fell into the water together because 325 00:18:31.839 --> 00:18:35.799 we both wanted to cross at once. But my boy, 326 00:18:35.880 --> 00:18:37.960 that was naughty for you not to give place to her. 327 00:18:38.559 --> 00:18:42.039 Missus John spoke reprovingly. I know it was mother, but 328 00:18:42.079 --> 00:18:44.400 I wasn't going to turn back. That would be running 329 00:18:44.400 --> 00:18:46.960 away from the enemy. You see, we met in the middle. 330 00:18:47.319 --> 00:18:49.960 She's not all a nice girl. She's so proud and 331 00:18:50.000 --> 00:18:53.400 stuck up about the sailors, as proud as you are 332 00:18:53.400 --> 00:18:56.119 of the Red coats. I guess, old, Missus Platt said, 333 00:18:57.200 --> 00:19:00.640 to sailors and soldiers like each other, questioned Teddy, ignoring 334 00:19:00.680 --> 00:19:05.160 the thrust. I'm sure I don't know, his mother answered, smiling. 335 00:19:05.680 --> 00:19:08.160 I've never seen them together that I remember, but I 336 00:19:08.200 --> 00:19:10.920 should think they did. They both fight for their queen 337 00:19:10.960 --> 00:19:15.000 and country well, I'm a soldier's son, and I don't 338 00:19:15.039 --> 00:19:17.920 like a sailor's daughter. I know that. I think she 339 00:19:18.039 --> 00:19:21.319 is a kind of enemy. Oh, hush, Sonny, you must 340 00:19:21.359 --> 00:19:25.680 have no enemies. It is wrong to talk. So that's 341 00:19:25.720 --> 00:19:27.720 what he was a saying to me the other day. 342 00:19:28.200 --> 00:19:33.160 Put in his uncle. Slowly, he says he wants one. Yes, 343 00:19:33.240 --> 00:19:36.000 I do. And Teddy gave a fervent nod as he spoke. 344 00:19:36.160 --> 00:19:38.559 And mother, I believe most good people have enemies, so 345 00:19:38.640 --> 00:19:42.279 it must be right to have one. They never make 346 00:19:42.319 --> 00:19:47.400 one as you're trying to do. Teddy looked puzzled. Well, 347 00:19:47.519 --> 00:19:50.240 he said, presently. I expect it because she's a stranger. 348 00:19:50.599 --> 00:19:53.359 She doesn't belong to our village. I don't like strangers. 349 00:19:54.839 --> 00:19:56.880 She's no more a stranger than you were when you 350 00:19:56.960 --> 00:19:59.519 first came here, his mother said. And the fact of 351 00:19:59.599 --> 00:20:02.000 for being a stranger ought to make you kind to her. 352 00:20:03.759 --> 00:20:06.440 I'm thinking of calling on her. Mother, Old missus Platt said, 353 00:20:06.759 --> 00:20:09.240 looking at her little grandson with her keen gray eyes. 354 00:20:09.640 --> 00:20:11.559 Shall I take you with me to see the little girl. 355 00:20:12.960 --> 00:20:15.559 I've seen her enough, Grannie, Please, I think i'd rather not. 356 00:20:17.440 --> 00:20:20.519 The subject was dropped, but Teddy's thoughts were busy. He 357 00:20:20.680 --> 00:20:23.240 ran down to the village Green after tea, and there 358 00:20:23.319 --> 00:20:25.640 met one or two of his special chums, to whom 359 00:20:25.680 --> 00:20:29.720 he confided the events of the afternoon. They highly applauded 360 00:20:29.720 --> 00:20:32.039 the scene at the bridge, but Teddy shook his curly 361 00:20:32.079 --> 00:20:35.920 head a little doubtfully. Men ought always to give way 362 00:20:35.960 --> 00:20:38.759 to women. I've heard mother say. But I couldn't turn back. 363 00:20:38.799 --> 00:20:42.559 You see, it would have disgraced my button. Tell you what, 364 00:20:43.119 --> 00:20:46.920 cried Harry Brown, commonly known as Carrots from his fiery hair. 365 00:20:47.279 --> 00:20:48.759 You could have done what the goats did in the 366 00:20:48.799 --> 00:20:51.400 primer at school. You ought to have laid flat down 367 00:20:51.440 --> 00:20:55.680 and let her walk across you. She would have hurt dreadful, 368 00:20:55.880 --> 00:20:59.960 Teddy observed thoughtfully. Besides, she's so proud. I don't think 369 00:21:00.039 --> 00:21:03.279 I would have liked to do that. No, put in 370 00:21:03.359 --> 00:21:06.759 Sam Waters, you did fine. I say, let's come up 371 00:21:06.759 --> 00:21:09.400 to the turnpike. See if she's about there. I'll give 372 00:21:09.400 --> 00:21:12.880 her a word if she begins to sauce me. Teddy 373 00:21:12.920 --> 00:21:15.359 agreed to this, and the trio trotted off along a flat, 374 00:21:15.440 --> 00:21:19.079 dusty road, Teddy beguiling the way by some of his 375 00:21:19.200 --> 00:21:21.880 wonderful stories till they came in sight of the low 376 00:21:21.960 --> 00:21:26.519 thatched cottage covered with roses that guarded the turnpike. They 377 00:21:26.559 --> 00:21:28.920 soon saw the young damsel, for she was swinging on 378 00:21:29.000 --> 00:21:31.759 the gate, her dark hair flying in the wind, and 379 00:21:31.839 --> 00:21:35.000 her eyes and cheeks bright with the exercise. She looked 380 00:21:35.000 --> 00:21:39.240 at the boys, then laughed, poor little button boy, She said, 381 00:21:39.599 --> 00:21:41.839 you have to be taken care of by two bigger ones. 382 00:21:43.200 --> 00:21:46.200 We've come to see you, said Sam valiantly, because we 383 00:21:46.279 --> 00:21:48.559 ain't goin to stand any cheek from you, so you'd 384 00:21:48.559 --> 00:21:53.160 better look out. Nancy stopped swinging and resting her fat 385 00:21:53.200 --> 00:21:56.759 little elbows on the topmost bar, asked saucily. Did the 386 00:21:56.759 --> 00:21:58.799 button boy tell you to come and help him fight me? 387 00:21:59.319 --> 00:22:03.079 Are you all three going to try? We don't fight girls, 388 00:22:03.119 --> 00:22:07.559 said Teddy. You pushed them into the water. I didn't. 389 00:22:08.400 --> 00:22:10.599 I told mother about it. She thought you was a 390 00:22:10.720 --> 00:22:12.920 very rude boy. Not to wait till I crossed over. 391 00:22:14.400 --> 00:22:18.720 There was silence, then Carrots started forward. Look here, you'll 392 00:22:18.759 --> 00:22:20.839 have to learn your manners. We won't have a strange 393 00:22:20.880 --> 00:22:23.799 girl like you stick yourself up. So we've come to 394 00:22:23.799 --> 00:22:25.680 tell you to look out for yourself. If you don't 395 00:22:25.720 --> 00:22:30.079 stop it. Nancy laughed again and swung herself violently backward 396 00:22:30.119 --> 00:22:33.799 and forward. Yo Ho, my lads, Yo ho, She sang, 397 00:22:34.200 --> 00:22:36.359 I'm on a ship, and I don't care for boys 398 00:22:36.400 --> 00:22:38.880 a bit. They're all as stupid as they can be. 399 00:22:39.440 --> 00:22:44.720 Yo Ho, we go yo ho, lads, heave ho. Her 400 00:22:44.759 --> 00:22:48.880 elevated position certainly seemed to give her an advantage. We'll 401 00:22:48.960 --> 00:22:52.680 soon shake you off, there, shouted Sam, his wrath rising 402 00:22:52.759 --> 00:22:56.799 at her calm indifference to the lords of creation. Come 403 00:22:56.839 --> 00:22:59.200 on and try. I'm up the rigging, and a storm 404 00:22:59.319 --> 00:23:03.599 is beginning. Hurry, come on. Sam and Carrots made a 405 00:23:03.640 --> 00:23:06.960 furious onslaught, and the gate was roughly handled. But the 406 00:23:07.000 --> 00:23:09.680 more it shook and swung, the more derisive was Nancy's 407 00:23:09.759 --> 00:23:12.319 laughter as she clutched a firm hold with her small 408 00:23:12.359 --> 00:23:16.000 hands and swayed to and fro calling out excitedly, furl 409 00:23:16.039 --> 00:23:20.480 the mainsail. Stand by, lads, steady starboard hard, put your 410 00:23:20.559 --> 00:23:25.519 helm rocks to leeward reef the topsail breakers ahead. Yo ho. 411 00:23:27.519 --> 00:23:30.599 Teddy looked on, awed by these nautical terms, which seemed 412 00:23:30.599 --> 00:23:33.319 to slip so easily from her lips. To him, they 413 00:23:33.319 --> 00:23:36.039 seemed wonderfully clever, but he was not one to stand 414 00:23:36.039 --> 00:23:38.519 aside long in a scene of excitement, and with one 415 00:23:38.519 --> 00:23:42.519 of his wild war whoops, he rushed forward on boy's charge. 416 00:23:42.599 --> 00:23:47.000 Hurrah gate rocked violently, and Nancy began to feel her 417 00:23:47.039 --> 00:23:50.200 position was a perilous one. All the little people were 418 00:23:50.200 --> 00:23:52.960 screaming at the tops of their voices, when suddenly, in 419 00:23:52.960 --> 00:23:56.720 the midst of the din appeared Old Soul. What now, 420 00:23:57.440 --> 00:23:59.559 who are these trying to break one of her Majesty's 421 00:23:59.559 --> 00:24:03.640 gates down? Be off you young ruffians, Teddy Platt, you're 422 00:24:03.680 --> 00:24:06.039 at the bottom of all the mischief brewin in the parish. 423 00:24:06.359 --> 00:24:08.160 I'll get my big stick out and give you a 424 00:24:08.200 --> 00:24:12.799 thrashing before I've done with you. Old Saul's words were fierce, 425 00:24:12.839 --> 00:24:14.799 but the boys knew he had the softest heart in 426 00:24:14.839 --> 00:24:19.119 the village. They stood their ground. It's all the button boy, 427 00:24:19.200 --> 00:24:22.039 said Nancy eagerly, as she descended from her perch and 428 00:24:22.160 --> 00:24:24.799 laid her little hand confidingly on the old man's arms. 429 00:24:25.279 --> 00:24:27.319 He brought these boys up to fight me, but I 430 00:24:27.440 --> 00:24:29.440 was up the mast and they couldn't shake me off. 431 00:24:30.720 --> 00:24:33.880 We told you we wouldn't fight, a girl, protested Teddy indignantly. 432 00:24:34.079 --> 00:24:37.839 You don't speak the truth. Well, what did you bring 433 00:24:37.880 --> 00:24:41.960 the boys for demanded the small maiden severely. We came 434 00:24:42.240 --> 00:24:44.200 put in Sam boldly to tell you that if you 435 00:24:44.279 --> 00:24:47.279 were so cheeky you would soon get into trouble. We 436 00:24:47.319 --> 00:24:51.319 ain't going to stand sauce from you. What has the 437 00:24:51.319 --> 00:24:56.279 little lass been doing? You young scoundrels. They're only boys, grandfather. 438 00:24:56.519 --> 00:24:58.640 Let us come in to mother and leave them. They're 439 00:24:58.680 --> 00:25:01.039 the rudest boys I've ever seen, and the button boys 440 00:25:01.119 --> 00:25:04.680 the worst. And his button isn't worth a farthing. There 441 00:25:04.759 --> 00:25:07.880 was a yell from all three boys at this. That's it, 442 00:25:08.119 --> 00:25:11.400 cried Carrots excitedly. It's the button she's so cheeky about. 443 00:25:11.640 --> 00:25:13.759 We ain't going to have Teddy's button laughed at. We 444 00:25:13.799 --> 00:25:18.599 won't stand at, Saul, we won't. It shows she don't 445 00:25:18.640 --> 00:25:21.519 know nothing, or she wouldn't talk. So she's just a baby, 446 00:25:21.559 --> 00:25:25.680 that's what she is. Why she doesn't believe father's story 447 00:25:25.720 --> 00:25:29.559 is true. Saul. You know it is, don't you. She 448 00:25:29.640 --> 00:25:33.680 isn't as old as the button herself. Ha ha. She 449 00:25:33.880 --> 00:25:36.279 wasn't born when it was in battle. Much she knows 450 00:25:36.319 --> 00:25:41.079 about it. Saul had difficulty in quieting the indignant voices. 451 00:25:42.680 --> 00:25:45.920 Lookye here, you boys go home, leave my little lass 452 00:25:45.960 --> 00:25:49.319 to me. She knows nothing about the button. I'll tell 453 00:25:49.319 --> 00:25:51.880 her the story and then she won't laugh at it anymore. 454 00:25:52.759 --> 00:25:55.799 I I remember seeing your father, youngster. He was a 455 00:25:55.839 --> 00:25:58.240 brave man, he was, but he would never have made 456 00:25:58.319 --> 00:26:01.559 war against little maids like this. Shame on you, get 457 00:26:01.599 --> 00:26:03.759 you home, Get you gone, I say, or I'll bring 458 00:26:03.839 --> 00:26:08.279 my stick out. She's been told the story. She listened, 459 00:26:08.319 --> 00:26:12.000 and she laughed. She ought to say she's sorry. Teddy 460 00:26:12.039 --> 00:26:14.200 stood with his legs wide apart and his hands in 461 00:26:14.279 --> 00:26:18.240 his pockets. His tone was severe. I'll never, never, never 462 00:26:18.319 --> 00:26:20.839 say I'm sorry. I'm glad of what I said. I 463 00:26:20.880 --> 00:26:24.359 don't believe a word of it. And with this parting shot, 464 00:26:24.440 --> 00:26:27.079 Nancy ran into the cottage, and the boys returned to 465 00:26:27.119 --> 00:26:32.440 the village more slowly than they came. Mother said Teddy 466 00:26:32.480 --> 00:26:34.720 that night, as his mother bent down for a good 467 00:26:34.839 --> 00:26:37.920 night kiss, I haven't been good to day, and I 468 00:26:37.960 --> 00:26:41.519 don't feel good now. I feel when I think it over, 469 00:26:41.880 --> 00:26:48.160 so angry inside. What is it about sonny father's button? 470 00:26:49.240 --> 00:26:52.759 The tone was drowsy, and seeing his eyelids droop heavily, 471 00:26:53.160 --> 00:26:56.400 missus John said no more, only breathed a prayer that 472 00:26:56.480 --> 00:26:59.200 her little son might fight as bravely for Christ's honor 473 00:26:59.640 --> 00:27:04.440 as he'd did for that of his father's button. End 474 00:27:04.559 --> 00:27:14.119 of chapter two, Chapter three of Teddy's Button. This is 475 00:27:14.160 --> 00:27:18.039 a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. 476 00:27:18.960 --> 00:27:23.519 For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org. 477 00:27:24.400 --> 00:27:31.440 Recording by Robert Harder. Teddy's Button by Amy Lefever, Chapter three, 478 00:27:32.200 --> 00:27:36.839 a recruiting sergeant. It was Sunday morning along a sweet 479 00:27:36.839 --> 00:27:40.559 scented lane, with shady limes overhead, and honeysuckle and wild 480 00:27:40.640 --> 00:27:43.759 roses growing in profusion on the hedges. At each side 481 00:27:44.160 --> 00:27:47.359 walked Teddy's mother, holding her little son tightly by the hand. 482 00:27:48.359 --> 00:27:50.519 The bells of the village church were ringing out for 483 00:27:50.599 --> 00:27:53.319 the service, and groups of two and three were passing 484 00:27:53.359 --> 00:27:56.920 in at the old lich gate. Missus John was talking 485 00:27:56.960 --> 00:27:59.400 in her sweet, clear voice to her boy, and he 486 00:27:59.680 --> 00:28:03.400 letting his restless blue eyes rove to and fro, noting 487 00:28:03.440 --> 00:28:06.119 every bird on the hedges and every flower in the path, 488 00:28:06.640 --> 00:28:09.000 kept bringing them back to his mother's face with a 489 00:28:09.079 --> 00:28:12.920 dreamy upward gaze. I will try, mother, I really will. 490 00:28:13.319 --> 00:28:15.400 I will keep my hands tight in my pockets and 491 00:28:15.480 --> 00:28:18.359 my feet close together. I will pretend I'm going to 492 00:28:18.440 --> 00:28:20.799 be shot by a file of soldiers, and then I 493 00:28:20.880 --> 00:28:23.480 really think that will help me not to fidget. I 494 00:28:23.559 --> 00:28:27.519 promise you I'll be good to day. And having received 495 00:28:27.759 --> 00:28:31.160 this protestation from him, Missus John passed into church with 496 00:28:31.200 --> 00:28:35.200 a relieved mind. Teddy's restless little body was a sore 497 00:28:35.279 --> 00:28:37.559 trial to any one who sat next to him in church, 498 00:28:38.079 --> 00:28:40.200 and many were the lectures that had been bestowed on 499 00:28:40.279 --> 00:28:43.640 him by Sunday school teacher and pastor, besides the gentle 500 00:28:43.680 --> 00:28:48.160 admonitions of his mother. As Teddy quietly perched himself on 501 00:28:48.240 --> 00:28:52.079 the seat by his mother, he murmured to himself, twenty 502 00:28:52.119 --> 00:28:55.920 soldiers in front of me, twenty rifles pointing. I shall 503 00:28:55.960 --> 00:28:58.880 stand like a rock. I'll set my teeth and I 504 00:28:58.880 --> 00:29:02.680 shan't even blink my eyes. Now I see the officer coming. 505 00:29:02.960 --> 00:29:06.359 He's going to say, pri usen't I'm not moving a 506 00:29:06.440 --> 00:29:11.000 muscle five minutes more. They'll give me his active brain 507 00:29:11.079 --> 00:29:15.200 here received a check. There on the opposite side facing 508 00:29:15.279 --> 00:29:19.200 him was Nancy, seated between her mother and old soul. 509 00:29:20.359 --> 00:29:22.720 She was still in her sailor suit and with her dark, 510 00:29:22.839 --> 00:29:26.319 mischievous brown eyes fixed steadily on him. Teddy could not 511 00:29:26.359 --> 00:29:30.680 remain unmoved beneath her gaze for long. His little hands 512 00:29:30.680 --> 00:29:33.640 were working nervously in his coat pockets. Why did she 513 00:29:33.720 --> 00:29:37.519 stare at him so well? He could stare back? And 514 00:29:37.559 --> 00:29:40.720 then blue eyes and brown confronted each other for some moments, 515 00:29:41.000 --> 00:29:45.559 with unblinking defiance in their gaze. At last, Teddy's patience 516 00:29:45.559 --> 00:29:48.200 gave way, and, twisting up his little features into a 517 00:29:48.200 --> 00:29:51.319 most grotesque grimace, he mounted a hassock to give her 518 00:29:51.319 --> 00:29:56.119 the full benefit of it. Instantly, out came a little 519 00:29:56.119 --> 00:29:59.119 red tongue at him, And at this daring piece of audacity, 520 00:29:59.359 --> 00:30:04.400 he gasped loud, I hate you. Then, as all eyes 521 00:30:04.440 --> 00:30:07.240 in the surrounding pews were turned upon him, and his 522 00:30:07.279 --> 00:30:11.119 mother's shocked gaze met his, Teddy crimsoned to the roots 523 00:30:11.119 --> 00:30:13.640 of his hair, and taking up a large prayer book, 524 00:30:13.839 --> 00:30:16.400 he used it as a shield from his small antagonist 525 00:30:16.759 --> 00:30:20.559 during the remainder of the service. As the congregation were 526 00:30:20.640 --> 00:30:23.240 leaving the church, later on, the rector made his way 527 00:30:23.279 --> 00:30:26.440 to young missus Platt, who was lingering talking to a neighbor. 528 00:30:27.200 --> 00:30:29.640 He was a gray haired, gentle faced man with a slow, 529 00:30:29.720 --> 00:30:34.319 dreamy manner in speaking, Missus John, what has happened to 530 00:30:34.319 --> 00:30:38.839 make your little boy so forget himself this morning? Indeed, Sir, 531 00:30:38.880 --> 00:30:41.319 I cannot say I really thought he was going to 532 00:30:41.359 --> 00:30:44.680 be good today. I think he had better come to 533 00:30:44.759 --> 00:30:47.359 tea with me this afternoon. We will have a little 534 00:30:47.400 --> 00:30:52.279 talk together. Teddy looked up with awe in his blue eyes. 535 00:30:52.960 --> 00:30:55.640 He well knew that this was the rector's usual practice 536 00:30:55.759 --> 00:30:58.799 when any delinquent was brought before his notice, but it 537 00:30:58.839 --> 00:31:01.480 had never yet fallen to his lot to receive the invitation. 538 00:31:02.720 --> 00:31:05.119 Mister Upton had his own way of doing things, so 539 00:31:05.240 --> 00:31:08.079 people said, and he had greater faith in reasoning with 540 00:31:08.160 --> 00:31:11.400 any culprits than scolding them, whether they were grown men 541 00:31:11.799 --> 00:31:15.759 or women or children. Teddy's restless ways and church had 542 00:31:15.759 --> 00:31:17.920 been a trial for him for a long time, and 543 00:31:17.960 --> 00:31:20.359 he felt that this morning's action must receive a check. 544 00:31:21.640 --> 00:31:24.319 Thank you, Sir, responded Missus John. He shall come to 545 00:31:24.359 --> 00:31:29.559 you after school is over this afternoon, and Teddy, completely sobered, 546 00:31:30.119 --> 00:31:34.440 walked home beside his mother without uttering a word. At 547 00:31:34.480 --> 00:31:37.200 half past four, he stood on the rectory doorsteps, looking 548 00:31:37.240 --> 00:31:39.880 into the cool, broad hall in front of him, which 549 00:31:40.000 --> 00:31:42.160 led out of a glass door at the opposite end 550 00:31:42.480 --> 00:31:47.440 into a brilliant flower garden. Spotless white druggeting covered the 551 00:31:47.480 --> 00:31:51.319 floor and stairs and everything indoors, denoted a careful housekeeper. 552 00:31:52.279 --> 00:31:54.839 Mister Upton was a widower and was to a great 553 00:31:54.880 --> 00:31:59.799 extent ruled by two or three old, faithful servants. As 554 00:31:59.799 --> 00:32:02.279 the boy stood there, the rector appeared and led him 555 00:32:02.279 --> 00:32:06.039 into the study. We shall have half an hour before 556 00:32:06.079 --> 00:32:09.279 tea to have a little conversation. My boy, sit down 557 00:32:09.440 --> 00:32:11.480 and tell me what you have been learning at Sunday school. 558 00:32:11.480 --> 00:32:15.839 This afternoon teacher was telling us about the children of 559 00:32:15.920 --> 00:32:19.119 Israel in Egypt. I'm afraid I don't remember very much 560 00:32:19.119 --> 00:32:22.240 what he said, for I was busy thinking about coming 561 00:32:22.279 --> 00:32:26.319 to see you. Mister Upton smiled and drew the child 562 00:32:26.359 --> 00:32:29.079 on to talk. Then, after he was thoroughly at ease, 563 00:32:29.119 --> 00:32:32.480 he put a large bible in front of him. I 564 00:32:32.559 --> 00:32:34.799 want you to read me a verse in the first 565 00:32:34.839 --> 00:32:38.400 Epistle of Saint John, in the third chapter. It is 566 00:32:38.480 --> 00:32:43.160 the fifteenth verse. Can you find it? Yes, sir, And 567 00:32:43.200 --> 00:32:47.480 with an eager importance, Teddy turned over the leaves. Whosoever 568 00:32:47.559 --> 00:32:52.480 hateth his brother is a murderer. He read solemnly that 569 00:32:52.599 --> 00:32:56.440 will do. Now think it over for five minutes in silence, 570 00:32:56.920 --> 00:32:59.839 then tell me what your thoughts are about it. The 571 00:33:00.039 --> 00:33:03.079 boy hung his head in shame. He folded his arms 572 00:33:03.079 --> 00:33:06.240 and sat immovable till the five minutes were over. Then 573 00:33:06.279 --> 00:33:09.720 he said, timidly, I wouldn't hate a brother. I'd like 574 00:33:09.799 --> 00:33:12.359 to have one. Do you think it means the same 575 00:33:12.400 --> 00:33:17.319 when it's a girl, precisely the same a brother means 576 00:33:17.319 --> 00:33:21.920 any person in the world, man, woman or child. Then 577 00:33:22.119 --> 00:33:25.759 I ought to be hung. There was much self pity 578 00:33:25.799 --> 00:33:29.920 in Teddy's tone. Mister Upton did not smile. He was 579 00:33:29.920 --> 00:33:34.240 gazing abstractedly out of the window, and said, slowly, the 580 00:33:34.359 --> 00:33:38.880 root of murder is anger. The same motive that prompts 581 00:33:38.880 --> 00:33:42.799 a passionate statement prompts a passionate and perhaps fatal blow. 582 00:33:44.480 --> 00:33:47.359 There was silence. Then, in a more cheerful tone, the 583 00:33:47.400 --> 00:33:51.400 rector turned to the little culprit, and now tell me 584 00:33:51.480 --> 00:33:54.359 the whole story and who it was that you spoke 585 00:33:54.440 --> 00:33:59.599 to in church. Teddy was perfectly ready with his defense, 586 00:34:00.039 --> 00:34:02.559 and he poured into his listener's ear such a voluble 587 00:34:02.599 --> 00:34:04.960 story that the rector was quite bewildered when it came 588 00:34:05.000 --> 00:34:08.880 to an end. It's father's button I care about, added 589 00:34:08.880 --> 00:34:12.280 the boy, fingering his beloved object proudly. And she didn't 590 00:34:12.280 --> 00:34:14.480 believe me a bit, and she put out her tongue 591 00:34:14.519 --> 00:34:19.000 as long as ever she could tell me the story 592 00:34:19.039 --> 00:34:23.719 of the button. I have heard, but have forgotten the details. 593 00:34:24.800 --> 00:34:28.400 Teddy's eyes sparkled and his little head was raised erect again. 594 00:34:29.360 --> 00:34:31.280 Slipping off his chair, he stood in front of the 595 00:34:31.320 --> 00:34:34.559 Rector and told the oft repeated tale with dramatic force 596 00:34:34.599 --> 00:34:38.719 and effect. Mister Upton listened with interest, but before he 597 00:34:38.760 --> 00:34:41.760 could offer any comment on it, tea was announced, and 598 00:34:41.800 --> 00:34:44.119 taking the child by the hand, he marched into the 599 00:34:44.159 --> 00:34:49.039 dining room. Hot tea cakes, strawberry jam and plumb cake 600 00:34:49.559 --> 00:34:53.159 kept our little friend fully occupied for some time. He 601 00:34:53.239 --> 00:34:55.719 wondered if all the naughty boys interviewed by the Rector 602 00:34:55.920 --> 00:34:58.280 had been treated to the same fare, and he began 603 00:34:58.320 --> 00:35:01.039 to think an invitation to Sunday tea at the Rectory 604 00:35:01.400 --> 00:35:06.519 highly desirable. And now, said mister Upton, toward the end 605 00:35:06.559 --> 00:35:09.960 of the meal, I want some more talk with you. 606 00:35:09.960 --> 00:35:13.320 Your father was a brave soldier. He died in saving 607 00:35:13.360 --> 00:35:16.239 the colors. You want to grow up like him, do 608 00:35:16.280 --> 00:35:20.960 you not? Yes, sir, indeed I do. There is a 609 00:35:21.000 --> 00:35:24.039 little verse in God's Word that describes our lord's banner 610 00:35:24.199 --> 00:35:28.400 his colors. Will you say it after me? His banner 611 00:35:28.519 --> 00:35:33.440 over me was love. Teddy repeated the verse slowly and 612 00:35:33.480 --> 00:35:38.519 with interest. It's a wonderful banner, pursued mister Upton thoughtfully. 613 00:35:39.119 --> 00:35:42.679 The enemy confronted with it on every side in the 614 00:35:42.719 --> 00:35:45.599 thick of the fight, we can but hoist our colors 615 00:35:46.360 --> 00:35:49.559 love God's love to man. When man is fighting from 616 00:35:49.599 --> 00:35:53.280 his infancy against his maker, what host would not march 617 00:35:53.360 --> 00:35:56.039 to meet the foe with such a banner? Died red 618 00:35:56.119 --> 00:35:58.559 with the life blood of their captain, the son of God, 619 00:35:59.000 --> 00:36:03.280 the savior of the world. Teddy drew a long breath, 620 00:36:03.679 --> 00:36:07.840 and when the rector paused, he cried enthusiastically, Please go on, sir, 621 00:36:07.920 --> 00:36:10.119 I like to hear it. Will God let me hold 622 00:36:10.159 --> 00:36:13.559 up the banner for him? If you have enlisted in 623 00:36:13.599 --> 00:36:17.840 his service? Are you one of his soldiers? I don't know. 624 00:36:19.519 --> 00:36:22.159 God always wants each of us to present ourselves to 625 00:36:22.280 --> 00:36:25.480 him if we want to enlist in his army. Have 626 00:36:25.599 --> 00:36:28.119 you done that? There must come a time in our 627 00:36:28.159 --> 00:36:31.639 lives when we yield ourselves wholly and unreservedly to the 628 00:36:31.679 --> 00:36:35.239 one who is our rightful owner. Why, my boy, do 629 00:36:35.280 --> 00:36:37.960 you believe that Jesus died upon the cross to save you? 630 00:36:38.519 --> 00:36:42.079 Did he bear your sins for you? There? Yes, said Teddy, 631 00:36:42.400 --> 00:36:45.199 fixing his blue eyes earnestly on the rector. I really 632 00:36:45.239 --> 00:36:49.480 believe he did, for Mother has often explained it to me. Then, 633 00:36:49.519 --> 00:36:52.599 how dare you stand aloof from his army? How is 634 00:36:52.599 --> 00:36:55.599 it that you have never enlisted? Are you marching along 635 00:36:55.679 --> 00:36:59.679 in the enemy's ranks? Teddy's small hands were clenched in 636 00:36:59.719 --> 00:37:02.920 his eyes lit up with a great resolve. I'll enlist 637 00:37:02.960 --> 00:37:05.639 at once, sir, I'll be one of God's soldiers. Now 638 00:37:06.800 --> 00:37:10.440 how are you going to do it? I don't know. 639 00:37:11.440 --> 00:37:16.280 Tell me please? There was silence. Mister Upton met the 640 00:37:16.360 --> 00:37:19.800 child's earnest upward gaze with awe as he realized how 641 00:37:19.880 --> 00:37:23.239 much hung on his words. He had a firm belief 642 00:37:23.320 --> 00:37:26.199 in children being able to lead a consistent Christian life. 643 00:37:26.840 --> 00:37:29.400 He knew the Master would accept a child's heart and 644 00:37:29.480 --> 00:37:31.960 guide and keep the frail and helpless steps on the 645 00:37:32.000 --> 00:37:35.519 way heavenward, And with a swift prayer for guidance, he spoke, 646 00:37:37.280 --> 00:37:40.000 you must tell God about it yourself, and don't be 647 00:37:40.079 --> 00:37:44.159 in a hurry. Kneel down quietly by yourself somewhere, and 648 00:37:44.280 --> 00:37:46.920 first of all, ask that the Holy Spirit may guide you, 649 00:37:47.639 --> 00:37:50.559 that your sins may be blotted out and your name 650 00:37:50.559 --> 00:37:53.199 written in the book of life for the sake of 651 00:37:53.280 --> 00:37:56.880 Jesus who died for you. Then tell God you want 652 00:37:56.920 --> 00:37:59.719 him to enlist you, and give yourself right up to 653 00:37:59.800 --> 00:38:05.360 him for now and for all eternity. Mister Upton spoke 654 00:38:05.440 --> 00:38:09.159 slowly and emphatically. He knew he often preached above the 655 00:38:09.159 --> 00:38:11.760 heads of his little hearers, and he strove to speak 656 00:38:11.800 --> 00:38:16.760 in simple language. Now Teddy remained very silent, and he said, 657 00:38:17.599 --> 00:38:20.199 and if I enlist, shall I have to be God's 658 00:38:20.199 --> 00:38:22.679 soldier forever and ever till I am an old man 659 00:38:22.679 --> 00:38:26.800 of a hundred with white hair and no teeth? Would 660 00:38:26.800 --> 00:38:32.440 you rather be one of the devil soldiers? No, you 661 00:38:32.519 --> 00:38:35.199 are quite right to think it over. What rather? You 662 00:38:35.239 --> 00:38:38.239 did not decide too hastily. Go home and think it out, 663 00:38:38.760 --> 00:38:42.480 and come and tell me when you have decided. The 664 00:38:42.519 --> 00:38:46.760 boy's white brow was crumpled with anxious creases. I should 665 00:38:46.840 --> 00:38:48.880 like to be one of God's soldiers, But who shall 666 00:38:48.880 --> 00:38:52.239 I have to fight? Any real enemies or only make believe. 667 00:38:53.920 --> 00:38:56.840 I will tell you about your enemies after you have enlisted. 668 00:38:57.519 --> 00:38:59.880 I can show you one very real one that is 669 00:39:00.079 --> 00:39:05.039 your worst enemy. Can you a real live one, A 670 00:39:05.159 --> 00:39:11.119 real live one? Teddy smiled contentedly. Now added mister Upton, 671 00:39:11.320 --> 00:39:14.639 I'm going to send you home if you enlist. The 672 00:39:14.679 --> 00:39:16.960 first person you will have to hold up your banner 673 00:39:17.039 --> 00:39:19.719 too is that little girl whom you said you hated 674 00:39:20.719 --> 00:39:22.800 before you go. I want to pray for you. Kneel 675 00:39:22.800 --> 00:39:26.880 down with me. The evening sunshine streamed in through the 676 00:39:26.880 --> 00:39:29.800 open window and alighting on the white hair of the 677 00:39:29.840 --> 00:39:33.199 minister and the boy's fair curls as they knelt together, 678 00:39:33.719 --> 00:39:37.239 bathed them in a golden glory. With closed eyes and 679 00:39:37.280 --> 00:39:41.880 folded hands, Teddy listened to mister Upton's prayer, Loving father, 680 00:39:42.400 --> 00:39:46.159 another lamb I bring to THEE guide him in his decision, 681 00:39:46.360 --> 00:39:49.159 and if he enters thy fold, use him and bless 682 00:39:49.199 --> 00:39:52.360 him through all eternity. Grant that he may fight a 683 00:39:52.400 --> 00:39:56.239 good fight and be crowned with glory hereafter for Jesus 684 00:39:56.360 --> 00:40:01.639 Christ's sake. Amen An hour later, and Teddy was seated 685 00:40:01.679 --> 00:40:04.760 by his mother's side in the old porch his grandmother 686 00:40:04.840 --> 00:40:07.679 and uncle had gone to evening church, and Missus John 687 00:40:07.840 --> 00:40:11.400 was left with her boy alone. He had been telling 688 00:40:11.440 --> 00:40:14.440 her the substance of his conversation with the rector, and 689 00:40:14.519 --> 00:40:17.159 now curled up on the low wooden seat, his small 690 00:40:17.239 --> 00:40:20.639 legs crossed underneath him, he was gazing dreamily out into 691 00:40:20.679 --> 00:40:24.119 the sweet scented garden. The bees were droning and the 692 00:40:24.119 --> 00:40:27.880 gnats humming amongst the tall hollyhocks and crimson and white roses. 693 00:40:27.880 --> 00:40:31.440 Close by. The birds were already twittering their last good 694 00:40:31.519 --> 00:40:34.679 nights to one another, and a soft, peaceful spell seemed 695 00:40:34.679 --> 00:40:39.440 to be falling on all around. I feel, he said presently, 696 00:40:39.480 --> 00:40:42.079 as he gazed up into the still blue sky, as 697 00:40:42.159 --> 00:40:46.280 if God is waiting for me. Mother. Missus John did 698 00:40:46.280 --> 00:40:50.039 not answer. He added quickly, Win, did you enlist mother 699 00:40:50.400 --> 00:40:55.000 long long ago? Yes, darling, just before I married your father? 700 00:40:56.360 --> 00:40:58.440 And when did father enlist when he was a little 701 00:40:58.440 --> 00:41:02.280 boy like me? Not till he was a grown man, Sonny, 702 00:41:02.679 --> 00:41:04.719 He often used to say, he wished he had given 703 00:41:04.719 --> 00:41:08.679 his heart to God when he was younger. I suppose 704 00:41:08.679 --> 00:41:11.000 God will take little soldiers. Do you think I shall 705 00:41:11.000 --> 00:41:14.840 be the youngest? He has, no, Darling, He has many 706 00:41:14.880 --> 00:41:19.400 brave little soldiers younger than you. Another long silence than 707 00:41:19.440 --> 00:41:23.079 a deep drawn sigh from Teddy. I feel I have 708 00:41:23.280 --> 00:41:25.639 very big thoughts to night, mother, and I get so 709 00:41:25.840 --> 00:41:28.719 crowded thinking will you read to me before I go 710 00:41:28.840 --> 00:41:32.679 to bed. Missus John pressed her lips on the curly 711 00:41:32.719 --> 00:41:36.480 head so near my boy. I am so glad for 712 00:41:36.519 --> 00:41:39.280 you to have these thoughts. Mother has often prayed that 713 00:41:39.360 --> 00:41:42.239 you may be one of Christ's little soldiers and servants. 714 00:41:42.639 --> 00:41:46.239 Now what shall I read? Read me about the three 715 00:41:46.280 --> 00:41:49.880 men in the burning fiery furnace, and the young mother 716 00:41:49.920 --> 00:41:52.719 took her bible in hand, and drawing her boy close 717 00:41:52.760 --> 00:41:55.559 to her till his little head rested against her shoulder, 718 00:41:56.000 --> 00:41:59.599 read him the story he wished. Later on, as she 719 00:41:59.639 --> 00:42:02.079 tucked up in bed and was giving him a kiss, 720 00:42:02.480 --> 00:42:05.599 he clasped his arms around her neck and whispered, I 721 00:42:05.599 --> 00:42:08.320 think I'm going to do it quite by myself tomorrow. 722 00:42:10.199 --> 00:42:21.119 End of chapter three, Chapter four of Teddy's Button. This 723 00:42:21.199 --> 00:42:24.639 is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the 724 00:42:24.639 --> 00:42:29.239 public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit 725 00:42:29.559 --> 00:42:35.800 LibriVox dot org. Recording by Robert Harder, Teddy's Button by 726 00:42:35.840 --> 00:42:43.039 Amy Lefever, Chapter four, Enlisting for Life. The village children 727 00:42:43.039 --> 00:42:46.239 were swarming out of school the next afternoon. The heat 728 00:42:46.280 --> 00:42:49.360 and confinement of the crowded schoolroom had not lessened the 729 00:42:49.360 --> 00:42:52.840 superabundance of energy and high spirits among them, and the 730 00:42:52.880 --> 00:42:56.079 boys soon congregated on the green, bent on a game 731 00:42:56.119 --> 00:43:00.639 of cricket. Where's Teddy? Teddy? Platt? Young ted Where's he 732 00:43:00.719 --> 00:43:05.400 got to fetch Teddy? This was the gentle cry. But 733 00:43:05.480 --> 00:43:08.760 Teddy was nowhere to be seen. Has he been kept 734 00:43:08.760 --> 00:43:12.039 in queried? One? Likely enough? He's up in the clouds 735 00:43:12.039 --> 00:43:15.840 to day? Oh, ain't he just why? I offered him 736 00:43:15.880 --> 00:43:18.320 half such a huge apple? My? It was a beauty 737 00:43:18.639 --> 00:43:21.039 and his eye sort of wandered away from it as 738 00:43:21.039 --> 00:43:23.599 if it had been a piece of mud. Thanks, says he, 739 00:43:23.960 --> 00:43:27.519 I'll have a bit tomorrow, not to day. And teach 740 00:43:27.679 --> 00:43:30.360 was down on him, sharp too. Put in another eager voice, 741 00:43:30.760 --> 00:43:33.320 he answered all the arithmetic wrong, and he said forty 742 00:43:33.360 --> 00:43:36.880 soldiers made a rude And teacher says, is your head 743 00:43:36.880 --> 00:43:40.199 good for nothing? But soldiers? And ted he got as 744 00:43:40.199 --> 00:43:42.880 red as fire and says it's full of them to day, sir, 745 00:43:43.639 --> 00:43:46.079 And teacher said, go down to the bottom of the class, 746 00:43:46.119 --> 00:43:48.079 that you can empty it of them and tell me 747 00:43:48.119 --> 00:43:50.840 when you've done it. And when ted comes next to me, 748 00:43:50.920 --> 00:43:53.639 I says, is your button lost, old chap, that you're 749 00:43:53.639 --> 00:43:57.119 in such a stew And he says, no, the button 750 00:43:57.239 --> 00:44:01.320 is all right. But I'm thinkin how to enlist. He'll 751 00:44:01.360 --> 00:44:03.360 go for a drummer boy as soon as he's big enough, 752 00:44:03.480 --> 00:44:06.639 and I'll go with him, cried Carrots. Oh, come on, 753 00:44:06.800 --> 00:44:09.079 shouted one of the impatient ones. If Ted's not here, 754 00:44:09.400 --> 00:44:13.159 let us begin without him, and Teddy's delinquencies at school 755 00:44:13.320 --> 00:44:17.119 were soon forgotten in the excitement of the game. He 756 00:44:17.159 --> 00:44:19.280 had not been kept in, but had slipped away the 757 00:44:19.320 --> 00:44:22.039 minute school was over, and was soon dodging in and 758 00:44:22.079 --> 00:44:25.159 out of the thick, overhanging trees along the edge of 759 00:44:25.239 --> 00:44:29.079 his favorite stream. His little feet sped swiftly along, and 760 00:44:29.159 --> 00:44:31.440 as he ran, he talked in a whisper to himself, 761 00:44:31.840 --> 00:44:34.639 which was his way when anything special was weighing on 762 00:44:34.760 --> 00:44:38.400 his mind. I'll go right into the wood, get under 763 00:44:38.400 --> 00:44:41.039 a thick tree. I won't let a squirrel see me, 764 00:44:41.199 --> 00:44:44.079 or even a rabbit. I must be quite quiet, and 765 00:44:44.199 --> 00:44:46.599 it must be like church. And I shan't come away 766 00:44:46.639 --> 00:44:49.480 till I've done it. Into the wood he went, But 767 00:44:49.559 --> 00:44:52.920 he was hard to satisfy, roaming here and there, peeping 768 00:44:53.000 --> 00:44:56.159 round corners and thrusting his curly head in amongst the bushes. 769 00:44:56.679 --> 00:44:58.960 It was fully half an hour before he chose his spot. 770 00:45:00.400 --> 00:45:03.239 It was a secluded little nook under an old oak tree, 771 00:45:03.519 --> 00:45:06.239 where the moss grew thick and green, and bushes of 772 00:45:06.280 --> 00:45:09.280 all sorts and sizes formed a natural bower round the 773 00:45:09.320 --> 00:45:13.360 gnarled trunk. In front of this tree, Teddy stood, and 774 00:45:13.400 --> 00:45:16.679 then half shyly, half reverently, he took off his cap 775 00:45:16.760 --> 00:45:19.719 and laid it on the ground, looking up through the 776 00:45:19.800 --> 00:45:22.239 veil of green leaves above him to the sunny blue 777 00:45:22.239 --> 00:45:26.000 sky beyond. He stood with clasped hands and parted lips 778 00:45:26.039 --> 00:45:29.239 for a moment or two in perfect silence. The soft 779 00:45:29.239 --> 00:45:32.400 wind played gently with his curls and rustled amongst the 780 00:45:32.480 --> 00:45:35.840 leafy boughs overhead, and in the distance. The bird's sweet 781 00:45:35.920 --> 00:45:39.920 voices were the only sounds that met his ears. As 782 00:45:39.960 --> 00:45:42.519 the boy's eyes came back to earth, they seemed to 783 00:45:42.599 --> 00:45:45.400 have reflected in them something of the bright sunshine above. 784 00:45:46.119 --> 00:45:48.639 And then down on his knees, he dropped, placing his 785 00:45:48.719 --> 00:45:51.599 little clasped hands against the old trunk in front of him, 786 00:45:52.000 --> 00:45:54.840 and bending his golden head till it rested likewise against 787 00:45:54.840 --> 00:46:01.679 the tree. Teddy prayed aloud, slowly, with frequent pauses. O, God, here, 788 00:46:01.719 --> 00:46:05.039 I am have you been waiting for me? I've come 789 00:46:05.079 --> 00:46:08.639 to enlist, and please, I forget all mister Upton told 790 00:46:08.679 --> 00:46:11.159 me to say. But will you forgive me my sins 791 00:46:11.360 --> 00:46:13.239 and write my name down in your book in heaven 792 00:46:14.119 --> 00:46:17.719 Edward James Platt is my name. I've come to be 793 00:46:17.760 --> 00:46:21.400 your soldier forever and ever. Will you please keep me always? 794 00:46:21.920 --> 00:46:23.960 I never want to go back from being your soldier. 795 00:46:24.880 --> 00:46:27.280 Make me fight a grand fight, and help me to 796 00:46:27.280 --> 00:46:30.320 hold your colors up well. And please God, will you 797 00:46:30.360 --> 00:46:33.880 tell Father I've enlisted this afternoon? Mister Upton said you 798 00:46:33.920 --> 00:46:36.519 would take me. I thank you for letting Jesus die 799 00:46:36.519 --> 00:46:38.400 for me, and I am very sorry. I haven't belonged 800 00:46:38.440 --> 00:46:41.480 to his army before, but I didn't quite understand that 801 00:46:41.519 --> 00:46:44.000 he wanted me. Help me to be a good boy 802 00:46:44.440 --> 00:46:50.519 for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen a child's prayer, but it 803 00:46:50.599 --> 00:46:53.480 was prayed with a child's strong faith, and as Teddy 804 00:46:53.599 --> 00:46:55.960 rose to his feet. He had the assurance that God 805 00:46:56.000 --> 00:46:59.360 had accepted him. That scene in the wood, when he 806 00:46:59.400 --> 00:47:01.840 dedicated him himself to the service of the King of Kings, 807 00:47:02.159 --> 00:47:04.840 would be stamped on his memory as long as he lived, 808 00:47:06.400 --> 00:47:08.679 And now that the deed was done, a great load 809 00:47:08.719 --> 00:47:11.719 seemed to be lifted off his mind. He came into 810 00:47:11.719 --> 00:47:13.440 the midst of boys on the green a short time 811 00:47:13.480 --> 00:47:17.480 afterward with a radiant face, and took his share in fielding, bowling, 812 00:47:17.559 --> 00:47:20.280 and batting with such a vigor and will that he 813 00:47:20.400 --> 00:47:24.320 proved himself the hero of the hour. Later in the evening, 814 00:47:24.440 --> 00:47:26.920 he wandered into the dairy where his mother was busy, 815 00:47:27.280 --> 00:47:29.239 and asked her if he could go and see the rector. 816 00:47:30.280 --> 00:47:33.599 What for Sonny? He asked me to come? Is it 817 00:47:33.639 --> 00:47:35.119 too late? Do you think I should like to go 818 00:47:35.159 --> 00:47:38.880 to night? Missus? John looked down upon the eager little 819 00:47:38.880 --> 00:47:42.480 face lifted to hers. Run away then, but don't stay long. 820 00:47:43.559 --> 00:47:45.760 And so it was that, for the second time that week, 821 00:47:45.800 --> 00:47:49.639 Teddy was a visitor at the rectory. Please, sir, I've 822 00:47:49.679 --> 00:47:52.840 done it, he exclaimed breathlessly, as soon as he was 823 00:47:52.960 --> 00:47:56.280 ushered into the presence of the rector. Eh, what have 824 00:47:56.360 --> 00:47:59.719 you been doing, and mister Upton roused himself from a 825 00:47:59.760 --> 00:48:02.360 rever into which he had fallen as he sat at 826 00:48:02.360 --> 00:48:06.119 his study window and watched his favorite beehives. Then, noting 827 00:48:06.159 --> 00:48:09.199 the disappointed look on the child's face and recognizing who 828 00:48:09.239 --> 00:48:12.800 it was, he added briskly, Ah, it is Teddy Platt, 829 00:48:12.840 --> 00:48:16.480 is it? And so you've done it? Have you? Thank God? Yes, 830 00:48:16.639 --> 00:48:19.199 I remember all about it. You are a fresh recruit. 831 00:48:20.679 --> 00:48:25.159 Teddy's eyes glistened. I enlisted this afternoon, sir, for life? 832 00:48:25.159 --> 00:48:29.400 Did you no short service system with God? Mister Upton 833 00:48:29.440 --> 00:48:31.960 had at one time been chaplain to troops abroad, and 834 00:48:32.039 --> 00:48:34.679 it was his knowledge of military matters that so attracted 835 00:48:34.719 --> 00:48:39.119 the boy. Yes, for life, sir. May God keep you 836 00:48:39.199 --> 00:48:41.559 true to himself, my boy in life and in death. 837 00:48:43.000 --> 00:48:46.159 There was a pause, then Teddy said, eagerly, please, sir. 838 00:48:46.480 --> 00:48:48.199 You said you would show me one of the enemies 839 00:48:48.239 --> 00:48:52.000 I have got to fight. Ah? Did I one of 840 00:48:52.000 --> 00:48:55.920 the many? Which one I wonder? A real live one? 841 00:48:55.920 --> 00:49:01.280 You said, yes, I remember. Come this way. He led 842 00:49:01.320 --> 00:49:03.400 the child into his drawing room in front of a 843 00:49:03.480 --> 00:49:06.239 large mirror, reaching down to the ground, and told him 844 00:49:06.280 --> 00:49:11.440 to find his enemy there. Why, it's only myself, Teddy said, 845 00:49:11.480 --> 00:49:14.559 in a disappointed tone, though there was wonder in his eyes. 846 00:49:15.639 --> 00:49:19.800 That's it, yourself, small Teddy, Plat is your worst enemy. 847 00:49:20.079 --> 00:49:22.400 And the older you live, the more you will discover 848 00:49:22.519 --> 00:49:27.119 what a very formidable and mighty enemy he is. Please, sir, 849 00:49:27.239 --> 00:49:30.880 I don't understand. Sit down here by me and let 850 00:49:30.880 --> 00:49:33.440 me try to explain it to you. If you are 851 00:49:33.480 --> 00:49:36.360 going to try to serve the Lord Jesus Christ, you 852 00:49:36.400 --> 00:49:38.880 will find that you will have two teddies to deal with, 853 00:49:39.519 --> 00:49:42.280 a good one and a bad one. The bad one 854 00:49:42.320 --> 00:49:45.159 is your enemy. Now you told me you were angry 855 00:49:45.199 --> 00:49:50.159 with that little girl. Are you angry still? I've forgotten 856 00:49:50.199 --> 00:49:54.920 all about her. I don't love her. The bad Teddy 857 00:49:54.960 --> 00:49:57.440 in you doesn't like her, but the good Teddy will. 858 00:49:58.119 --> 00:50:01.159 Now you must fight against the bad tedde and overcome him. 859 00:50:01.760 --> 00:50:05.599 Jesus will help you. You can't fight without him. I 860 00:50:05.679 --> 00:50:09.599 think I know, said Teddy thoughtfully. Last week some fellows said, 861 00:50:10.239 --> 00:50:13.000 come and get some apples from the park orchard. I 862 00:50:13.079 --> 00:50:16.239 wanted too, dreadful, that was my bad self, but I 863 00:50:16.239 --> 00:50:18.920 thought it would be stealing, and I didn't go. That 864 00:50:19.079 --> 00:50:23.159 was my good self. Wasn't it quite right? Keep close 865 00:50:23.199 --> 00:50:27.400 to your captain, our officer always leads, and remember forward 866 00:50:27.760 --> 00:50:32.360 no quarter to the enemy. Then, gazing abstractedly out into 867 00:50:32.360 --> 00:50:36.639 the garden, mister Upton added, as if to himself, but 868 00:50:36.719 --> 00:50:39.559 I see another law in my members, warring against the 869 00:50:39.639 --> 00:50:42.360 law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to 870 00:50:42.440 --> 00:50:45.440 the law of sin which is in my members. Who 871 00:50:45.519 --> 00:50:48.400 shall deliver me from the body of this death? I 872 00:50:48.480 --> 00:50:51.960 thank God through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So then with 873 00:50:52.079 --> 00:50:54.880 the mind I myself serve the law of God, but 874 00:50:55.000 --> 00:50:58.800 with the flesh the law of sin. The next day, 875 00:50:58.800 --> 00:51:01.360 when at dinner, for it was generally at meal times, 876 00:51:01.440 --> 00:51:04.199 Teddy chose to make his observations. He looked round the 877 00:51:04.239 --> 00:51:08.519 table appealingly. What's the very ugliest name that could be 878 00:51:08.559 --> 00:51:13.559 given a boy? Sakes alive? Ejaculated his grandmother. And who 879 00:51:13.639 --> 00:51:17.719 may you be wanting to christen? It isn't for a baby, 880 00:51:18.000 --> 00:51:20.159 a boy about as old as me. What do you 881 00:51:20.199 --> 00:51:24.039 think is an ugly name? I don't think any name 882 00:51:24.079 --> 00:51:27.519 is very ugly, his mother said. If you like a person, 883 00:51:27.599 --> 00:51:30.800 their name always seems to fit. I knew two boys 884 00:51:30.880 --> 00:51:34.000 name to Bayah and Eli. I didn't like the names 885 00:51:34.039 --> 00:51:36.239 at first, that they are Bible ones, but when I 886 00:51:36.280 --> 00:51:39.280 got to know and like the boys, I liked the names. 887 00:51:39.960 --> 00:51:43.079 I want a much more hideous name, asserted Teddy, some 888 00:51:43.239 --> 00:51:47.039 name that would describe a very wicked person. I hope 889 00:51:47.079 --> 00:51:48.840 you are not going to call any one by it, 890 00:51:48.960 --> 00:51:53.320 observed his grandmother suspiciously. Teddy lifted his blue eyes up 891 00:51:53.360 --> 00:51:56.400 to her solemnly. I expect I'll find one for myself, 892 00:51:56.400 --> 00:51:59.199 he said, and nothing more could be got out of him. 893 00:52:01.039 --> 00:52:03.519 After dinner, a half holiday having been given to the 894 00:52:03.519 --> 00:52:07.119 school children, Teddy stole out to the woods. When out 895 00:52:07.159 --> 00:52:10.039 of sight, he began a brisk conversation with himself as 896 00:52:10.079 --> 00:52:12.239 he was wont and it may give us an insight 897 00:52:12.320 --> 00:52:16.760 into his busy brain if we listen. Blackie might do 898 00:52:17.280 --> 00:52:22.400 or Goggles or Grubby or Toad want to have some 899 00:52:22.639 --> 00:52:24.760 name else. I shan't be able to talk to him 900 00:52:24.760 --> 00:52:27.960 so well. I wish mother had helped me. It's very difficult. 901 00:52:28.559 --> 00:52:31.119 I can't seem to think of a name quite ugly enough. 902 00:52:32.039 --> 00:52:35.320 Expect perhaps mister Upton could tell me. I'll wait and 903 00:52:35.400 --> 00:52:38.079 ask him. I hope I shan't have to wait long 904 00:52:38.239 --> 00:52:40.440 for I want it all settled so that I can 905 00:52:40.480 --> 00:52:44.239 begin to fight properly with him. Now I've got to 906 00:52:44.239 --> 00:52:47.199 find Nancy, mister Upton said, I was to be friends 907 00:52:47.199 --> 00:52:49.440 with her. I've got to hold up my banner of 908 00:52:49.519 --> 00:52:53.079 love over her. Hope she'll like it. She's a horrid 909 00:52:53.800 --> 00:52:57.679 ah the enemy. It's just going to speak a horrid girl. 910 00:52:57.679 --> 00:52:59.760 You were going to say, weren't you? Now you just 911 00:52:59.800 --> 00:53:02.840 get out. Nancy is a very nice girl, at least 912 00:53:03.039 --> 00:53:05.719 she soon will be. I'll try and think her nice. 913 00:53:05.719 --> 00:53:08.320 I will. I've got to fight you, enemy, if you 914 00:53:08.400 --> 00:53:11.400 say such things, Why I do declare there? She is 915 00:53:11.440 --> 00:53:15.440 climbing that tree. Teddy's conversation came to an end, and 916 00:53:15.519 --> 00:53:17.840 he stared with open mouth and eyes at the nimble 917 00:53:17.840 --> 00:53:21.000 way Nancy was climbing up an old beech tree. He 918 00:53:21.039 --> 00:53:23.639 gave a shrill whistle, which made the little girl look round. 919 00:53:24.400 --> 00:53:28.440 Not a bit disconcerted, was she. Ah, it's the stupid 920 00:53:28.440 --> 00:53:32.760 little button boy. You can't catch me. It was a challenge. 921 00:53:33.280 --> 00:53:36.159 Instantly Teddy stripped off his jacket and darted to the tree. 922 00:53:36.639 --> 00:53:38.880 She had got a good start, and even he caught 923 00:53:38.880 --> 00:53:41.320 his breath in wonder at her rapid ascent and the 924 00:53:41.320 --> 00:53:43.360 fearless way in which she seemed to plant her small 925 00:53:43.400 --> 00:53:46.679 feet on the most fragile looking branches. Up they went, 926 00:53:46.880 --> 00:53:49.519 panting with the exercise, but at length she could go 927 00:53:49.599 --> 00:53:52.360 no further and seated herself on a comfortable bow. She 928 00:53:52.360 --> 00:53:56.360 looked mischievously down at him. You couldn't catch me. You 929 00:53:56.440 --> 00:53:59.119 don't know how to climb. My father taught me. I 930 00:53:59.159 --> 00:54:00.800 can go up the rig king as far as any 931 00:54:00.800 --> 00:54:03.480 sailor boy, and this is my ship. But I'll let 932 00:54:03.519 --> 00:54:07.400 you sit down by me if you behave yourself. Teddy 933 00:54:07.440 --> 00:54:10.440 swung himself across a bough opposite her and was silent 934 00:54:10.480 --> 00:54:13.679 for a moment. Each child was trying to recover breath, 935 00:54:13.719 --> 00:54:16.519 and Teddy was considering how to make peace. He did 936 00:54:16.559 --> 00:54:20.320 it in his own quaint fashion. I think we're pretty 937 00:54:20.320 --> 00:54:23.840 close to heaven, he remarked, presently, lifting his soft blue 938 00:54:23.840 --> 00:54:27.039 eyes to the clear sky above. I wonder if that's 939 00:54:27.079 --> 00:54:30.239 the reason birds in their nests agree. The angels can't 940 00:54:30.320 --> 00:54:35.159 like to hear qualerings so close to them. I'm not 941 00:54:35.239 --> 00:54:37.360 going to quarrel. And you didn't say the word right, 942 00:54:38.719 --> 00:54:44.639 what word quarreling? And Nancy's tone was emphatic, though a 943 00:54:44.679 --> 00:54:46.880 doubt stole into her own mind as to whether her 944 00:54:46.920 --> 00:54:50.679 pronunciation was correct, but Teddy was too intent upon pulling 945 00:54:50.719 --> 00:54:53.760 something out of his pocket to notice her correction. He 946 00:54:53.840 --> 00:54:57.360 slowly unrolled a large white pocket handkerchief, tied it carefully 947 00:54:57.360 --> 00:54:59.920 to a twig, which he broke off from an adjoining branch, 948 00:55:00.159 --> 00:55:01.559 and then he held it up in front of her. 949 00:55:03.440 --> 00:55:05.599 I did it myself this morning, he said, with pride. 950 00:55:05.960 --> 00:55:08.599 I asked Uncle Jake for one of his best handkerchiefs. 951 00:55:09.000 --> 00:55:10.639 He gave it to me last night, and I did 952 00:55:10.639 --> 00:55:13.159 it with a pen and ink before breakfast. Can you 953 00:55:13.199 --> 00:55:18.239 read it? Nancy looked at the straggling, uneven black letters 954 00:55:18.320 --> 00:55:23.119 that occupied the whole width A cross love, She said, curiously, 955 00:55:23.360 --> 00:55:26.960 what does that mean? It's my banner of love that 956 00:55:27.039 --> 00:55:29.480 I'm going to carry for my captain. It means I've 957 00:55:29.480 --> 00:55:33.840 got to love even you. Nancy's red lips pouted. I 958 00:55:33.880 --> 00:55:36.760 don't want you to love me, she said, I've got 959 00:55:36.800 --> 00:55:39.400 to do it. How are you going to do it? 960 00:55:40.679 --> 00:55:44.880 I'm not quite sure. I'm never going to be angry 961 00:55:44.920 --> 00:55:48.719 with you, and it's very hard. Here a deep drawn 962 00:55:48.800 --> 00:55:51.119 sigh broke from him. It's very hard, but I've got 963 00:55:51.159 --> 00:55:53.719 to tell you I'm sorry. I wouldn't let you cross 964 00:55:53.760 --> 00:55:56.440 the bridge. First, and I'm sorry, I said I hated 965 00:55:56.480 --> 00:56:01.360 you in church. Nancy's bright, dark eyes peered inquisitively into 966 00:56:01.400 --> 00:56:05.039 the dreamy blue ones opposite her. Are you really sorry? 967 00:56:05.119 --> 00:56:08.559 She said? I think I am. At least part of 968 00:56:08.599 --> 00:56:12.519 me is My enemy isn't But I am. This was 969 00:56:12.519 --> 00:56:16.519 beyond Nancy's comprehension. And you will never get angry or 970 00:56:16.599 --> 00:56:20.880 set those horrid boys at me anymore. No, I never will. 971 00:56:21.519 --> 00:56:24.480 Here a big, rosy cheeked apple was produced hastily out 972 00:56:24.519 --> 00:56:27.000 of the other pocket and presented as a peace offering. 973 00:56:28.440 --> 00:56:31.199 It was taken in silence. Then, as Nancy's white little 974 00:56:31.199 --> 00:56:33.719 teeth met in it, she said, with one of her 975 00:56:33.719 --> 00:56:38.239 beaming smiles, and have I got to love you? I 976 00:56:38.280 --> 00:56:40.480 think you had better because it will make it easier. 977 00:56:42.079 --> 00:56:45.400 Well I will, then, if you'll do one thing, what 978 00:56:45.559 --> 00:56:50.960 is it? Give me that old button of yours. Teddy 979 00:56:51.039 --> 00:56:57.039 fairly gasped at this audacity. Give you father's button, he cried. Never, never, never, 980 00:56:57.280 --> 00:56:59.360 I'd rather be shot dead, or drowned dead, or hung 981 00:56:59.400 --> 00:57:01.519 dead or chopped into tiny little bits. I'll never give 982 00:57:01.559 --> 00:57:03.519 it up. It's going to be on my coats and 983 00:57:03.559 --> 00:57:05.760 waistcoats till I'm a hundred, and then it will be 984 00:57:05.800 --> 00:57:08.559 buried in my grave with me. Suppose I lost my button? 985 00:57:08.639 --> 00:57:11.679 Do you know what I would do? Nancy gazed at 986 00:57:11.719 --> 00:57:15.119 the young orator of the Little Awe. No, she said 987 00:57:15.119 --> 00:57:18.360 what I would drop down and die. My heart would 988 00:57:18.400 --> 00:57:20.719 burst and break, and if I couldn't die very quick, 989 00:57:20.880 --> 00:57:23.519 I wouldn't eat or drink nothing, but I'd go sadly 990 00:57:23.559 --> 00:57:25.480 to my grave and lay my head down. And the 991 00:57:25.519 --> 00:57:27.719 next morning you would find me stiff and cold, with 992 00:57:27.760 --> 00:57:30.480 my glassy eyes staring up at the sky like an 993 00:57:30.480 --> 00:57:33.840 old dog I read about. Teddy's tone was so intensely 994 00:57:33.880 --> 00:57:38.760 tragic that Nancy was silent. At last, she said, I'll 995 00:57:38.760 --> 00:57:40.760 never love you proper till you give it to me. 996 00:57:42.599 --> 00:57:46.039 Will you like me a little? Instead? I might do that, 997 00:57:46.519 --> 00:57:49.599 she replied, reluctantly. And you won't never say you don't 998 00:57:49.599 --> 00:57:55.480 believe father's story. I aren't going to promise. Then, as 999 00:57:55.519 --> 00:57:57.960 the very last bite was taken of the apple, she added, 1000 00:57:58.559 --> 00:58:00.679 I'll hear some more of your stories. For first. I 1001 00:58:00.719 --> 00:58:03.760 want to hear one now. Sally White told me at school, 1002 00:58:03.760 --> 00:58:09.159 you know all about fairies. Teddy nodded impressively, then said, slowly, 1003 00:58:09.840 --> 00:58:12.400 I make believe I do, but I don't make believe 1004 00:58:12.440 --> 00:58:17.639 father's story. Tell me a story now, Teddy clasped his 1005 00:58:17.679 --> 00:58:21.039 hands round a bough with knitted brows. Considered. Then he 1006 00:58:21.079 --> 00:58:23.840 looked up and the light sparkled in his eyes. Shall 1007 00:58:23.880 --> 00:58:25.719 I tell you about when I went into an oak 1008 00:58:25.800 --> 00:58:28.119 tree and found a little door leaning down some steps 1009 00:58:28.159 --> 00:58:32.239 that took me into the coblin's cave. This sounded enchanting, 1010 00:58:32.599 --> 00:58:36.440 and Nancy eagerly prepared herself to listen. Such a story 1011 00:58:36.519 --> 00:58:40.880 was then poured out that it held her spell bound. Goblins, elves, fairies, 1012 00:58:41.199 --> 00:58:45.679 underground glories, thrilling adventures and escapes. Was it any wonder that, 1013 00:58:45.760 --> 00:58:48.199 with such a gift for story telling, Teddy was the 1014 00:58:48.280 --> 00:58:51.519 king of the village. It came to an end at last, 1015 00:58:51.719 --> 00:58:53.960 and Nancy drew a long breath of relief and content 1016 00:58:54.159 --> 00:58:57.519 when she heard the concluding sentence. And I quickly opened 1017 00:58:57.519 --> 00:59:00.320 the little door, and there I was outside the yoke 1018 00:59:00.559 --> 00:59:05.119 and safe in the wood again. Button boy, I do 1019 00:59:05.280 --> 00:59:07.760 like you, she asserted, with a quick little nod of 1020 00:59:07.800 --> 00:59:11.960 her head. Will you tell me another story soon? Perhaps 1021 00:59:12.000 --> 00:59:14.519 I will, said Teddy, feeling a little elated that he 1022 00:59:14.599 --> 00:59:17.639 was gaining supremacy over her. But I'm going home now. 1023 00:59:18.079 --> 00:59:19.760 I only came out to have a think and to 1024 00:59:19.800 --> 00:59:23.119 make friends with you. What made you come and make 1025 00:59:23.159 --> 00:59:26.840 it up? The little maiden asked, as after a scrambled 1026 00:59:26.840 --> 00:59:29.000 down they stood at the foot of the tree. You 1027 00:59:29.119 --> 00:59:33.639 said something about your captain. Who is he Jesus Christ, 1028 00:59:34.000 --> 00:59:37.039 Teddy replied reverently, And his banner is love. So I 1029 00:59:37.079 --> 00:59:39.239 have to love everybody, whether I like them or not. 1030 00:59:40.559 --> 00:59:43.719 Why because he wants me to and I'm one of 1031 00:59:43.719 --> 00:59:48.880 his soldiers. Now has Jesus any sailors? The question was 1032 00:59:48.920 --> 00:59:51.599 put suddenly, and the answer was given with a slight 1033 00:59:51.639 --> 00:59:56.639 air of superiority. No, only soldiers he has, and I 1034 00:59:56.639 --> 00:59:58.760 don't want to belong to him. I believe he has 1035 00:59:58.800 --> 01:00:02.679 sailors just as well as soul. Only you're not telling true. 1036 01:00:03.159 --> 01:00:06.239 Her tone was getting wrathful, but Teddy shook his head solemnly. 1037 01:00:07.119 --> 01:00:09.880 I'm sure there's nothing about Jesus's sailors in the Bible. 1038 01:00:10.199 --> 01:00:13.079 But I'll ask mother, and then i'll tell you. I 1039 01:00:13.159 --> 01:00:18.000 must go home now, goodbye. We're going to be friends. Yes, 1040 01:00:18.159 --> 01:00:21.199 we're going to be friends, she repeated, and then away 1041 01:00:21.239 --> 01:00:24.400 they scampered in different directions, Nancy calling out like a 1042 01:00:24.440 --> 01:00:27.440 true little woman. But I shan't really love you till 1043 01:00:27.440 --> 01:00:37.400 you give me your button. End of chapter four Chapter 1044 01:00:37.519 --> 01:00:42.239 five of Teddy's Button. This is a LibriVox recording. All 1045 01:00:42.280 --> 01:00:45.880 LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information 1046 01:00:46.119 --> 01:00:51.199 or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org. Recording by 1047 01:00:51.280 --> 01:01:00.559 Robert Harder. Teddy's Button by Amy Lafever, Chapter five, First Victories. Please, sir, 1048 01:01:00.639 --> 01:01:03.920 may I speak to you. Mister Upton was coming out 1049 01:01:03.920 --> 01:01:07.920 of church after choir practice when Teddy accosted him. He 1050 01:01:08.000 --> 01:01:10.719 smiled when he saw the boy, you may walk home 1051 01:01:10.719 --> 01:01:12.599 with me and speak to me as much as you like. 1052 01:01:13.679 --> 01:01:16.159 And so they sauntered up the shady lane. The old 1053 01:01:16.199 --> 01:01:18.719 rector with his head bent and his hands crossed behind him, 1054 01:01:19.000 --> 01:01:22.239 and the boy, all eager excitement and motion, with suppressed 1055 01:01:22.280 --> 01:01:25.239 importance in his tone. I want you to give me 1056 01:01:25.280 --> 01:01:29.239 a name for my enemy, please, sir. Mister Upton looked amused. 1057 01:01:29.800 --> 01:01:32.639 Have you had any battles with him yet? I think 1058 01:01:32.679 --> 01:01:36.119 I had one yesterday? May I tell you Granny was 1059 01:01:36.239 --> 01:01:38.840 very angry with me because I had made Uncle Jake's 1060 01:01:38.840 --> 01:01:42.119 best handkerchief into a banner of love. I didn't really 1061 01:01:42.119 --> 01:01:44.800 think it was naughty. I wrote love in ink right 1062 01:01:44.840 --> 01:01:47.440 across it, and I took such pains for I wanted 1063 01:01:47.480 --> 01:01:49.880 to show it to Nancy. And when I got home, 1064 01:01:50.000 --> 01:01:52.400 Granny was so angry that she took me by the 1065 01:01:52.440 --> 01:01:55.079 collar and she locked me into the back kitchen, and 1066 01:01:55.239 --> 01:01:57.519 Mother was out, and I cried. I was so miserable. 1067 01:01:58.800 --> 01:02:01.519 Granny said I would come to the workhouse. She called 1068 01:02:01.559 --> 01:02:06.079 me the wickedest mischievoused boy she'd ever seen, and said 1069 01:02:06.079 --> 01:02:08.760 she would like to give me a good whipping. At last. 1070 01:02:08.760 --> 01:02:10.840 I got tired of being miserable, and I looked about, 1071 01:02:11.159 --> 01:02:13.360 and I saw the window was partly open, so I 1072 01:02:13.440 --> 01:02:15.840 climbed up, and then I thought I would jump out 1073 01:02:15.880 --> 01:02:18.400 and run away across the fields till Mother came home. 1074 01:02:18.960 --> 01:02:21.280 And I was very happy then, and I jumped right out, 1075 01:02:21.639 --> 01:02:23.800 and then I remembered, but I didn't want to go 1076 01:02:23.880 --> 01:02:28.360 back again. And then the fight began, suggested the rector. 1077 01:02:28.440 --> 01:02:32.679 As the boy paused, Teddy nodded. I asked God to 1078 01:02:32.800 --> 01:02:35.360 drive my enemy away. But I was an awful long 1079 01:02:35.360 --> 01:02:39.679 time thinking it out is thinking fighting very often. It 1080 01:02:39.760 --> 01:02:43.280 is did fight hard then, and I climbed in again. 1081 01:02:43.679 --> 01:02:47.480 Was that being a soldier? Yes, my boy? And Granny 1082 01:02:47.559 --> 01:02:49.320 let me out soon after, and I kissed her and 1083 01:02:49.360 --> 01:02:51.559 said I was sorry. But I told her how nearly 1084 01:02:51.559 --> 01:02:53.639 I had run away, and asked her to see that 1085 01:02:53.679 --> 01:02:55.760 the window was locked next time, so that I shouldn't 1086 01:02:55.760 --> 01:02:59.119 have to fight so hard. You will have plenty of fighting, 1087 01:02:59.559 --> 01:03:02.000 don't I dirk the hottest parts of the field, that 1088 01:03:02.119 --> 01:03:06.760 isn't being brave? Will you give me a horrid ugly name, please, sir? 1089 01:03:07.920 --> 01:03:11.440 I thought your enemy's name was Teddy. No, that's mine. 1090 01:03:11.599 --> 01:03:13.440 I must have a name for him, a different one. 1091 01:03:13.480 --> 01:03:18.719 You know. How do you like Ego or Ipse? What 1092 01:03:18.880 --> 01:03:21.960 funny names? I think? I like Ipse best. I'll call 1093 01:03:22.039 --> 01:03:25.920 him Ipse, shall I? Mister Upton's thoughts were far away 1094 01:03:25.920 --> 01:03:29.039 by this time, and presently he said, as if to himself, 1095 01:03:29.639 --> 01:03:33.199 the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. Nay, 1096 01:03:33.280 --> 01:03:36.000 in all these things, we are more than conquerors through 1097 01:03:36.079 --> 01:03:38.960 him that loved us. It is a fight with certain 1098 01:03:39.079 --> 01:03:43.440 victory ahead. Then why do we fail? Shall I fail? 1099 01:03:43.679 --> 01:03:47.360 Questioned a soft voice by his side? Without me, you 1100 01:03:47.480 --> 01:03:50.920 can do nothing, That's our captain's word. If you fight 1101 01:03:51.000 --> 01:03:54.360 without him you are done, for I think I shall 1102 01:03:54.360 --> 01:03:57.320 sometimes let Ipse have his way. Will that be deserting 1103 01:03:57.320 --> 01:04:00.719 to the enemy. It will be sure and certain defeat. 1104 01:04:01.920 --> 01:04:03.920 But then, of course my captain won't let me be 1105 01:04:03.920 --> 01:04:07.360 beaten if I stick close to him. And so they talked, 1106 01:04:07.559 --> 01:04:10.079 a strange couple, but the younger of them had a 1107 01:04:10.119 --> 01:04:12.800 faith which the elder might envy, and a grasp of 1108 01:04:12.800 --> 01:04:17.559 the unseen that the ripest saint could not surpass. Not 1109 01:04:17.679 --> 01:04:20.159 long after this, Teddy and his schoolfellows were having a 1110 01:04:20.159 --> 01:04:23.679 delightful afternoon in the woods. It was Saturday afternoon, and 1111 01:04:23.719 --> 01:04:26.679 they were playing their favorite war game, Teddy, of course, 1112 01:04:26.800 --> 01:04:30.320 being prime instigator of the whole affair. A few of 1113 01:04:30.360 --> 01:04:34.159 the more adventurous girls had joined them, Nancy amongst them. 1114 01:04:34.559 --> 01:04:38.039 Her respect for Teddy was gradually increasing, though nothing seemed 1115 01:04:38.039 --> 01:04:40.920 to quench her self assertion in independence of thought and action. 1116 01:04:42.159 --> 01:04:44.920 At length, Teddy announced his intention of going off on 1117 01:04:45.000 --> 01:04:48.239 an expedition as a scout, and, on Nancy's insisting that 1118 01:04:48.320 --> 01:04:51.480 she should come too, the two children started made their 1119 01:04:51.519 --> 01:04:53.519 way out of the wood and down to the banks 1120 01:04:53.519 --> 01:04:57.840 of the stream which soon joined the river. What have 1121 01:04:57.920 --> 01:05:02.320 we to do? Asked Nancy, it's great fun. You see, 1122 01:05:02.480 --> 01:05:04.400 every one we meet is an enemy, and we have 1123 01:05:04.480 --> 01:05:06.960 to get past them without them seeing us. We must 1124 01:05:06.960 --> 01:05:09.639 crawl through the long grass, or we must climb a tree, 1125 01:05:09.920 --> 01:05:12.679 or get through the bushes. All kinds of adventures we have. 1126 01:05:14.000 --> 01:05:16.920 And if we don't meet anybody, that's why I came 1127 01:05:16.960 --> 01:05:19.000 down this way. There are always a lot of people 1128 01:05:19.000 --> 01:05:21.599 fishing in the river. Now look out, don't you talk 1129 01:05:21.679 --> 01:05:24.480 loud and step softly. Just think that the first person 1130 01:05:24.480 --> 01:05:28.000 who sees us will shoot us dead. But they won't. 1131 01:05:29.000 --> 01:05:32.079 You must make believe they will. Teddy's tone was stern, 1132 01:05:32.519 --> 01:05:34.800 and Nancy was too occupied in holding her hat on 1133 01:05:34.880 --> 01:05:37.239 her head as they crept through some low bushes to 1134 01:05:37.320 --> 01:05:41.800 advance any more skeptical opinions. And then suddenly, a short 1135 01:05:41.800 --> 01:05:45.000 time after, they came upon a fisherman. It was only 1136 01:05:45.039 --> 01:05:47.559 a burly farmer who was evidently making a day of it, 1137 01:05:47.920 --> 01:05:49.760 for he sat under the shade of a tree, with 1138 01:05:49.800 --> 01:05:52.920 the remnants of a substantial lunch around him. His fishing 1139 01:05:53.000 --> 01:05:55.199 rod was in his hand, but the line was out 1140 01:05:55.239 --> 01:05:57.920 of the water, and he, with head thrown back and 1141 01:05:58.000 --> 01:06:01.840 mouth wide open, was fast asleep. Hush, said Teddy in 1142 01:06:01.840 --> 01:06:04.800 an excited whisper. If he wakes, all is up with us. 1143 01:06:05.000 --> 01:06:09.400 Now let's get past him on tiptoe. This was accomplished safely, 1144 01:06:09.719 --> 01:06:12.519 but having passed him, Teddy stood still and the spirit 1145 01:06:12.559 --> 01:06:15.800 of mischief seized hold of him. Turning to Nancy, he said, 1146 01:06:15.840 --> 01:06:18.840 with sparkling eyes, what fun to take him prisoner and 1147 01:06:18.880 --> 01:06:20.920 tie him up to the tree with his own fishing line. 1148 01:06:21.199 --> 01:06:23.360 He's an enemy. I really think it's our duty to 1149 01:06:23.360 --> 01:06:27.519 do it. You stay here and watch me. Deftly and quickly, 1150 01:06:27.679 --> 01:06:30.239 Teddy set to work. But when he had once passed 1151 01:06:30.239 --> 01:06:32.599 the line around the farmer's body and the tree, he 1152 01:06:32.639 --> 01:06:35.079 had no difficulty in finishing the work. He had begun 1153 01:06:36.280 --> 01:06:38.280 dancing like an elf. With the line in his hand. 1154 01:06:38.440 --> 01:06:40.559 He spun round and round the tree till the line 1155 01:06:40.599 --> 01:06:43.199 was wound round to its very last extremity, and the 1156 01:06:43.199 --> 01:06:46.360 farmer looked like some big blue bottle fly entangled in 1157 01:06:46.400 --> 01:06:49.800 the fine meshes of a spider's web. Still he slept on, 1158 01:06:50.000 --> 01:06:52.639 and with a delighted chuckle, Teddy sped back to his 1159 01:06:52.679 --> 01:06:55.880 little companion. Her eyes were dancing with mirth, and she 1160 01:06:55.960 --> 01:07:00.719 clapped her hands at the successful exploit. Heake and won't 1161 01:07:00.760 --> 01:07:03.440 be able to get away? What fun? How I should 1162 01:07:03.480 --> 01:07:06.559 like to see him? Come on quick. He's farmer green, 1163 01:07:06.639 --> 01:07:09.199 and he's an awful angry man. He gave Sam such 1164 01:07:09.199 --> 01:07:11.360 a thrashing for tying an old saucepan to one of 1165 01:07:11.400 --> 01:07:14.000 his pigstails. He won't know who has done it. And 1166 01:07:14.039 --> 01:07:18.000 I did tie the knots awful tight away. They ran, 1167 01:07:18.239 --> 01:07:20.559 but they had not proceeded far before Teddy came to 1168 01:07:20.559 --> 01:07:23.480 a standstill and all the saucy sparkle died out of 1169 01:07:23.519 --> 01:07:27.280 his eyes. What's the matter, asked Nancy. Have you got 1170 01:07:27.280 --> 01:07:30.760 a pain? I'm afraid I'm going to have a fight 1171 01:07:30.840 --> 01:07:34.679 with Ipse. The words were uttered almost in a whisper, 1172 01:07:34.719 --> 01:07:38.440 and Nancy looked on with wonder. It isn't right, he said, 1173 01:07:38.639 --> 01:07:41.920 after a long pause. I do want at least Ipse 1174 01:07:42.039 --> 01:07:45.039 wants to leave him there awfully. But mother would say 1175 01:07:45.039 --> 01:07:47.760 it was very naughty, and I think I think my 1176 01:07:47.880 --> 01:07:50.280 captain doesn't like it. I shall have to go back 1177 01:07:50.280 --> 01:07:53.920 and undo him. Oh you mustn't, cried Nancy. You'll wake 1178 01:07:54.000 --> 01:07:56.639 him up and then you'll catch it. Let him undo himself. 1179 01:07:57.599 --> 01:07:59.679 Teddy shook his head and then stole softly back to 1180 01:07:59.719 --> 01:08:04.400 the true Nancy following him at a respectful distance. It 1181 01:08:04.440 --> 01:08:06.639 seemed a harder business to untie the knots than to 1182 01:08:06.679 --> 01:08:08.639 tie them, but at length it was done, and the 1183 01:08:08.719 --> 01:08:13.239 unwinding process began. Alas Farmer Green's nap was over and 1184 01:08:13.320 --> 01:08:15.199 with a hasty start, he was roused to the full 1185 01:08:15.320 --> 01:08:18.840 use of his faculties. When he discovered his condition, he 1186 01:08:18.880 --> 01:08:21.479 swore a round oath and turned upon Teddy in great 1187 01:08:21.520 --> 01:08:25.520 wrath as he vainly tried to extricate himself. Please, Sir, 1188 01:08:25.760 --> 01:08:28.079 said Teddy, nothing daunted. If you keep still, I shall 1189 01:08:28.119 --> 01:08:30.159 undo you very soon, and I won't break your line 1190 01:08:30.199 --> 01:08:33.520 if I can help it. You young scoundrel, how dare 1191 01:08:33.560 --> 01:08:36.560 you show your face after such an audacious piece of impudence? 1192 01:08:36.960 --> 01:08:39.079 You're the plague of the parish, and a good thrashing 1193 01:08:39.159 --> 01:08:41.920 is what you will get. Sure as mine name's Jonathan Green. 1194 01:08:43.720 --> 01:08:46.520 Teddy's face was hot and red, and the spectacle of 1195 01:08:46.600 --> 01:08:49.239 him trying to unwind the line from the struggling and 1196 01:08:49.319 --> 01:08:52.760 exasperated farmer was so irresistibly comic to Nancy that she 1197 01:08:52.840 --> 01:08:56.399 burst out laughing. Jonathan Green was soon on his feet 1198 01:08:56.439 --> 01:08:58.960 again and seizing hold of Teddy by the collar. Shook 1199 01:08:59.000 --> 01:09:02.039 him like a terrier, which a rat. Then, without leaving 1200 01:09:02.079 --> 01:09:03.920 go of him, he pulled out a piece of cord 1201 01:09:03.920 --> 01:09:07.239 from his court pocket. Now i'll teach you a lesson, youngster, 1202 01:09:07.319 --> 01:09:09.760 that you won't forget. It's luck you've got this bit 1203 01:09:09.800 --> 01:09:12.960 of rope. And in another few minutes he had bound 1204 01:09:12.960 --> 01:09:15.640 the boy securely to the tree, tying his hands together 1205 01:09:15.680 --> 01:09:19.560 with his handkerchief. Then, as Nancy stepped forward, indignant at 1206 01:09:19.560 --> 01:09:23.119 this severe treatment, he turned upon her. There are two 1207 01:09:23.119 --> 01:09:25.520 of you, are there. Well, you shall share the same 1208 01:09:25.560 --> 01:09:28.039 fate till I think fit to release you. I'll teach 1209 01:09:28.079 --> 01:09:31.119 you to stop playing such impish tricks on decent folks. 1210 01:09:31.960 --> 01:09:35.279 You're the wickedest man that's living, I'm sure, cried Nancy, wrathfully. 1211 01:09:35.520 --> 01:09:37.800 Why he was undoing you when you woke up, which 1212 01:09:37.880 --> 01:09:39.920 was very kind of him. I wish he'd left you 1213 01:09:40.000 --> 01:09:43.359 tied up, I do. But Farmer Green, with a grim 1214 01:09:43.399 --> 01:09:46.680 smile of satisfaction, soon settled her in the same fashion 1215 01:09:46.720 --> 01:09:49.560 as he had done the boy, and then picking up 1216 01:09:49.600 --> 01:09:53.199 his fishing basket, strode away, calling out, ye'll bide there 1217 01:09:53.239 --> 01:09:56.399 my time, ye young limbs of mischief. It's only serving 1218 01:09:56.560 --> 01:10:01.159 like ye serve button. Boy, did he hurt you? Asked 1219 01:10:01.239 --> 01:10:04.079 Nancy anxiously. For all this time, Teddy had not said 1220 01:10:04.079 --> 01:10:06.920 a word. He turned his head and looked at her. 1221 01:10:07.600 --> 01:10:10.720 I feel shooken up, dreadful. He's so awful strong. But 1222 01:10:10.800 --> 01:10:13.560 I'm not very hurt. Only I'm sorry, and I've been 1223 01:10:13.560 --> 01:10:16.079 telling my captain about it and asking him to forgive me. 1224 01:10:17.720 --> 01:10:21.279 Shall we stay here all the evening and all the night? Oh? No, 1225 01:10:21.439 --> 01:10:23.479 He'll come and let us go soon. It isn't fair 1226 01:10:23.479 --> 01:10:26.880 on you, for you didn't do anything. I laughed at him, 1227 01:10:27.119 --> 01:10:29.079 and I wanted you to leave him tied up, But 1228 01:10:29.159 --> 01:10:31.920 I don't care. It doesn't hurt. You haven't told me, ever, 1229 01:10:32.000 --> 01:10:34.760 what I asked you about Jesus's sailors. Tell me now, 1230 01:10:34.840 --> 01:10:36.800 because I want to belong to your captain, and I'm 1231 01:10:36.800 --> 01:10:40.319 not going to be a soldier. I did ask mother, 1232 01:10:40.479 --> 01:10:43.239 and she said sailors were soldiers. They were sea soldiers. 1233 01:10:43.680 --> 01:10:47.239 You'll have to be a soldier. I expect sailors fight, 1234 01:10:47.359 --> 01:10:50.159 I know they do. Grandfather read me about Nelson the 1235 01:10:50.199 --> 01:10:52.840 other evening and showed me a picture of sailors cutting 1236 01:10:52.840 --> 01:10:55.640 the enemy's arms off as they tried to scramble on board. Ship. 1237 01:10:56.279 --> 01:10:59.319 I shan't never change to soldiers. Sailors are much nicer, 1238 01:10:59.359 --> 01:11:02.239 and if sailors fight, I can be a sailor for Jesus. 1239 01:11:03.399 --> 01:11:07.079 Their conversation was interrupted by voices and steps approaching, and 1240 01:11:07.199 --> 01:11:10.640 in another moment, two ladies and a gentleman appeared, evidently 1241 01:11:10.680 --> 01:11:14.000 going home after a fishing excursion. The path led past 1242 01:11:14.119 --> 01:11:16.319 the tree, and they stopped in astonishment at the sight 1243 01:11:16.359 --> 01:11:20.079 of the two children. Teddy was the first to speak. 1244 01:11:20.560 --> 01:11:23.920 He recognized the newcomers to be the Squire Colonel Graham 1245 01:11:23.960 --> 01:11:27.319 and his wife, with a visitor staying with them. Please, sir, 1246 01:11:27.439 --> 01:11:32.399 will you undo us, he asked appealingly. The colonel laughed heartily, Ah, 1247 01:11:32.560 --> 01:11:35.760 young fellow, you're caught, are you? Lady Helen, This is 1248 01:11:35.800 --> 01:11:38.680 one of the young hopefuls in our village. I've been told, 1249 01:11:38.720 --> 01:11:41.079 the ring leader in every bit of mischief set going. 1250 01:11:41.640 --> 01:11:43.279 You wouldn't think it to look at him, would you? 1251 01:11:44.680 --> 01:11:47.960 What an angel's face, said the lady admiringly. And who 1252 01:11:48.039 --> 01:11:50.800 is the little girl? She looks a regular little gipsy. 1253 01:11:52.399 --> 01:11:55.439 Neither of the children appreciated these remarks, but the colonel 1254 01:11:55.479 --> 01:11:57.960 good naturedly put down his fishing basket and cut the 1255 01:11:58.000 --> 01:12:01.960 pieces of rope that bound them. Now, then, youngster, he said, 1256 01:12:02.039 --> 01:12:04.319 speak up and tell us who bound you in this fashion? 1257 01:12:04.720 --> 01:12:08.680 What have you been doing to merit such punishment? Having 1258 01:12:08.720 --> 01:12:11.520 got his hands free, Teddy stood up bravely and told 1259 01:12:11.520 --> 01:12:14.239 the story briefly and clearly, to the great amusement of 1260 01:12:14.279 --> 01:12:17.680 his hearers. And he would never have been caught if 1261 01:12:17.680 --> 01:12:19.760 he hadn't gone back to undo him put in Nancy, 1262 01:12:19.960 --> 01:12:23.399 So he oughtn't to have been punished at all. What 1263 01:12:23.520 --> 01:12:26.000 made you go back, my boy, asked missus Graham gently. 1264 01:12:27.079 --> 01:12:30.079 The color rose in Teddy's cheeks, but he never hesitated 1265 01:12:30.079 --> 01:12:33.760 to speak the truth. I went back when I remembered 1266 01:12:33.840 --> 01:12:35.760 it was wrong to have done it, he said, simply. 1267 01:12:37.960 --> 01:12:40.439 But you are not such a paragon of goodness, generally, 1268 01:12:40.520 --> 01:12:43.159 said the Colonel. Wasn't it you and some others who 1269 01:12:43.199 --> 01:12:46.159 scared our dairymaid into fits one night last winter by 1270 01:12:46.159 --> 01:12:50.520 playing pranks after dark outside the dairy window? Yes, sir, 1271 01:12:50.880 --> 01:12:54.239 said Teddy humbly. And why didn't you run away when 1272 01:12:54.239 --> 01:12:57.800 the old man woke, asked Lady Helen. I never run 1273 01:12:57.840 --> 01:13:00.840 away from anybody, said Teddy, his head more erect than ever. 1274 01:13:01.279 --> 01:13:05.279 I'm a soldier's son, capital my boy, And so your 1275 01:13:05.279 --> 01:13:09.159 father is a soldier? What regiment he's dead? Sir? May 1276 01:13:09.159 --> 01:13:12.960 I tell you father's story? Oh ah, I remember now, 1277 01:13:13.039 --> 01:13:15.520 though I'm not sure that I recollect the details, said 1278 01:13:15.520 --> 01:13:18.800 the colonel, musingly. Your father was John Platt, who enlisted 1279 01:13:18.800 --> 01:13:21.520 in one of the line regiments, the twenty fourth, wasn't it? 1280 01:13:22.079 --> 01:13:26.319 Tell us the story by all means. Teddy obeyed delightedly, 1281 01:13:26.680 --> 01:13:29.159 not seeing in the interest of his tale how keenly 1282 01:13:29.199 --> 01:13:31.840 he was being watched by the ladies. He told it 1283 01:13:31.880 --> 01:13:34.800 as he always did, with enthusiastic effect, and when he 1284 01:13:34.840 --> 01:13:37.000 offered to show the ladies his button, they were charmed 1285 01:13:37.000 --> 01:13:40.239 with him. The colonel patted him on his head as 1286 01:13:40.239 --> 01:13:43.079 he left, saying, keep your father's spirit in you, my 1287 01:13:43.159 --> 01:13:45.239 lad and you will live to do something great. Yet 1288 01:13:46.640 --> 01:13:48.279 I should like to have him as a page boy, 1289 01:13:48.319 --> 01:13:51.279 said Lady Helen as they walked away. What a sensitive, 1290 01:13:51.319 --> 01:13:55.439 refined little face. It is too good to be spoilt 1291 01:13:55.439 --> 01:13:58.239 by house service, said Colonel Graham. His mother is a 1292 01:13:58.279 --> 01:14:01.279 superior young woman with a very very good education, and 1293 01:14:01.359 --> 01:14:05.760 the Platts are highly respected about here. The children ran 1294 01:14:05.800 --> 01:14:09.560 back to their playfellows considerably sobered by their experience, and 1295 01:14:09.640 --> 01:14:12.039 Teddy very soon made his way home and told his 1296 01:14:12.119 --> 01:14:16.760 mother all that had befallen him. It's dreadful, difficult to 1297 01:14:16.800 --> 01:14:19.319 remember in time. Mother. I'm not a very good soldier, 1298 01:14:19.359 --> 01:14:21.520 am I? Do you think I ought to love old 1299 01:14:21.560 --> 01:14:24.159 Farmer Green? If you won't tell any one. I've been 1300 01:14:24.199 --> 01:14:27.279 having a talk with Ipse. He's my enemy, mister Oapton 1301 01:14:27.279 --> 01:14:30.640 told me about and he he hates Farmer Green. But 1302 01:14:30.760 --> 01:14:32.760 I tell him the banner is love and we must 1303 01:14:32.760 --> 01:14:34.840 try to love him. And how can I show him 1304 01:14:34.840 --> 01:14:39.199 I love him? Mother? I think you must wait a little, Sonny. 1305 01:14:39.640 --> 01:14:42.079 Don't do anything just yet, but try and not have 1306 01:14:42.159 --> 01:14:45.000 angry thoughts about him. You know it was very naughty 1307 01:14:45.039 --> 01:14:47.079 of you to act, so I am not a bit 1308 01:14:47.159 --> 01:14:50.760 surprised that he lost his temper over it. I'll never 1309 01:14:50.840 --> 01:14:56.520 tie up anybody again, mother, Never. End of chapter five, 1310 01:15:02.760 --> 01:15:07.119 Chapter six of Teddy's Button. This is a LibriVox recording. 1311 01:15:07.600 --> 01:15:10.760 All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more 1312 01:15:10.800 --> 01:15:16.399 information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org. Recording 1313 01:15:16.520 --> 01:15:22.039 by Robert Harder. Teddy's Button by Amy le Fever. Chapter six, 1314 01:15:22.560 --> 01:15:27.640 The Red Coats mother, grandmother, some soldiers are coming here. 1315 01:15:28.880 --> 01:15:31.119 Teddy tore into the house one morning after school with 1316 01:15:31.199 --> 01:15:34.600 this announcement, and his face was radiant with delight. His 1317 01:15:34.720 --> 01:15:37.239 mother was laying the cloth for dinner, and old missus 1318 01:15:37.279 --> 01:15:41.199 Platt was busy dishing up some potatoes. Who told you, 1319 01:15:41.319 --> 01:15:44.479 asked the latter. I saw one, a real live soldier, 1320 01:15:44.640 --> 01:15:46.960 a corporal, with two gold stripes on his red coat 1321 01:15:47.199 --> 01:15:49.279 and such white gloves. And I went up to him 1322 01:15:49.319 --> 01:15:52.920 and talked to him. Certainly, modesty is lacking with you, 1323 01:15:53.199 --> 01:15:58.920 observed Missus Platt dryly. Shyness is, said missus John rather quickly, 1324 01:15:59.079 --> 01:16:03.199 but he doesn't shows as a rule. Sam and carrots 1325 01:16:03.199 --> 01:16:05.239 and lots of the boys with me, mother. He told 1326 01:16:05.319 --> 01:16:07.000 us that he and one or two more had come 1327 01:16:07.079 --> 01:16:09.960 on to get billets, that's the word billets for the 1328 01:16:10.000 --> 01:16:12.159 regiment that was marching through on their way to Wales. 1329 01:16:12.479 --> 01:16:14.520 And we shall see them come marching through the village 1330 01:16:14.520 --> 01:16:16.600 in a few days. He said. Most of them were 1331 01:16:16.600 --> 01:16:18.600 going to be put up in the town, but twenty 1332 01:16:18.640 --> 01:16:20.680 were coming to the Hare and Hounds, and they're going 1333 01:16:20.720 --> 01:16:23.920 to sleep there. He's such a nice man, mother, He's 1334 01:16:23.920 --> 01:16:26.000 only going to sleep here to night. And then he's 1335 01:16:26.000 --> 01:16:28.319 going on tomorrow to get some more billets ready. And 1336 01:16:28.359 --> 01:16:30.880 the next town he comes to, couldn't he come to 1337 01:16:30.920 --> 01:16:35.359 tea this afternoon? Do let me ask him? Granny? Missus 1338 01:16:35.359 --> 01:16:38.720 Platt laughed, not ill humoredly. You would have us taken 1339 01:16:38.800 --> 01:16:41.439 any scoundrel provided he wore a red coat, wouldn't you? 1340 01:16:42.560 --> 01:16:47.000 Soldiers are never scoundrels, asserted Teddy with hot indignation. Do 1341 01:16:47.119 --> 01:16:49.199 you know all the soldiers in the British Army? Then 1342 01:16:49.520 --> 01:16:53.279 said his grandmother, I dare say he wouldn't care to 1343 01:16:53.319 --> 01:16:56.079 come to tea with strangers, Sonny, put in missus John gently, 1344 01:16:57.359 --> 01:16:59.199 I'm sure he would, for he doesn't like the hare 1345 01:16:59.239 --> 01:17:03.039 and hounds. He said, he was a teetotaler. Come that 1346 01:17:03.199 --> 01:17:06.000 sounds good, missus Platt remarked, well, you can ask him 1347 01:17:06.039 --> 01:17:09.920 in for your father's sake. Not much dinner could Teddy 1348 01:17:09.960 --> 01:17:12.319 eat that day, and his lessons at school had never 1349 01:17:12.319 --> 01:17:15.319 seemed so irksome to him, But they were over at last, 1350 01:17:15.359 --> 01:17:17.159 and he tore off in search of his new friend, 1351 01:17:17.520 --> 01:17:20.079 finding him at length sitting under an old yew tree 1352 01:17:20.199 --> 01:17:23.720 just outside the churchyard. Granny says, will you come to 1353 01:17:23.760 --> 01:17:26.520 tea with us? He asked breathlessly. As he came up 1354 01:17:26.520 --> 01:17:29.720 to him. The corporal looked up. He was a fine 1355 01:17:29.720 --> 01:17:32.520 looking young man with a frank, bright face, and he 1356 01:17:32.600 --> 01:17:35.079 was reading a well worn Bible, which he put carefully 1357 01:17:35.079 --> 01:17:38.079 in his pocket before he rose to his feet. That's 1358 01:17:38.199 --> 01:17:40.279 very kind of your granny, he said, and I'll come 1359 01:17:40.279 --> 01:17:43.159 with pleasure. I'm out of it at the hare and Hounds. 1360 01:17:43.800 --> 01:17:46.720 Teddy's quick eyes had spied the Bible. Do you like 1361 01:17:46.760 --> 01:17:50.279 the Bible, he asked gravely. It's my order book, the 1362 01:17:50.319 --> 01:17:52.880 corporal said, with smile, and my best friend in the world. 1363 01:17:53.840 --> 01:17:57.079 What's an order book? It gives you your daily commands, 1364 01:17:57.560 --> 01:17:59.359 just what you are to do and where you're to go. 1365 01:17:59.680 --> 01:18:02.119 My aptain writes my orders down in his word for me. 1366 01:18:03.640 --> 01:18:07.319 He's my captain, too, said Teddy with glistening eyes. You 1367 01:18:07.399 --> 01:18:09.840 mean Jesus, don't you. I've enlisted in his army and 1368 01:18:09.880 --> 01:18:13.079 I'm one of his soldiers. Shake hands, little brother, then 1369 01:18:13.199 --> 01:18:17.159 we are comrades. After all, are all soldiers in Jesus 1370 01:18:17.239 --> 01:18:20.960 Christ's army? Asked Teddy as they walked away together. The 1371 01:18:21.000 --> 01:18:24.000 corporal shook his head sadly. Hardly any of them in 1372 01:18:24.039 --> 01:18:27.039 my regiment, he said, we're nearly seven hundred strong, and 1373 01:18:27.079 --> 01:18:29.680 only six men beside myself, as far as I can tell, 1374 01:18:29.840 --> 01:18:32.720 belonged to the Lord. A year ago, I was an 1375 01:18:32.840 --> 01:18:36.399 awful blackguard myself. I drank dreadfully and couldn't give the 1376 01:18:36.479 --> 01:18:38.680 drink up. But that's all a thing of the past. 1377 01:18:39.119 --> 01:18:41.159 Since I have belonged to the Lord, he keeps me 1378 01:18:41.199 --> 01:18:44.000 from it and many other bad habits I'll own, I've 1379 01:18:44.000 --> 01:18:46.560 fairly dreaded coming to this bit of duty. The sight 1380 01:18:46.640 --> 01:18:48.479 and smell of the beer is very strong to a 1381 01:18:48.520 --> 01:18:50.600 man that has been such a slave to it, and 1382 01:18:50.680 --> 01:18:53.039 I must be courted in public houses the whole way along. 1383 01:18:54.640 --> 01:18:56.720 You'll have to fight, like mister Upton told me to, 1384 01:18:56.880 --> 01:18:59.800 won't you, said Teddy. But if our captain is with us, 1385 01:19:00.079 --> 01:19:04.079 mister Repton says, we shan't be beaten. No, said the corporal, 1386 01:19:04.159 --> 01:19:06.359 a light coming into his eyes. We shall be more 1387 01:19:06.359 --> 01:19:10.520 than conquerors. Then, after a pause, he said, it's very 1388 01:19:10.560 --> 01:19:12.920 considerate of your granny to ask me to tea. I 1389 01:19:13.000 --> 01:19:14.760 was just wishing that something could be done in this 1390 01:19:14.880 --> 01:19:17.359 village for the men coming after me, like we had 1391 01:19:17.399 --> 01:19:19.319 last year when we marched through the country for the 1392 01:19:19.359 --> 01:19:22.159 maneuvers They gave us free tea at several of the 1393 01:19:22.159 --> 01:19:24.960 places we went through, and it kept so many from drinking. 1394 01:19:25.640 --> 01:19:28.479 There's a man coming along here who I'm terrible anxious about. 1395 01:19:29.000 --> 01:19:31.720 He's been an awful drunkard and is quite an old soldier. 1396 01:19:32.319 --> 01:19:34.600 But last New Year's Day he signed the pledge and 1397 01:19:34.640 --> 01:19:37.279 he's kept it ever since. He's just on the point 1398 01:19:37.279 --> 01:19:40.079 of being converted. I hope we have Yarns by the 1399 01:19:40.119 --> 01:19:43.079 Hour together. But if he's billeted in the Hare and Hounds, 1400 01:19:43.239 --> 01:19:45.680 or any other public house for that matter, I don't 1401 01:19:45.680 --> 01:19:48.079 know what he'll do. There's nothing for them when they 1402 01:19:48.119 --> 01:19:49.920 get in tired but to sit in the bar or 1403 01:19:49.960 --> 01:19:52.359 tap room and drink. They can't get away from it. 1404 01:19:53.439 --> 01:19:57.239 Teddy's brow was knitted with deep thought. I didn't know 1405 01:19:57.359 --> 01:19:59.800 soldiers drink too much, he said. I thought they never 1406 01:19:59.840 --> 01:20:03.960 did did anything wrong. The corporal smiled. It isn't many 1407 01:20:04.000 --> 01:20:06.600 that is of your opinion, he said. Most folks put 1408 01:20:06.680 --> 01:20:10.279 us down as a bad lot. That evening remained in 1409 01:20:10.319 --> 01:20:14.119 his memory for long after, the sweet scented garden in 1410 01:20:14.119 --> 01:20:17.079 the long low kitchen, with a happy family party gathered 1411 01:20:17.119 --> 01:20:20.359 round the table, the clumsy efforts of the reticent farmer 1412 01:20:20.439 --> 01:20:23.119 to make his guest feel at home. The short, pithy 1413 01:20:23.199 --> 01:20:26.399 remarks made by missus Platt, and the gentle, soft voiced 1414 01:20:26.439 --> 01:20:30.079 young mother with a golden haired boy continually asking quaint 1415 01:20:30.159 --> 01:20:33.279 questions about a soldier's life. All this came back to 1416 01:20:33.359 --> 01:20:36.000 him with a keen sense of pleasure in after years. 1417 01:20:36.560 --> 01:20:38.800 He was only a young fellow after all, and was 1418 01:20:38.840 --> 01:20:41.640 touched and gratified by the kindness shown to him, for 1419 01:20:41.680 --> 01:20:43.359 it made him think of his own mother in her 1420 01:20:43.439 --> 01:20:45.720 village home, and when he took his leave, he could 1421 01:20:45.760 --> 01:20:49.199 hardly express his thanks. Teddy had been allowed to sit 1422 01:20:49.319 --> 01:20:51.840 up beyond his usual bedtime, and as he put his 1423 01:20:51.880 --> 01:20:54.439 little hand into the big brown one of the young soldier, 1424 01:20:54.479 --> 01:20:57.239 he said, do you mind telling me your name? Corporal 1425 01:20:58.479 --> 01:21:02.520 Walter Saxby was the ready response. And what's the name 1426 01:21:02.560 --> 01:21:04.479 of the poor old soldier who signed the pledge on 1427 01:21:04.479 --> 01:21:08.520 New Year's Day? Tim Stokes? He's called Bouncer by most 1428 01:21:08.560 --> 01:21:12.520 of us I shall remember, said Teddy, Then, turning to 1429 01:21:12.560 --> 01:21:15.600 his mother and grandmother, after Corporal Saxby had disappeared, he 1430 01:21:15.640 --> 01:21:19.119 said solemnly, I may bring Bouncer to tea, mayn't I? 1431 01:21:19.119 --> 01:21:22.039 If I find him. Corporal told me he hadn't properly 1432 01:21:22.119 --> 01:21:25.039 enlisted as Jesus's soldier, but he wants to. Do You 1433 01:21:25.039 --> 01:21:27.359 think mister Upton could get him to enlist while he's here, 1434 01:21:27.880 --> 01:21:29.920 or could you, Granny? Perhaps he'd do it for you. 1435 01:21:31.840 --> 01:21:33.680 I don't know what that boy will come to, said 1436 01:21:33.680 --> 01:21:36.359 missus Platt later on, when Teddy was safe in bed. 1437 01:21:36.800 --> 01:21:39.079 Seems to me more than the making of a minister 1438 01:21:39.159 --> 01:21:41.720 in him than a soldier. I don't hold with children 1439 01:21:41.760 --> 01:21:45.960 being too religious. It's forced and unnatural. He ain't too 1440 01:21:46.039 --> 01:21:49.000 good to live. Put in jake slowly. No youngster can 1441 01:21:49.039 --> 01:21:54.279 beat him in play. I often wonder, missus John said, thoughtfully, 1442 01:21:54.560 --> 01:21:57.159 whether he will be a soldier. After all, he is 1443 01:21:57.199 --> 01:21:59.920 almost too sensitive to lead the hard, rough life. So 1444 01:22:00.399 --> 01:22:04.079 do I doubt if he could stand it. He's not 1445 01:22:04.199 --> 01:22:07.359 wanting in pluck and manliness, missus Platt observed, for she 1446 01:22:07.439 --> 01:22:09.239 always had a good word to say for her little 1447 01:22:09.239 --> 01:22:12.119 grandson when he was not present. I found him this 1448 01:22:12.199 --> 01:22:15.279 morning careening around the field on that fresh young fold 1449 01:22:15.439 --> 01:22:18.760 without any sidle or bridle. I gave him a sharp scolding, 1450 01:22:18.800 --> 01:22:20.880 for it was kicking up its hind legs like mad 1451 01:22:20.960 --> 01:22:23.319 but only looked up in my face and laughed. It's 1452 01:22:23.319 --> 01:22:26.880 my charger, granny, he says, and he smells the battlefield. 1453 01:22:26.880 --> 01:22:30.279 That's why he's so excited. I'm sorry. These soldiers are 1454 01:22:30.279 --> 01:22:32.720 going to fill the place, he thinks, and talks quite 1455 01:22:32.800 --> 01:22:34.800 enough of them as it is. We sha'n't have a 1456 01:22:34.840 --> 01:22:39.159 moment's piece now till they're gone. Teddy was up very 1457 01:22:39.159 --> 01:22:41.520 early the next morning to see his friend go off. 1458 01:22:42.239 --> 01:22:44.840 He had another long conversation with him before wishing him 1459 01:22:44.840 --> 01:22:48.359 good bye, and then with thoughtful face, he went to school, 1460 01:22:48.880 --> 01:22:51.880 revolving many plans in his active little brain and making 1461 01:22:51.960 --> 01:22:56.319 innumerable mistakes in his lessons in consequence. At twelve o'clock, 1462 01:22:56.359 --> 01:22:58.479 when free at last, he made his way to the 1463 01:22:58.479 --> 01:23:01.600 rectory and asked for mister Upton. Greeted him very kindly. 1464 01:23:03.279 --> 01:23:06.359 Any more troubles to tell me, no, sir, but I 1465 01:23:06.359 --> 01:23:08.119 want to tell you about the soldiers who are coming. 1466 01:23:09.119 --> 01:23:11.000 I have heard about them. It will be a grand 1467 01:23:11.039 --> 01:23:13.640 time for you, won't it? Please, sir? Could you have 1468 01:23:13.680 --> 01:23:17.239 a tea party for them? Mister Upton pushed up his 1469 01:23:17.279 --> 01:23:22.039 glasses and looked very bewildered. A tea party, did you say? Yes? 1470 01:23:22.199 --> 01:23:24.600 The corporal said, a clergyman gave one hundred tea in 1471 01:23:24.680 --> 01:23:26.880 a school room last year and spoke to them after. 1472 01:23:27.319 --> 01:23:29.159 The corporal said it would keep them from drinking in 1473 01:23:29.199 --> 01:23:31.840 the public houses. He came to tea with us last night, 1474 01:23:32.039 --> 01:23:33.720 but Granny won't have a lot of them, so I 1475 01:23:33.760 --> 01:23:37.520 told him i'd tell you about it. It's rather an undertaking, 1476 01:23:37.600 --> 01:23:40.680 said mister Upton, musingly we might do something for them. 1477 01:23:40.960 --> 01:23:44.119 When are they to be here in two or three days? 1478 01:23:44.159 --> 01:23:48.119 The corporal said, I think I might manage it. I 1479 01:23:48.159 --> 01:23:50.119 will go and see Colonel Graham and find out if 1480 01:23:50.159 --> 01:23:52.960 he will help. I knew you'd be able to do it, 1481 01:23:53.000 --> 01:23:56.199 said Teddy, beaming all over. And perhaps, sir, you could 1482 01:23:56.199 --> 01:23:58.079 tell some of them how to enlist like you did me. 1483 01:23:58.720 --> 01:24:00.279 The corporal said, I ought to try to be a 1484 01:24:00.319 --> 01:24:03.039 recruiting sergeant for my captain, but they wouldn't listen to me. 1485 01:24:03.079 --> 01:24:05.960 I'm sure I'm going to try to enlist Nancy. I 1486 01:24:06.000 --> 01:24:08.560 haven't tried half hard enough. But she says she'll only 1487 01:24:08.560 --> 01:24:11.319 be a sailor for Jesus, not a soldier. Can she 1488 01:24:11.399 --> 01:24:16.520 be that, sir? Mister Upton smiled, Yes, I think she can. 1489 01:24:17.079 --> 01:24:19.640 Sailors have to keep watch and learn their drill, and 1490 01:24:19.720 --> 01:24:22.680 take orders and fight under their captain, just like soldiers. 1491 01:24:23.760 --> 01:24:25.880 And then Teddy went home and electrified his mother by 1492 01:24:25.880 --> 01:24:29.239 telling her, with an air of great importance, mister Upton 1493 01:24:29.279 --> 01:24:31.359 and I are going to give the soldiers a tea 1494 01:24:31.399 --> 01:24:35.479 party when they come. The days passed, mister Upton was 1495 01:24:35.520 --> 01:24:38.439 as good as his word. A large tea was provided 1496 01:24:38.439 --> 01:24:41.359 in the village schoolroom, Colonel and missus Graham taking a 1497 01:24:41.399 --> 01:24:44.039 hearty interest in it. And when the soldiers came in 1498 01:24:44.079 --> 01:24:48.159 one hot, dusty afternoon, everything was ready for them. Teddy 1499 01:24:48.199 --> 01:24:50.479 and others of the village children crowded round the hare 1500 01:24:50.520 --> 01:24:53.119 and hounds when they arrived, and Nancy was foremost of 1501 01:24:53.159 --> 01:24:57.520 the crowd. I don't think much of soldiers, she said, 1502 01:24:57.720 --> 01:25:00.560 her nose tilted up in disdain. They're very dirty men 1503 01:25:00.600 --> 01:25:03.920 and covered with dust, and they've no band, nor flags flying, 1504 01:25:04.000 --> 01:25:07.640 nor nothing. If Teddy was disappointed in the look of 1505 01:25:07.680 --> 01:25:10.560 his heroes, he did not say so, but Sam remarked, 1506 01:25:11.159 --> 01:25:13.600 I expect they've left the band and flags in the town. 1507 01:25:14.039 --> 01:25:16.199 These are only the lot that they can't put up there. 1508 01:25:17.960 --> 01:25:20.319 Later in the afternoon, Teddy made his way to the 1509 01:25:20.319 --> 01:25:23.039 old elm outside the Hare and Hounds, where several of 1510 01:25:23.039 --> 01:25:25.640 the men were resting on the wooden benches, some with 1511 01:25:25.760 --> 01:25:28.279 pots of beer, and round whom some of the admiring 1512 01:25:28.359 --> 01:25:31.680 villages had made a little circle. He pushed his way 1513 01:25:31.720 --> 01:25:36.039 in with his accustomed fearlessness. Please, is mister Timstokes here? 1514 01:25:37.279 --> 01:25:39.920 The soldiers laughed and bandied a few jokes on the comrade, 1515 01:25:39.920 --> 01:25:43.560 alluded to what do you want with him, youngster? I 1516 01:25:43.600 --> 01:25:46.359 want to speak to him. I guess you'll find him 1517 01:25:46.399 --> 01:25:48.680 under one of the tables in the tap room. Old 1518 01:25:48.680 --> 01:25:50.800 bouncer is pretty dry after a march like we've had 1519 01:25:50.840 --> 01:25:54.039 to day. There was a roar of laughter at this, 1520 01:25:54.239 --> 01:25:57.439 but Teddy did not understand the joke. I mustn't go 1521 01:25:57.479 --> 01:25:59.760 inside the Hare and Hounds, he said, I promised mother 1522 01:25:59.800 --> 01:26:02.960 I would. Will you fetch him out here for me? And, 1523 01:26:03.039 --> 01:26:05.800 turning to a good natured looking young fellow, Teddy put 1524 01:26:05.840 --> 01:26:08.840 his hand coaxingly on his arm. The soldier looked into 1525 01:26:08.840 --> 01:26:10.960 the boy's fair face with a laugh and then a sigh, 1526 01:26:11.279 --> 01:26:13.520 and rising to his feet, said all right, little chap, 1527 01:26:13.560 --> 01:26:17.000 I'll fetch him out to you. He was gone some time, 1528 01:26:17.039 --> 01:26:19.920 and Teddy improved his opportunity by making friends with those 1529 01:26:19.960 --> 01:26:22.920 around him. It was not long before he had acquainted 1530 01:26:22.920 --> 01:26:24.920 them with the fact of his being a soldier's son, 1531 01:26:25.239 --> 01:26:27.359 and from that he drifted into telling the story of 1532 01:26:27.479 --> 01:26:32.159 father's button. There was vociferous applause when he had finished. Here, 1533 01:26:32.199 --> 01:26:34.720 youngster said one of the older men, holding out his 1534 01:26:34.800 --> 01:26:36.960 pewter pot to him, take a drink like a man. 1535 01:26:37.039 --> 01:26:40.000 You deserve it. No, thank you, the boy said, I 1536 01:26:40.039 --> 01:26:43.720 never drink beer. Then, as an oldish looking soldier with 1537 01:26:43.720 --> 01:26:46.520 a heavy mustache already tinged with gray, came up to him, 1538 01:26:46.760 --> 01:26:51.439 Teddy turned to him in delight, are you bouncer? That's 1539 01:26:51.439 --> 01:26:54.560 what I'm called. The man's face was an unhappy one, 1540 01:26:54.560 --> 01:26:56.359 and he seemed to be the butt of his comrades, 1541 01:26:56.600 --> 01:26:58.800 for they poured forth such a volley of good natured 1542 01:26:58.880 --> 01:27:01.279 ridicule on his appearance that Teddy looked from one to 1543 01:27:01.319 --> 01:27:05.079 the other in complete mystification. Will you come and see 1544 01:27:05.119 --> 01:27:08.279 my home? The child asked softly. Corporal Saxby told me 1545 01:27:08.359 --> 01:27:13.039 he thought you would like to come. The man's face lightened, Aye, 1546 01:27:13.039 --> 01:27:15.640 that I will if it ain't far off. My legs 1547 01:27:15.640 --> 01:27:18.279 are that stiff and sore. I don't want much walking. 1548 01:27:19.520 --> 01:27:22.399 It isn't very far. Then, as they moved off together, 1549 01:27:22.439 --> 01:27:25.319 Teddy slipped his little hand confidingly into the big one 1550 01:27:25.319 --> 01:27:28.000 near him and continued, do you know there's going to 1551 01:27:28.039 --> 01:27:29.920 be a splendid tea for you all in our school 1552 01:27:29.960 --> 01:27:33.159 room to night? Have you heard? Ay? The parson was 1553 01:27:33.239 --> 01:27:35.920 round an hour ago giving out tickets. There's little to 1554 01:27:35.960 --> 01:27:37.920 be done in a place like this, and we're too 1555 01:27:37.960 --> 01:27:40.680 tired to tramp into the town, so I expect there'll 1556 01:27:40.680 --> 01:27:43.479 be a tidy few. The corporal came to tea at 1557 01:27:43.479 --> 01:27:45.239 our house the other night. He's a friend of yours, 1558 01:27:45.279 --> 01:27:50.039 Isn't he the best friend I've got? Was the hearty answer. Aye, lad, 1559 01:27:50.279 --> 01:27:52.560 there's few of his sort in the army. For one 1560 01:27:52.560 --> 01:27:54.560 that tries to help us on a bit, there's ten 1561 01:27:54.640 --> 01:27:58.520 that tries to drag us down, I suppose, said Teddy 1562 01:27:58.600 --> 01:28:01.279 dreamily that, after all, the Queen's Army isn't so nice 1563 01:28:01.319 --> 01:28:03.760 to be in as the army I belong to. Does 1564 01:28:03.800 --> 01:28:06.920 your captain help you when you're in trouble? He helps 1565 01:28:07.000 --> 01:28:10.279 us to pack drill or c b or cells, replied 1566 01:28:10.279 --> 01:28:14.159 Tim Stokes with grim humor. This needed to be explained 1567 01:28:14.159 --> 01:28:16.520 to Teddy, who went on after it was made clear 1568 01:28:16.560 --> 01:28:20.439 to him. Ah, my captain always helps me, mister Upton says. 1569 01:28:20.479 --> 01:28:22.720 When I do wicked things and get beaten by the enemy, 1570 01:28:22.840 --> 01:28:24.720 I must call out to my captain and he will 1571 01:28:24.720 --> 01:28:27.800 come at once and help me. I reckon, I've heard 1572 01:28:27.800 --> 01:28:30.359 tell of your captain, then, for that fellow Saxby is 1573 01:28:30.399 --> 01:28:33.239 always danning it into me. But I can't come to religion, 1574 01:28:33.279 --> 01:28:35.399 know how. I can't make head or tail of it. 1575 01:28:35.840 --> 01:28:38.800 I tell you, youngster, I've been having an awful time lately, 1576 01:28:38.800 --> 01:28:41.479 and I can't keep to it. I'm certain sure the 1577 01:28:41.560 --> 01:28:44.119 drink will do for me again. I can't keep away 1578 01:28:44.119 --> 01:28:46.199 from it much longer, and this march'll see the end 1579 01:28:46.239 --> 01:28:49.960 of my teetotal ways. I'm thinking, And won't my captain 1580 01:28:50.000 --> 01:28:53.399 help you. I'm not a hand at prayers and psalm singing. 1581 01:28:54.880 --> 01:28:57.039 I wish you'd talk to mister Upton. He made me 1582 01:28:57.159 --> 01:28:59.319 enlist a short time ago, and I've been ever so 1583 01:28:59.399 --> 01:29:03.079 much happier since I did it. They were walking across 1584 01:29:03.119 --> 01:29:05.479 the field leading to the farm, and as they came 1585 01:29:05.560 --> 01:29:08.880 to the style, the soldier leant heavily on it, Turning 1586 01:29:08.920 --> 01:29:12.800 his face full on the child, he said, determinedly, I'm 1587 01:29:12.800 --> 01:29:14.920 not a goin to talk to any mister Upton or 1588 01:29:14.960 --> 01:29:17.720 no one about it. I'd as lief hear you as 1589 01:29:17.760 --> 01:29:20.640 a parson. You mind me of a little brother of 1590 01:29:20.640 --> 01:29:24.239 mine that died ten years ago, Tim, he said, just 1591 01:29:24.239 --> 01:29:26.960 before he went, Tim, will you meet me in heaven? 1592 01:29:27.800 --> 01:29:30.119 He was the only one I ever loved, and I've 1593 01:29:30.159 --> 01:29:34.680 lived a dog's life since. His eyes were moist with feeling. 1594 01:29:34.720 --> 01:29:36.880 And for a minute Teddy looked at him silently and 1595 01:29:36.960 --> 01:29:40.920 pitying wonder. Then he said, look here, bouncer, this is 1596 01:29:40.920 --> 01:29:43.760 what mister Upton said to me. He told me Jesus 1597 01:29:43.760 --> 01:29:45.880 had died for me, and how dared I keep from 1598 01:29:45.880 --> 01:29:48.760 being his soldier when he loved me? So you know that, 1599 01:29:48.840 --> 01:29:53.159 don't you? Ay? So sax betells me. But it don't 1600 01:29:53.199 --> 01:29:57.760 make no difference. No more, It didn't to me, continued 1601 01:29:57.760 --> 01:30:00.439 the boy eagerly, until I went to God in listed. 1602 01:30:00.760 --> 01:30:03.079 I did it quite by myself in the wood. You 1603 01:30:03.159 --> 01:30:05.319 do it too, bouncer. You give yourself to God as 1604 01:30:05.319 --> 01:30:08.359 his soldier and he'll take you and keep you. I've 1605 01:30:08.359 --> 01:30:11.159 been too bad. It keeps me wakeful at nights, the 1606 01:30:11.279 --> 01:30:14.760 very thinkin of it. But won't God forgive you if 1607 01:30:14.760 --> 01:30:18.319 you ask him to. Saxby says so, But I dunno. 1608 01:30:18.920 --> 01:30:21.239 The fact is a soldier can't be a Christian in 1609 01:30:21.279 --> 01:30:24.239 the army. I don't believe you want to be one 1610 01:30:24.239 --> 01:30:27.439 of God's soldiers, said Teddy in a disappointed tone. Keep 1611 01:30:27.439 --> 01:30:32.319 making excuses. There was silence, then Tim Stokes heaved a 1612 01:30:32.359 --> 01:30:36.439 heavy sigh. I won't come no further, youngster. I ain't 1613 01:30:36.439 --> 01:30:38.720 in a mind to day to see company, but I'll 1614 01:30:38.720 --> 01:30:41.800 be at the tea to night. Oh bouncer, do come? 1615 01:30:42.239 --> 01:30:44.600 And Teddy's eyes filled with tears. You promised you would. 1616 01:30:44.880 --> 01:30:48.520 I do want you to see mother and granny. But 1617 01:30:48.640 --> 01:30:50.920 Tim wheeled round and strode off, with something like a 1618 01:30:50.960 --> 01:30:54.039 sob in his throat. Teddy had little idea of the 1619 01:30:54.119 --> 01:30:57.680 mighty conflict in his breast. The child's words had awakened 1620 01:30:57.760 --> 01:31:00.159 many memories, and Tim was at that stage now when 1621 01:31:00.199 --> 01:31:02.359 the powers of good and of evil were contending for 1622 01:31:02.439 --> 01:31:06.319 his soul. He don't believe I want it for I 1623 01:31:06.399 --> 01:31:10.800 keep making excuses, muttered the poor man. Ay. I do, 1624 01:31:11.199 --> 01:31:13.439 but I haven't got over the longing to be different. 1625 01:31:14.079 --> 01:31:16.119 I'd cut off my right hand. I do believe if 1626 01:31:16.159 --> 01:31:18.920 I could be as Saxby as I can't bring myself 1627 01:31:19.000 --> 01:31:23.600 up to the point. That's it. Meanwhile, poor little Teddy 1628 01:31:23.600 --> 01:31:26.560 crept indoors with a sad face to announce to his 1629 01:31:26.680 --> 01:31:30.720 mother the failure of his mission. He was nearly here, mother, 1630 01:31:31.319 --> 01:31:34.159 just the other side of the hedge outside, and yet 1631 01:31:34.319 --> 01:31:45.039 he turned back. End of chapter six. Chapter seven of 1632 01:31:45.159 --> 01:31:50.159 Teddy's Button. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings 1633 01:31:50.199 --> 01:31:53.800 are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, 1634 01:31:54.319 --> 01:32:01.079 please visit LibriVox dot org. Recording by Robert Harder. Teddy's 1635 01:32:01.079 --> 01:32:07.439 Button by Amy le Fever. Chapter seven Uplifted and cast down. 1636 01:32:10.039 --> 01:32:12.640 It was a bright, cheery gathering. A few hours later, 1637 01:32:13.319 --> 01:32:15.680 mister Upton had thrown his whole heart into the scheme 1638 01:32:16.039 --> 01:32:17.880 and had been round with his tickets to a few 1639 01:32:17.920 --> 01:32:20.720 outlying inns where more of the men were billeted, so 1640 01:32:20.760 --> 01:32:24.640 that there were altogether over forty red coats assembled. Missus 1641 01:32:24.720 --> 01:32:26.800 John and two other neighbors were in charge of the 1642 01:32:26.840 --> 01:32:29.720 tea and coffee, and Teddy and Nancy, with one or 1643 01:32:29.720 --> 01:32:32.600 two other children as a special favor, were allowed to 1644 01:32:32.640 --> 01:32:35.800 help to wait on the guests. The tables were decorated 1645 01:32:35.800 --> 01:32:39.960 with flowers, meat pies, cold beef and ham sandwiches disappeared 1646 01:32:39.960 --> 01:32:42.399 in a marvelous manner, and the cakes and bread and 1647 01:32:42.479 --> 01:32:46.239 butter with watercress were equally appreciated. Toward the end of 1648 01:32:46.279 --> 01:32:49.039 the meal, several ladies came forward and sang, and one 1649 01:32:49.119 --> 01:32:51.239 or two part songs were also given by some of 1650 01:32:51.279 --> 01:32:55.359 the guests staying at the hall. Now, said Colonel Graham, 1651 01:32:55.399 --> 01:32:58.000 in his brisk, hearty tones, before we have a few 1652 01:32:58.000 --> 01:33:00.359 words for mister Upton. Should like to tell you how 1653 01:33:00.399 --> 01:33:02.439 glad I am to see the red coats about me 1654 01:33:02.520 --> 01:33:05.800 once more. I know your regiment well for my own 1655 01:33:06.000 --> 01:33:09.640 the tenth Hussars lay with it in Colchester ten years ago. 1656 01:33:09.920 --> 01:33:11.960 I am sure you have all enjoyed your tea, but 1657 01:33:12.079 --> 01:33:14.359 perhaps you do not know who was the instigator of 1658 01:33:14.399 --> 01:33:17.399 the whole thing. We must thank mister Upton for his 1659 01:33:17.600 --> 01:33:21.439 untiring zeal and energy in making arrangements. We must thank 1660 01:33:21.479 --> 01:33:23.920 the ladies for trying to make the evening pleasant by 1661 01:33:23.960 --> 01:33:26.760 their songs. But we must thank a little man here 1662 01:33:27.319 --> 01:33:29.600 I am given to understand for the proposal in the 1663 01:33:29.640 --> 01:33:34.000 first instance, And to Teddy's intense surprise, the Colonel swung 1664 01:33:34.079 --> 01:33:37.239 him up on the impromptu platform to receive a deafening 1665 01:33:37.319 --> 01:33:40.239 round of applause. He made a pretty picture as the 1666 01:33:40.319 --> 01:33:43.000 light fell on his golden curls and sparkling blue eyes. 1667 01:33:43.600 --> 01:33:47.039 His cheeks were flushed with excitement, but he bore himself bravely, 1668 01:33:47.319 --> 01:33:49.399 and he held his head erect as he faced the 1669 01:33:49.399 --> 01:33:53.279 crowded room. He will speak to you better than I can, 1670 01:33:53.359 --> 01:33:55.640 the colonel added with a smile, for I am a 1671 01:33:55.720 --> 01:33:58.960 poor speaker myself. I am the old soldier here to night, 1672 01:33:59.079 --> 01:34:01.760 in my fighting days a past. His are all in 1673 01:34:01.800 --> 01:34:04.279 the future, and he looks forward to wear the red 1674 01:34:04.319 --> 01:34:06.680 coat with the rest of you. I hope he'll bear 1675 01:34:06.720 --> 01:34:08.960 as brave a part in the service as his father 1676 01:34:09.039 --> 01:34:12.560 did before him. Now, my boy, have you anything to say? 1677 01:34:14.600 --> 01:34:17.960 It will turn his head, murmured missus John to herself, 1678 01:34:18.399 --> 01:34:20.800 But her mother's heart swelled with pride as his clear 1679 01:34:20.880 --> 01:34:24.760 voice rang out. It was an I who thought about 1680 01:34:24.760 --> 01:34:30.159 the tea. It was Corporal Saxby cheers. I haven't anything 1681 01:34:30.199 --> 01:34:32.760 to say, unless you'd like me to tell you father's story. 1682 01:34:33.239 --> 01:34:35.600 I've told it once to day, but you weren't all there, 1683 01:34:36.000 --> 01:34:42.439 May I, sir, certainly, was the colonel's amused reply. Teddy 1684 01:34:42.520 --> 01:34:44.800 had never had such an audience before in his life, 1685 01:34:45.079 --> 01:34:49.079 but he was quite equal to the occasion. Fingering his button, 1686 01:34:49.319 --> 01:34:53.479 he began in his usual impetuous fashion. The very eagerness 1687 01:34:53.479 --> 01:34:56.039 for his father's deed to be honored prevented him from 1688 01:34:56.079 --> 01:34:59.199 any feelings of self consciousness, and he carried his audience 1689 01:34:59.239 --> 01:35:03.079 by storm. The ladies were delighted and touched by it, 1690 01:35:03.359 --> 01:35:06.279 and Missus John quietly wiped some tears from her eyes. 1691 01:35:07.680 --> 01:35:10.520 And then mister Upton got up. His dreamy manner in 1692 01:35:10.560 --> 01:35:13.960 speaking was absent now, and he spoke straightly and forcibly 1693 01:35:14.000 --> 01:35:16.239 to those in the Queen's service of the battle to 1694 01:35:16.279 --> 01:35:20.520 be waged with sin, Touching on their special difficulties and temptations. 1695 01:35:20.840 --> 01:35:23.640 He told them how absolutely impossible it was for them 1696 01:35:23.680 --> 01:35:26.800 to be, in their own strength a match for the devil, 1697 01:35:27.039 --> 01:35:29.479 with all the powers of evil at his back, and 1698 01:35:29.600 --> 01:35:31.840 how the same Savior who died for them would keep 1699 01:35:31.880 --> 01:35:34.840 them and lead them on to certain victory if they 1700 01:35:34.840 --> 01:35:38.439 would but enlist in his service. Nothing could exceed the 1701 01:35:38.479 --> 01:35:41.359 attention with which he was listened to, and the evening 1702 01:35:41.520 --> 01:35:44.319 ended by their raising to their feet and singing, God 1703 01:35:44.359 --> 01:35:47.520 Save the Queen. Then a sergeant rose to propose a 1704 01:35:47.600 --> 01:35:51.520 vote of thanks. Cheers were given, and all departed greatly 1705 01:35:51.560 --> 01:35:55.039 pleased with their evening. Teddy slipped up to Tim's stokes 1706 01:35:55.119 --> 01:35:58.520 on going out. Shall I see you again? He asked, 1707 01:35:59.479 --> 01:36:02.239 I shall be busy tomorrow. We march out at eight 1708 01:36:02.279 --> 01:36:05.239 in the morning. Oh, I shall come and see you off, 1709 01:36:06.560 --> 01:36:09.920 Tim lingered, Then, laying his hand heavily on the boy's 1710 01:36:09.960 --> 01:36:13.600 fair curls, he said, God, bless you, little chap. I've 1711 01:36:13.640 --> 01:36:17.399 done it. Teddy's eyes lit up at once. Have you 1712 01:36:17.640 --> 01:36:21.960 really and truly? He nodded. My heart's full and I 1713 01:36:22.000 --> 01:36:24.439 can't speak of it. But I was away near the 1714 01:36:24.439 --> 01:36:27.039 woods there by myself before the tea, and it's all 1715 01:36:27.119 --> 01:36:30.279 right with me. I only wonder I didn't do it before. 1716 01:36:31.159 --> 01:36:34.279 I wouldn't, yeeld, that's the fact. Don't forget to pray 1717 01:36:34.279 --> 01:36:37.640 for me, youngster. And he dashed out after his comrades, 1718 01:36:37.680 --> 01:36:41.079 as if ashamed to show his emotion. Teddy called his 1719 01:36:41.159 --> 01:36:44.600 mother to him when in bed that night, Mother, I 1720 01:36:44.640 --> 01:36:47.439 will be a soldier, I'm certain sure I will. But 1721 01:36:47.479 --> 01:36:49.720 I'm very glad I can be one of God's soldiers 1722 01:36:49.720 --> 01:36:52.119 without waiting to grow up. And I think I shall 1723 01:36:52.159 --> 01:36:54.800 be a recruiting sergeant for God. Now, I'm sure he 1724 01:36:54.840 --> 01:36:59.079 wants lots more soldiers, doesn't he. Indeed he does, My boy, 1725 01:36:59.600 --> 01:37:03.039 Now go to sleep. You've had a very exciting day. 1726 01:37:03.520 --> 01:37:08.199 Best of all, is said Teddy sleepily. Bouncer has enlisted. 1727 01:37:08.880 --> 01:37:11.159 There was quite a crowd of villagers and children the 1728 01:37:11.199 --> 01:37:14.199 next morning round the hare and hounds. The soldiers were 1729 01:37:14.279 --> 01:37:17.159 drawn up outside, waiting for the approach of their regiment 1730 01:37:17.239 --> 01:37:20.479 from the town to fall in and march on with them. 1731 01:37:20.920 --> 01:37:24.119 Teddy and Nancy were, of course there. The little girl, 1732 01:37:24.159 --> 01:37:27.039 in spite of her alleged disdain of soldiers, was delighted 1733 01:37:27.079 --> 01:37:30.199 to be in their vicinity. Teddy could not get near 1734 01:37:30.239 --> 01:37:33.279 his friend Bouncer, but he received a friendly nod from 1735 01:37:33.319 --> 01:37:36.399 him in the distance. And as for Bouncer's face, it 1736 01:37:36.479 --> 01:37:40.239 was like sunshine itself, a marked contrast to the day before. 1737 01:37:41.680 --> 01:37:44.239 As the band was heard approaching, cheers were given to 1738 01:37:44.279 --> 01:37:46.720 the men now leaving, and a tall corporal, who had 1739 01:37:46.800 --> 01:37:49.760 much enjoyed his tea the night before, stooped to ask 1740 01:37:49.840 --> 01:37:53.600 of Nancy, who was standing close to him, what's the 1741 01:37:53.680 --> 01:37:56.239 name of that curly headed youngster who got us the tea. 1742 01:37:57.960 --> 01:38:01.800 Nancy looked up at him mischievously. The button boy, that's 1743 01:38:01.800 --> 01:38:03.840 what I call him, and I shan't never call him 1744 01:38:03.840 --> 01:38:07.840 anything else. Then the corporal's voice rang out, clear and loud, 1745 01:38:08.439 --> 01:38:11.560 three cheers for the little button Boy, which was taken 1746 01:38:11.640 --> 01:38:14.880 up enthusiastically by the soldiers. And Teddy hardly knew whether 1747 01:38:14.880 --> 01:38:17.479 he was on his head or heels from excitement and delight, 1748 01:38:18.279 --> 01:38:20.680 but he had to pay a penalty for his prominent position. 1749 01:38:21.279 --> 01:38:24.159 From that day, the title of the button Boy stuck 1750 01:38:24.199 --> 01:38:26.840 to him, and it became his nickname in the village 1751 01:38:26.840 --> 01:38:30.920 by all who knew him. On came the regiment, with 1752 01:38:31.000 --> 01:38:33.640 the colors flying and the band playing in the most 1753 01:38:33.760 --> 01:38:37.319 orthodox style, and Teddy was bitterly disappointed when the warning 1754 01:38:37.359 --> 01:38:40.399 bell of school prevented him from marching along the road 1755 01:38:40.479 --> 01:38:43.680 with them. The schoolmaster was very lenient with the boys 1756 01:38:43.680 --> 01:38:46.279 that morning, or else they would have been in dire disgrace, 1757 01:38:46.680 --> 01:38:49.720 for lessons were imperfectly learned and said, and never had 1758 01:38:49.720 --> 01:38:52.640 he found it so difficult to keep their attention. But 1759 01:38:52.680 --> 01:38:55.600 if Teddy was inattentive and careless at school, he was 1760 01:38:55.640 --> 01:38:58.399 doubly troublesome at home. And for the next few days 1761 01:38:58.399 --> 01:39:01.560 his mother's fears were realized. The excitement of all that 1762 01:39:01.600 --> 01:39:03.840 had taken place seemed to have quite turned his head 1763 01:39:03.840 --> 01:39:06.960 for the time. He jumped on Kate Brown's back, the 1764 01:39:07.039 --> 01:39:09.680 hired girl, when she was carrying two pails of milk 1765 01:39:09.720 --> 01:39:12.119 to the dairy, and the contents of both pails were 1766 01:39:12.159 --> 01:39:15.479 spilt and wasted. He shut up a fighting bantam cock 1767 01:39:15.560 --> 01:39:18.159 in the stable cat into a barn and left them 1768 01:39:18.159 --> 01:39:21.560 fighting furiously. He locked one of the farm laborers in 1769 01:39:21.560 --> 01:39:23.760 a hay loft and pulled away the ladder so that 1770 01:39:23.800 --> 01:39:26.239 he was not released for hours, and he proved such 1771 01:39:26.239 --> 01:39:28.600 an imp of mischief in the house that even his 1772 01:39:28.640 --> 01:39:31.439 mother meditated handing him over to his uncle to be whipped. 1773 01:39:32.159 --> 01:39:35.159 At last, it came to a climax. In school, he 1774 01:39:35.239 --> 01:39:37.720 brought a lot of young frogs and a handkerchief, put 1775 01:39:37.760 --> 01:39:40.319 some of them in the master's desk, and amused himself 1776 01:39:40.359 --> 01:39:42.640 at intervals by slipping the others down the backs of 1777 01:39:42.720 --> 01:39:45.640 boys seated in front of him. His corner was the 1778 01:39:45.680 --> 01:39:48.640 most unruly one in the room, and whilst waiting for 1779 01:39:48.680 --> 01:39:51.000 another class to come down, he began one of his 1780 01:39:51.039 --> 01:39:55.239 stories and a whisper to a most interested audience. I 1781 01:39:55.279 --> 01:39:57.239 went to see a goblin once that I heard of. 1782 01:39:57.720 --> 01:39:59.640 He lived in a tub on the sea shore, and 1783 01:39:59.680 --> 01:40:03.359 he lived by gobbling up schoolmasters and governesses. He used 1784 01:40:03.399 --> 01:40:05.680 to cut their hair off, scrape them well like a 1785 01:40:05.760 --> 01:40:08.600 horse radish, and then begin at their toes and gobble 1786 01:40:08.600 --> 01:40:10.880 them up till he got to their heads. Their heads 1787 01:40:10.880 --> 01:40:13.479 he boiled in a saucepan for soup. The boys and 1788 01:40:13.560 --> 01:40:16.840 girls used to bring their masters when they didn't Edward 1789 01:40:16.960 --> 01:40:21.399 Plat never had the master's voice sounded so stern. The 1790 01:40:21.439 --> 01:40:24.520 frogs were discovered, and his wrath was not appeased. By 1791 01:40:24.520 --> 01:40:27.319 seeing the cluster of heads round Teddy and catching a 1792 01:40:27.319 --> 01:40:31.439 few words of the delicious story going on, Teddy started 1793 01:40:31.479 --> 01:40:35.199 to his feet. Who put these frogs here? I did, sir? 1794 01:40:35.840 --> 01:40:40.079 The answer was boldly given, Come here, And amidst the 1795 01:40:40.119 --> 01:40:42.920 sudden hush that fell on all the boys, Teddy walked 1796 01:40:42.960 --> 01:40:45.439 up to the master's desk with hot cheeks and bent head. 1797 01:40:46.640 --> 01:40:50.319 Edward Plat, for the last three days you have been incorrigible. 1798 01:40:50.800 --> 01:40:53.520 I have kept you in and given you extra tasks, 1799 01:40:53.600 --> 01:40:56.479 but neither has had any effect. Now I shall have 1800 01:40:56.520 --> 01:40:58.359 to do what I have never yet done to you. 1801 01:40:59.079 --> 01:41:03.560 Hold out your hand Teddy's head was raised instantly, and 1802 01:41:03.600 --> 01:41:07.199 holding himself erect, he bore unflinchingly the three or four 1803 01:41:07.279 --> 01:41:09.720 sharp strokes with the cane that the Master thought fit 1804 01:41:09.840 --> 01:41:13.439 to give him. Now, said the Master, you can go home. 1805 01:41:13.920 --> 01:41:16.039 I will dispense with your attendants for the rest of 1806 01:41:16.079 --> 01:41:20.880 this morning. Teddy walked out without a word. He felt 1807 01:41:20.880 --> 01:41:23.520 the disgrace keenly, but it was the means of bringing 1808 01:41:23.560 --> 01:41:26.720 him to himself and rushing away to a secluded corner 1809 01:41:26.760 --> 01:41:29.119 in a field, He flung himself down on the ground 1810 01:41:29.119 --> 01:41:32.319 and sobbed as if his heart would break. Half an 1811 01:41:32.359 --> 01:41:35.680 hour after, his uncle, happening to pass through that field, 1812 01:41:35.800 --> 01:41:41.039 came across him. Why ted what be the matter? He inquired, 1813 01:41:41.079 --> 01:41:44.600 as he lifted him to his feet. Teddy's tear stained 1814 01:41:44.640 --> 01:41:47.680 face and quivering lips touched him so that he sat 1815 01:41:47.720 --> 01:41:50.239 down on a log of wood near and drew him 1816 01:41:50.319 --> 01:41:54.800 up between his knees. Are you feeling bad? Are you hurt? 1817 01:41:55.640 --> 01:41:58.359 Was the next question, And then Teddy looked up and 1818 01:41:58.399 --> 01:42:01.840 in a solemn voice, asked, what does the queen do 1819 01:42:01.960 --> 01:42:04.560 when her soldiers are beaten? Instead of getting a victory? 1820 01:42:06.600 --> 01:42:10.479 I'm sure I don't know. I can't remember the time 1821 01:42:10.520 --> 01:42:14.239 when we was beaten. I reckon, she's sorry for them, 1822 01:42:14.720 --> 01:42:17.880 doesn't she turn them out of her army? Why no, 1823 01:42:19.600 --> 01:42:21.920 what does God do when his soldiers leave off fighting 1824 01:42:22.000 --> 01:42:28.520 and knock under to their enemy? I reckon he's sorry too. Dimly, 1825 01:42:28.760 --> 01:42:32.239 Jake Platt began to see the drift of the Gild's questions. 1826 01:42:33.000 --> 01:42:36.680 Teddy shook his curly head mournfully. I'm sure he'll have 1827 01:42:36.800 --> 01:42:38.680 to turn soldiers out of his army if they give 1828 01:42:38.760 --> 01:42:41.560 up fighting and let the banner drag in the dust 1829 01:42:41.640 --> 01:42:44.640 and just let the enemy do what they like with them. Why, 1830 01:42:44.720 --> 01:42:47.960 I've done worse than that. Here, he clenched his little 1831 01:42:47.960 --> 01:42:51.920 fists and raised his voice excitedly. I've gone with the enemy. 1832 01:42:52.159 --> 01:42:55.600 I've joined ipse, and that's being a deserter. And now 1833 01:42:55.640 --> 01:42:58.159 I sha'n't never never be able to get back again. 1834 01:43:00.119 --> 01:43:04.680 His uncle looked sorely puzzled. Why ain't you at school? 1835 01:43:04.920 --> 01:43:08.479 What have you been a doin? Teddy told him all 1836 01:43:08.560 --> 01:43:11.880 in a despairing tone, adding I can't meet mother, I've 1837 01:43:11.880 --> 01:43:16.239 been caned, and I've disgraced my button. Here his tears 1838 01:43:16.279 --> 01:43:20.880 burst out afresh. Look here, said his uncle slowly. I 1839 01:43:20.960 --> 01:43:24.000 won't say but what you've been a bad boy. Your 1840 01:43:24.000 --> 01:43:26.560 mother herself has been in sore trouble about you this 1841 01:43:26.680 --> 01:43:29.279 last day or two. But if we gets a fall 1842 01:43:29.279 --> 01:43:32.199 in the mud, it ain't much good stopping there. The 1843 01:43:32.239 --> 01:43:35.640 only thing is to pick ourselves up again, get ourselves cleaned, 1844 01:43:35.880 --> 01:43:39.119 and then start again and walk more carefully. Can't you 1845 01:43:39.199 --> 01:43:43.199 do that? I'm a deserter, sobbed the boy. My captain 1846 01:43:43.239 --> 01:43:46.760 won't have me back. I've disgraced him, I've disgraced my banner, 1847 01:43:47.000 --> 01:43:51.119 I've disgraced my button. Your captain will pick you up, 1848 01:43:51.119 --> 01:43:54.000 I'm thinkin if you ask him, he'll clean you up 1849 01:43:54.039 --> 01:43:58.159 first rate and set you on your legs again. Will he? 1850 01:43:59.319 --> 01:44:01.439 And hope once more began to dawn in the dim 1851 01:44:01.479 --> 01:44:05.439 blue eyes. Of course he will. I ain't good at 1852 01:44:05.520 --> 01:44:08.439 verses and such like, but I do remember this one. 1853 01:44:09.520 --> 01:44:12.720 Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as 1854 01:44:12.760 --> 01:44:18.079 white as snow. Won't that one fit you? Teddy did 1855 01:44:18.159 --> 01:44:22.119 not answer. He stood looking up wistfully into the blue sky, 1856 01:44:22.600 --> 01:44:25.760 as if unconscious of his uncle's presence, and then he sighed, 1857 01:44:27.119 --> 01:44:30.920 I think I'd rather be alone, uncle Jake. Jake left 1858 01:44:30.960 --> 01:44:33.199 him without a word and went home to prepare Missus 1859 01:44:33.279 --> 01:44:37.119 John for what had happened. She was much distressed, but 1860 01:44:37.279 --> 01:44:40.079 like a sensible woman, took the right view of the case. 1861 01:44:40.640 --> 01:44:42.960 He wanted to be pulled up sharp. My poor boy, 1862 01:44:43.520 --> 01:44:47.279 is he much hurt. The caning was such a minor 1863 01:44:47.319 --> 01:44:50.560 point of Teddy's grief that Jake confessed to knowing nothing 1864 01:44:50.560 --> 01:44:53.720 about it. Missus Platt was inclined to be indignant with 1865 01:44:53.720 --> 01:44:57.439 the schoolmaster, such a tiny little chap, as he is 1866 01:44:57.479 --> 01:44:59.920 so full of feeling and nerves. He had ought to 1867 01:45:00.079 --> 01:45:03.359 have done it, yet only that morning she herself had 1868 01:45:03.399 --> 01:45:05.439 almost given him a sound whipping for one of his 1869 01:45:05.520 --> 01:45:10.439 mad pranks. Shortly after, Teddy crept in and shutting the 1870 01:45:10.439 --> 01:45:15.279 door behind him, put his back against it, Mother Grannie. 1871 01:45:15.359 --> 01:45:18.199 He said, I've been an awful boy at school this morning, 1872 01:45:18.239 --> 01:45:23.479 and I'm in disgrace. I've been caned. His tone was tragic. 1873 01:45:23.880 --> 01:45:27.239 Then he added slowly, but I'm very sorry, and I'm 1874 01:45:27.279 --> 01:45:29.760 sorry I've been so naughty at home, and I'm going 1875 01:45:29.880 --> 01:45:33.920 to start again because my captain has forgiven me. And 1876 01:45:33.960 --> 01:45:36.399 then Missus John did the wisest thing she could do. 1877 01:45:37.239 --> 01:45:40.359 She asked no questions, but got some warm water and 1878 01:45:40.399 --> 01:45:43.159 took him off to wash his face and hands. She 1879 01:45:43.239 --> 01:45:46.279 saw the red marks across the little hand, but refrained 1880 01:45:46.319 --> 01:45:49.279 from making much of it. And then, after putting his 1881 01:45:49.359 --> 01:45:51.960 curly head in order, she drew it to her shoulder, 1882 01:45:52.479 --> 01:45:55.840 and putting her arms around him, she said, my Sonny, 1883 01:45:56.359 --> 01:45:59.199 mother is so glad her little son feels his naughtiness. 1884 01:45:59.680 --> 01:46:03.640 She been praying much for him today, and now tell 1885 01:46:03.680 --> 01:46:14.239 me all about it. End Chapter seven, Chapter eight of 1886 01:46:14.319 --> 01:46:19.439 Teddy's Button. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings 1887 01:46:19.439 --> 01:46:23.039 are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, 1888 01:46:23.520 --> 01:46:29.800 please visit LibriVox dot org. Recording by Robert Hard Teddy's 1889 01:46:29.800 --> 01:46:37.279 Button by Amy La Fever, Chapter eight. In the Cloverfield, Please, 1890 01:46:37.359 --> 01:46:40.680 Missus Platt, can I see Teddy? I think he is 1891 01:46:40.720 --> 01:46:43.279 in the cloverfield. Don't you be romping around with him now? 1892 01:46:43.279 --> 01:46:45.279 For he's taking his Sunday book out and is as 1893 01:46:45.399 --> 01:46:48.920 quiet as can be. It was Nancy who was standing 1894 01:46:48.960 --> 01:46:52.479 at the farmhouse door when lovely Sunday evening. Old Missus 1895 01:46:52.520 --> 01:46:54.880 Platt was the only one at home, and she motioned 1896 01:46:54.880 --> 01:46:57.039 with her hand where her little grandson would be found. 1897 01:46:58.199 --> 01:47:01.119 Nancy discovered him a few minutes later, lying full length 1898 01:47:01.159 --> 01:47:04.319 in the sweet scented clover, an open book before him. 1899 01:47:04.600 --> 01:47:06.439 When he raised his face to hers, it was his 1900 01:47:06.560 --> 01:47:10.960 most angelic look. Halloo, what have you come here for? 1901 01:47:11.079 --> 01:47:15.239 He asked, to talk to you, and without more ado, 1902 01:47:15.520 --> 01:47:18.800 Nancy squatted down beside him. What are you doing, she 1903 01:47:18.880 --> 01:47:23.479 went on, And what's your Sunday book? It's Pilgrim's Progress. 1904 01:47:23.680 --> 01:47:26.159 I love it, don't you. I haven't been reading it 1905 01:47:26.199 --> 01:47:28.640 though for a long time. I've been having a beautiful 1906 01:47:28.640 --> 01:47:34.800 make up. Tell me, and Nancy's tone was eager. Teddy 1907 01:47:34.840 --> 01:47:37.319 looked away to the purple hills in the distance and 1908 01:47:37.439 --> 01:47:39.960 beyond and above them, to the soft evening sky with 1909 01:47:40.079 --> 01:47:44.359 its delicate, fleecy clouds flitting by and taking every imaginable 1910 01:47:44.439 --> 01:47:48.359 form and shape as they did so. The dreamy, far 1911 01:47:48.399 --> 01:47:50.680 away look came into his eyes as he said, slowly, 1912 01:47:51.880 --> 01:47:54.640 it's a Sunday make believe quite one to myself, and 1913 01:47:54.720 --> 01:47:57.399 I've never told it twenty one. I can only tell 1914 01:47:57.399 --> 01:47:59.960 it to myself out of doors when it's still and quiet, 1915 01:48:00.479 --> 01:48:05.039 and then I feel sometimes it's quite real. Do tell me, 1916 01:48:05.640 --> 01:48:11.039 pleaded Nancy coaxingly, Well, it's getting to heaven. After I'm 1917 01:48:11.079 --> 01:48:14.800 got there. You know. Nancy's eyes grew big with awe, 1918 01:48:16.079 --> 01:48:19.399 Shall I tell you how I begin it? She nodded, 1919 01:48:19.479 --> 01:48:22.840 and Teddy, turning over on his side, brought forth another book, 1920 01:48:23.239 --> 01:48:26.680 a New Testament. Turning to an open page, he began 1921 01:48:26.720 --> 01:48:30.319 to read with great emphasis. And he carried me away 1922 01:48:30.359 --> 01:48:33.119 in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and 1923 01:48:33.239 --> 01:48:36.960 showed me that great city, the Holy Jerusalem, descending out 1924 01:48:36.960 --> 01:48:41.840 of heaven from God. That's the Bible, said Nancy. Yes, 1925 01:48:41.920 --> 01:48:45.119 Now listen, I'm lying here in this field. It's very, 1926 01:48:45.239 --> 01:48:48.800 very still. I hear a little rustle behind. I don't 1927 01:48:48.840 --> 01:48:51.680 look round, and then flash comes a beautiful white angel. 1928 01:48:52.199 --> 01:48:55.399 Now he's standing in front of me. What's he like. 1929 01:48:56.520 --> 01:48:59.239 He's dressed in white shiny stuff, and he has very 1930 01:48:59.279 --> 01:49:02.920 white feathery wings. His face is smiling. He has eyes 1931 01:49:03.000 --> 01:49:08.479 like mother's, and hair like Sallie White's flaxen Mother says 1932 01:49:08.520 --> 01:49:12.239 it is put in. Nancy. Yes, he stands quite still. 1933 01:49:12.680 --> 01:49:16.880 Hush hear him, Teddy, I've come to fetch you to heaven. 1934 01:49:17.760 --> 01:49:20.199 And then I stand up. I listen hard, but I 1935 01:49:20.239 --> 01:49:24.000 don't say anything. He says, you haven't been altogether a 1936 01:49:24.000 --> 01:49:27.039 good soldier. But the captain says he wants you come along. 1937 01:49:28.279 --> 01:49:30.479 Then I get up and sit myself between his wings 1938 01:49:30.720 --> 01:49:32.960 and put my arms round his neck, and he begins 1939 01:49:33.000 --> 01:49:36.239 to go up. I see Mother and Granny and Uncle Jake, 1940 01:49:36.319 --> 01:49:38.640 and I wave my hand to them, and Mother throws 1941 01:49:38.640 --> 01:49:40.600 a kiss at me and calls out, give my love 1942 01:49:40.640 --> 01:49:43.800 to father. And away we go over our fields and 1943 01:49:43.840 --> 01:49:47.279 across the high road and over farmer Green's fields, and 1944 01:49:47.319 --> 01:49:49.239 then we fly right to the top of that mountain 1945 01:49:49.279 --> 01:49:53.159 over there. Do let me come too, said Nancy. I 1946 01:49:53.199 --> 01:49:55.720 want to be on the angel's back with you. Perhaps 1947 01:49:55.800 --> 01:49:58.319 you can follow behind on another angel. I want mine 1948 01:49:58.319 --> 01:50:01.239 all to myself up to the top of the mountain. 1949 01:50:01.359 --> 01:50:04.159 Then I stand down on the ground, and me too, 1950 01:50:04.520 --> 01:50:07.920 put in Nancy. You mustn't keep stopping me. I can't 1951 01:50:07.920 --> 01:50:10.960 feel it if you do. I stand there, and I think. 1952 01:50:11.199 --> 01:50:13.600 At first, I can't see nothing but a lot of 1953 01:50:13.640 --> 01:50:16.960 little soft clouds, one above the other, just like those 1954 01:50:17.000 --> 01:50:19.960 over there. But the angel says, put your foot on 1955 01:50:19.960 --> 01:50:22.600 one of them, and then on the next one. There 1956 01:50:22.600 --> 01:50:27.119 are the steps to heaven, oh, gasped Nancy, following it 1957 01:50:27.159 --> 01:50:31.279 with keen reality. You'll tumble. I don't. It's like putting 1958 01:50:31.319 --> 01:50:35.039 your foot and cotton wool. I go up. I have 1959 01:50:35.119 --> 01:50:37.720 to go quite by myself, but the angel comes behind 1960 01:50:37.760 --> 01:50:40.680 to see I don't fall, and then he says, look up, 1961 01:50:40.920 --> 01:50:43.239 don't you see the gates? And then I look and 1962 01:50:43.279 --> 01:50:46.640 I see them shining gold gates, very big and covered 1963 01:50:46.640 --> 01:50:49.640 with jewels like Missus Graham wears on her fingers. I 1964 01:50:49.720 --> 01:50:54.840 go up and up, and I'm there. Is that all? Why? 1965 01:50:54.880 --> 01:50:58.640 That's just the beginning. I'm only outside. The gates are shut, 1966 01:50:58.760 --> 01:51:00.880 but when they see me coming, two more angels come 1967 01:51:00.920 --> 01:51:03.439 and swing them wide open. And I'm feeling rather frightened. 1968 01:51:03.520 --> 01:51:06.359 But I walk in. There's a long, wide street made 1969 01:51:06.439 --> 01:51:08.960 like the gates, and I walk very carefully for fear 1970 01:51:08.960 --> 01:51:11.560 of slipping down. Then I see a lot of angels 1971 01:51:11.600 --> 01:51:14.560 coming along with trumpets. Then they go first and begin 1972 01:51:14.640 --> 01:51:17.520 to play like the soldier's band. I march on to 1973 01:51:17.560 --> 01:51:20.399 a very very very big door, and there on the 1974 01:51:20.439 --> 01:51:25.319 steps leading up stands my captain Teddy paused. I can't 1975 01:51:25.319 --> 01:51:27.239 tell you what he's like, but I feel what he's 1976 01:51:27.359 --> 01:51:30.920 like myself, such a loving, kind face. And he puts 1977 01:51:30.960 --> 01:51:33.279 his hand on my head and says, well done, Teddy. 1978 01:51:33.840 --> 01:51:35.279 And then I take hold of his hand and I 1979 01:51:35.279 --> 01:51:39.359 think I cry. Matter of fact, Nancy sees with surprise 1980 01:51:39.439 --> 01:51:42.000 that Teddy's eyes are filling with tears at the thought. 1981 01:51:43.079 --> 01:51:45.560 He went on softly. I think. He takes me up 1982 01:51:45.600 --> 01:51:48.600 in his arms then, because I'm very tired, and he 1983 01:51:48.680 --> 01:51:50.960 carries me into the most beautiful garden you ever saw 1984 01:51:51.000 --> 01:51:53.079 in your life, and he takes me to father, who 1985 01:51:53.159 --> 01:51:58.319 is waiting there. Tell me what the garden's like. Teddy 1986 01:51:58.359 --> 01:52:00.600 does not speak, he is full of the meeting with 1987 01:52:00.640 --> 01:52:05.560 his father, and Nancy waits a little impatiently. The garden 1988 01:52:05.640 --> 01:52:08.039 is lovely, he said at last, drawing in a breath 1989 01:52:08.039 --> 01:52:10.920 of delight at the thought. It's always sunny and warm. 1990 01:52:11.319 --> 01:52:13.920 The grass is very soft and green, and there's every 1991 01:52:13.960 --> 01:52:16.920 flower in the world, all bunched up together. The seats 1992 01:52:16.960 --> 01:52:19.319 are made of roses, and if you want to go 1993 01:52:19.359 --> 01:52:22.319 to sleep, the pillows are made up of violets. There's 1994 01:52:22.359 --> 01:52:25.359 a beautiful river, and trees full of apples and oranges 1995 01:52:25.479 --> 01:52:28.239 and plums and pears. The banks are red, they're made 1996 01:52:28.279 --> 01:52:33.560 of strawberries. Oh, gasped Nancy, how lovely. There are summer 1997 01:52:33.600 --> 01:52:35.640 houses and little white boats to row on the river, 1998 01:52:36.000 --> 01:52:38.359 and gold harps hanging up on the trees, and then 1999 01:52:38.399 --> 01:52:41.079 I think, hope there are lots of dogs running about, 2000 01:52:41.319 --> 01:52:43.279 and then you can ride all day on lions and 2001 01:52:43.319 --> 01:52:45.600 tigers and bears and they won't bite you, but lick 2002 01:52:45.640 --> 01:52:50.119 your hands. Go on? What else? Then we stand up 2003 01:52:50.159 --> 01:52:52.920 and sing hymns. When my captain comes by, we play 2004 01:52:52.960 --> 01:52:55.039 on the harps and blow the trumpets as much as 2005 01:52:55.039 --> 01:52:57.920 ever we like. I think my captain sometimes comes and 2006 01:52:57.960 --> 01:53:00.079 sits down and talks to us and tells us stories. 2007 01:53:01.439 --> 01:53:06.880 There was silence. Then Nancy said, is that all that's 2008 01:53:07.000 --> 01:53:10.760 enough for you? Said Teddy a little condescendingly. I think 2009 01:53:10.800 --> 01:53:13.680 and make believe a lot more. I want to go 2010 01:53:13.720 --> 01:53:18.239 to heaven, Nancy said thoughtfully. Then Teddy came back to earth. 2011 01:53:18.840 --> 01:53:21.960 Have you enlisted yet? He asked? I'm not going to 2012 01:53:21.960 --> 01:53:26.119 be a soldier, said Nancy quickly. Well you'll never get 2013 01:53:26.159 --> 01:53:28.159 to heaven if you don't fight for our captain. Now, 2014 01:53:28.520 --> 01:53:30.600 he won't let you inside the gates unless you belong 2015 01:53:30.680 --> 01:53:33.720 to him. Girls can fight just as much as boys, 2016 01:53:34.359 --> 01:53:36.319 of course they can. I can fight as well as you, 2017 01:53:36.359 --> 01:53:41.800 button boy. Why don't you fight your enemy? Then? What enemy? 2018 01:53:43.239 --> 01:53:46.520 My enemy is called ipse? He's a dreadful trouble to me. 2019 01:53:47.199 --> 01:53:49.479 You've got yours, the thing inside you that makes you 2020 01:53:49.520 --> 01:53:51.720 want to do naughty things. You've got to fight it 2021 01:53:52.000 --> 01:53:54.840 and do the good things instead. I've had two fights 2022 01:53:54.840 --> 01:53:59.399 with Ipse to day. Have you do? Tell me? You 2023 01:53:59.479 --> 01:54:02.199 mustn't tell anyone. Then it was in church this morning 2024 01:54:02.640 --> 01:54:04.359 there was an old woman in front of me, and 2025 01:54:04.439 --> 01:54:07.159 she untied her bonnet, and the ribbons fell over in 2026 01:54:07.239 --> 01:54:10.159 our pew. She went fast asleep in the sermon and 2027 01:54:10.279 --> 01:54:12.840 nodded her head back till it almost tumbled off her head. 2028 01:54:12.960 --> 01:54:15.159 And Ipse thought, if I would put out my hand 2029 01:54:15.239 --> 01:54:17.359 and just give a teeny weenie pull at the ribbon, 2030 01:54:17.479 --> 01:54:21.319 it would come right off. Nancy clapped her hands. Why 2031 01:54:21.319 --> 01:54:24.560 didn't you do it? What fun? I wanted to let 2032 01:54:24.640 --> 01:54:27.000 Ipse have his way, dreadful, but I remembered I must 2033 01:54:27.039 --> 01:54:29.800 fight him, and I did. I asked my captain to 2034 01:54:29.840 --> 01:54:31.640 help me, and then I put both my hands in 2035 01:54:31.680 --> 01:54:34.640 my pockets and screwed up my eyes tight. But I 2036 01:54:34.760 --> 01:54:37.000 was glad when she woke up and tied her bonnet again. 2037 01:54:38.399 --> 01:54:40.800 That was much gooder than I could have been. What's 2038 01:54:40.840 --> 01:54:44.479 the other fight you had? Uncle Jake brought some fresh honey, 2039 01:54:44.479 --> 01:54:46.000 from the hives, and he put it on a plate 2040 01:54:46.079 --> 01:54:48.439 in the window in the kitchen. He said when he 2041 01:54:48.479 --> 01:54:51.439 went out of the room, don't touch that, Teddy. As 2042 01:54:51.479 --> 01:54:53.439 I was waiting for mother to come to church with me, 2043 01:54:53.920 --> 01:54:56.520 and I went up and looked at it, IPS said 2044 01:54:56.560 --> 01:54:59.439 to me, just put one finger in it. And I 2045 01:54:59.479 --> 01:55:01.720 had to fight him very hard over that, but I 2046 01:55:01.800 --> 01:55:05.079 ran away out of the room. And do you always 2047 01:55:05.079 --> 01:55:09.479 fight him hard? No, I often forget till it's too late. 2048 01:55:10.039 --> 01:55:12.760 Mother said, I must ask my captain to make me remember. 2049 01:55:13.319 --> 01:55:15.960 I do ask him a lot to help me. I 2050 01:55:15.960 --> 01:55:19.399 don't think I like that sort of fighting. Nancy, I 2051 01:55:19.399 --> 01:55:22.479 wish you'd give yourself to God. As his soldier, Teddy 2052 01:55:22.479 --> 01:55:27.039 turned round earnestly as he spoke, I think, said Nancy slowly. 2053 01:55:27.199 --> 01:55:30.119 I like to be naughty best. Then she added, with 2054 01:55:30.239 --> 01:55:32.960 quite a change of tone, my father is coming home soon, 2055 01:55:32.960 --> 01:55:35.039 and he'll come to see us here. Then you'll see 2056 01:55:35.039 --> 01:55:37.439 what a grand sailor he is. He was much grander 2057 01:55:37.439 --> 01:55:41.399 than your father was. My father was an officer, said 2058 01:55:41.439 --> 01:55:45.039 Teddy proudly. So is my father. He is a first 2059 01:55:45.039 --> 01:55:48.439 class petty officer. And Nancy brought out the words slowly 2060 01:55:48.479 --> 01:55:52.399 and with much emphasis. My father was a non commissioned officer, 2061 01:55:52.439 --> 01:55:55.239 said Teddy, determined not to be beaten. He was a 2062 01:55:55.239 --> 01:55:59.399 full sergeant. My father gives orders to all the sailors, 2063 01:55:59.439 --> 01:56:02.039 and they have to do what he tells them. So 2064 01:56:02.159 --> 01:56:04.640 did my father, and he led the soldiers through a battle. 2065 01:56:05.319 --> 01:56:07.720 My father will fight in twenty battles before he dies, 2066 01:56:07.760 --> 01:56:11.640 and yours only fought in one. My father is in heaven, 2067 01:56:11.680 --> 01:56:15.119 and that's the grandest place to be in Coming to 2068 01:56:15.159 --> 01:56:17.520 this climax was too much for Nancy, and the thoughts 2069 01:56:17.520 --> 01:56:19.319 of that place of which they had been having so 2070 01:56:19.439 --> 01:56:24.000 much talk subdued to the rising ire, Teddy said reproachfully 2071 01:56:24.039 --> 01:56:28.479 after a minute's silence. Ips was nearly getting angry with you. Then, 2072 01:56:28.720 --> 01:56:32.439 you're such a dreadful girl for making me quarrel with you. 2073 01:56:32.439 --> 01:56:34.319 You won't let me say my father is as good 2074 01:56:34.359 --> 01:56:40.600 as yours, protested Nancy. He isn't better. Yes, don't get angry, Nancy. 2075 01:56:40.680 --> 01:56:44.119 Let's just say they're the same. And with this admission, 2076 01:56:44.239 --> 01:56:48.079 Nancy was for the time pacified. Before they parted, she 2077 01:56:48.159 --> 01:56:52.319 looked at her little companion with solemn eyes. I won't promise, 2078 01:56:53.000 --> 01:56:55.640 but I'll think about belonging to the captain, I should 2079 01:56:55.680 --> 01:56:58.479 like to go to heaven. It was one day soon 2080 01:56:58.520 --> 01:57:01.079 after this that Teddy was strained over the fields in 2081 01:57:01.159 --> 01:57:04.359 his happy, careless fashion, Fond as he was of games 2082 01:57:04.399 --> 01:57:06.920 with the village boys. Often there were times when he 2083 01:57:07.079 --> 01:57:09.880 liked his own society, and he wandered on, talking to 2084 01:57:09.960 --> 01:57:13.159 himself and gathering grass and wild flowers as he went. 2085 01:57:14.159 --> 01:57:16.720 His quick eyes soon noted some sheep making their way 2086 01:57:16.720 --> 01:57:19.079 through a gap in the hedge, and from thence they 2087 01:57:19.079 --> 01:57:21.199 were going through an open gate into the high road. 2088 01:57:22.800 --> 01:57:26.279 Those are Farmer Green's sheep, quoth he to himself. I'm 2089 01:57:26.319 --> 01:57:29.800 glad of it. Horrid old man, he is no ipse. 2090 01:57:29.960 --> 01:57:32.239 Be quiet. That isn't the way to think of him. 2091 01:57:32.600 --> 01:57:35.239 I'll go and drive them back again. And he trotted 2092 01:57:35.279 --> 01:57:37.880 off with this intention. But it is much more difficult 2093 01:57:37.880 --> 01:57:40.159 to get sheep into their rightful place than out of it, 2094 01:57:40.600 --> 01:57:43.439 And this Teddy found to his cost. His face was 2095 01:57:43.520 --> 01:57:46.439 hot and red, his voice hoarse with shouting. And then, 2096 01:57:46.520 --> 01:57:50.520 to his consternation, Farmer Green appeared on the scene. You, 2097 01:57:50.520 --> 01:57:54.079 young vagabond, he shouted, springing toward him a thick stick 2098 01:57:54.119 --> 01:57:56.960 in his hand. Leave my sheep alone. How dare you 2099 01:57:57.039 --> 01:57:59.960 come on my premises? You're always after some fresh trick 2100 01:58:00.119 --> 01:58:03.479 or other. Teddy stood still till he came up to him, 2101 01:58:03.600 --> 01:58:06.800 then looked up frankly at him. Indeed, sir, I was 2102 01:58:06.840 --> 01:58:09.199 trying to drive them back through their hole again. Look 2103 01:58:09.520 --> 01:58:13.880 that's where they broke through. A likely story, much more probable. 2104 01:58:13.960 --> 01:58:17.760 You made the hole yourself. Teddy's blood rushed into his face. 2105 01:58:18.279 --> 01:58:20.399 I never tell a lie, he cried, and you're a 2106 01:58:21.720 --> 01:58:23.520 He stopped and hung his head in shame at the 2107 01:58:23.520 --> 01:58:27.960 word that almost slipped from him. Jonathan Green looked curiously 2108 01:58:28.000 --> 01:58:32.000 at him. Now may I ask what the end of 2109 01:58:32.039 --> 01:58:36.279 that speech was going to be, he said grimly. Teddy 2110 01:58:36.279 --> 01:58:39.680 looked up Ipse was going to say you was a 2111 01:58:39.720 --> 01:58:42.199 liar at yourself, but I just stopped him in time. 2112 01:58:44.199 --> 01:58:46.319 I shall believe you have a bee in your bonnet. 2113 01:58:46.319 --> 01:58:49.119 As some folks say, said the farmer, pray, if the 2114 01:58:49.159 --> 01:58:51.560 sheep came out of their proper field, what business was 2115 01:58:51.600 --> 01:58:54.560 that of yours? I want it to be good to you. 2116 01:58:54.880 --> 01:58:57.479 I'm sorry I tied you up that day, dreadful sorry, 2117 01:58:57.640 --> 01:58:59.199 and I've got to love you, so I thought it 2118 01:58:59.199 --> 01:59:01.520 would be a good plan to send your sheep back again. 2119 01:59:02.960 --> 01:59:06.119 You've got to love me, repeated the farmer, opening his 2120 01:59:06.159 --> 01:59:08.680 eyes in mock surprise. And when did I ask for 2121 01:59:08.720 --> 01:59:12.039 any of your love, young fellow. I don't suppose you 2122 01:59:12.079 --> 01:59:15.520 want me to, observed Teddy cheerfully as he saw that 2123 01:59:15.560 --> 01:59:18.279 the stick, instead of being brandished over his head, was 2124 01:59:18.319 --> 01:59:21.079 now safely resting on the ground. But I've got to 2125 01:59:21.119 --> 01:59:23.279 do it, you see, because my banner I'm holding for 2126 01:59:23.359 --> 01:59:26.439 my captain is love, and I must love everybody. The 2127 01:59:26.520 --> 01:59:30.520 farmer did not answer, Teddy continued earnestly. Do you think 2128 01:59:30.520 --> 01:59:33.239 you could manage to forgive me and let us shake hands? 2129 01:59:33.560 --> 01:59:35.199 It would make it easier for me to love you 2130 01:59:35.239 --> 01:59:38.720 if you could. There was such honesty of purpose in 2131 01:59:38.760 --> 01:59:41.720 the blue eyes raised to his, such wistful curves to 2132 01:59:41.760 --> 01:59:44.520 the sensitive little lips, that Jonathan Green for the first 2133 01:59:44.560 --> 01:59:48.680 time felt the thrall of the child's power. Come into 2134 01:59:48.680 --> 01:59:50.439 the house with me, he said, and I'll see what 2135 01:59:50.479 --> 01:59:54.079 the missus has to say to you. Teddy followed him 2136 01:59:54.079 --> 01:59:56.479 without the slightest misgiving, and he was led into the 2137 01:59:56.479 --> 01:59:59.600 farmhouse kitchen, where Missus Green sat knitting over the fire, 2138 01:59:59.800 --> 02:00:01.680 and and one of her daughters was laying the cloth 2139 02:00:01.720 --> 02:00:05.720 for tea Mary Anne. Here's the scamp of the village 2140 02:00:05.720 --> 02:00:08.079 come to see you. Keep him here till I come back. 2141 02:00:08.359 --> 02:00:11.319 I'm after some stray sheet and shutting the door with 2142 02:00:11.359 --> 02:00:15.039 a bank. The farmer disappeared. Teddy shook hands with the 2143 02:00:15.079 --> 02:00:17.479 old lady and the young one, then seated himself in 2144 02:00:17.479 --> 02:00:21.399 the big chair opposite Missus Green. What have you been doing? 2145 02:00:21.640 --> 02:00:24.279 The latter inquired, how is it your mother can't keep 2146 02:00:24.319 --> 02:00:27.760 you out of mischief? I haven't been in mischief, really 2147 02:00:27.800 --> 02:00:30.399 I haven't, And poor Teddy felt the truth of the 2148 02:00:30.439 --> 02:00:33.800 saying give a dog a bad name and hang him. 2149 02:00:34.119 --> 02:00:36.079 He tried to tell his story, and then when that 2150 02:00:36.159 --> 02:00:39.239 did not seem to be understood, he deftly changed the subject. 2151 02:00:40.039 --> 02:00:42.560 What does Farmer Green like best in the world? He asked. 2152 02:00:43.800 --> 02:00:47.159 This astonishing question struck Missus Green dumb, but her daughter 2153 02:00:47.239 --> 02:00:51.079 Natty laughed, gooseberry pudding. She said, Now, then, what's the 2154 02:00:51.119 --> 02:00:54.800 next question? But Teddy was silent, and not another word 2155 02:00:54.840 --> 02:00:58.359 did he say till the farmer came in again. This 2156 02:00:58.520 --> 02:01:01.239 youngster is on the tack of reform, warming himself, Marianne 2157 02:01:01.560 --> 02:01:04.600 said Jonathan, sitting down in the chair, that Teddy immediately 2158 02:01:04.680 --> 02:01:08.439 vacated upon his entrance. Do you believe it? I have 2159 02:01:08.600 --> 02:01:10.920 no faith in boys, said Missus Green with a shake 2160 02:01:10.960 --> 02:01:13.520 of her head. They're all alike and are always taking 2161 02:01:13.560 --> 02:01:17.840 you unawares. You hear what the missus says. You won't 2162 02:01:17.840 --> 02:01:20.159 get no help from that quarter. But I'll give you 2163 02:01:20.199 --> 02:01:23.199 a chance. Would you like to stop to tea with us? 2164 02:01:23.640 --> 02:01:26.520 Teddy smiled, thank you, sir, but mother will expect me 2165 02:01:26.560 --> 02:01:28.840 home to tea. May I go now? And do you 2166 02:01:28.920 --> 02:01:32.039 forgive me for what I did the other day? Farmer 2167 02:01:32.079 --> 02:01:34.720 Green stretched out a hard, horny hand and took the 2168 02:01:34.760 --> 02:01:37.920 boy's small one. Here is my hand on it, he said, 2169 02:01:38.039 --> 02:01:40.359 with his grim smile. I may be a fool for 2170 02:01:40.439 --> 02:01:42.680 believing you, but if you're sorry for the past, I 2171 02:01:42.720 --> 02:01:46.000 won't be the one to rake it up again. Teddy's 2172 02:01:46.039 --> 02:01:48.359 upward look was so full of innocence that he received 2173 02:01:48.359 --> 02:01:51.199 a clap on the shoulder. Run along, you've made your 2174 02:01:51.199 --> 02:01:54.840 peace with me, And speeding away, Teddy whispered to himself, 2175 02:01:55.239 --> 02:01:57.119 I shall ask mother to make it, and I shall 2176 02:01:57.119 --> 02:01:59.800 pick the gooseberries myself, and then he'll know I love him. 2177 02:02:01.199 --> 02:02:04.000 Farmer Green was much bewildered. A few days after at 2178 02:02:04.039 --> 02:02:06.399 receiving a parcel which was left at his house by 2179 02:02:06.399 --> 02:02:09.399 some boys on their way back from school. He was 2180 02:02:09.439 --> 02:02:12.000 still more puzzled when upon opening it it proved to 2181 02:02:12.039 --> 02:02:14.720 be a gooseberry pudding in a basin, with a piece 2182 02:02:14.720 --> 02:02:17.760 of paper attached to it, and these words in very 2183 02:02:17.800 --> 02:02:22.640 shaky writing, I send you my love, Teddy. But his 2184 02:02:22.760 --> 02:02:25.039 daughter was able to enlighten him, and they had a 2185 02:02:25.039 --> 02:02:28.520 hearty laugh over Teddy's mode of confirming the treaty of friendship. 2186 02:02:30.199 --> 02:02:39.920 End of chapter eight. Chapter nine of Teddy's Button. This 2187 02:02:40.079 --> 02:02:43.159 is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recording are in the 2188 02:02:43.159 --> 02:02:47.359 public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit 2189 02:02:47.520 --> 02:02:53.159 LibriVox dot org. Recording by Robert Harder. Teddy's Button by 2190 02:02:53.199 --> 02:02:59.560 Amy le Fever. Chapter nine lost Our little soldier had 2191 02:02:59.600 --> 02:03:01.880 his upsots down, but on the whole he was making 2192 02:03:01.920 --> 02:03:04.640 steady progress, and his mother was thankful to see his 2193 02:03:04.720 --> 02:03:08.960 increased thoughtfulness and gentleness. He was not less merry and joyous. 2194 02:03:09.079 --> 02:03:11.479 He was still the leader of the village sports, but 2195 02:03:11.560 --> 02:03:14.319 he was learning how to control his mischievous propensities and 2196 02:03:14.359 --> 02:03:17.880 to restrain his hasty words and actions. Nancy was a 2197 02:03:17.880 --> 02:03:20.399 great trial to him sometimes, And yet though the two 2198 02:03:20.479 --> 02:03:23.640 were ceaselessly involved in arguments and differences, they could not 2199 02:03:23.800 --> 02:03:27.399 keep apart for long. Nancy's father arrived, and Teddy had 2200 02:03:27.439 --> 02:03:29.880 the privilege of being invited to tea and of hearing 2201 02:03:29.920 --> 02:03:33.119 the most wonderful yarns from the big brown bearded man, who, 2202 02:03:33.279 --> 02:03:35.880 though outwardly rough in voice and manner, had a very 2203 02:03:35.920 --> 02:03:39.680 soft corner in his heart for his little daughter. Teddy 2204 02:03:39.760 --> 02:03:43.119 listened and admired and satisfied Nancy by his evident appreciation 2205 02:03:43.239 --> 02:03:45.840 of the sea stories. But when he reached home and 2206 02:03:45.960 --> 02:03:49.359 was asked about his visit, he said emphatically, Nancy's father 2207 02:03:49.439 --> 02:03:51.560 is very nice, but he's nothing like the picture of 2208 02:03:51.720 --> 02:03:54.399 God a father with his red coat and sash and sword. 2209 02:03:54.479 --> 02:03:56.399 And his voice is so gruff and hoarse, and he 2210 02:03:56.439 --> 02:03:59.079 shouts so loud, and I shall never never think sailors 2211 02:03:59.119 --> 02:04:03.279 are better than soldiers. It was after Nancy's father had 2212 02:04:03.319 --> 02:04:05.479 left her, and when the bright summer days were beginning 2213 02:04:05.479 --> 02:04:08.680 to close, that one afternoon Teddy and Nancy were fishing together. 2214 02:04:09.319 --> 02:04:12.319 At least that was their intention, But anyone seeing them 2215 02:04:12.439 --> 02:04:14.920 sitting on the low Stone bridge over the river with 2216 02:04:15.039 --> 02:04:18.039 their lines dangling carelessly in the water, and their merry 2217 02:04:18.079 --> 02:04:21.560 laughter and voices ringing out continually would not be surprised 2218 02:04:21.560 --> 02:04:24.960 if their fishing did not meet with success. At last, 2219 02:04:24.960 --> 02:04:27.720 they clambered down and wandered along the tow path, and 2220 02:04:27.760 --> 02:04:31.800 then suddenly Nancy drew Teddy's attention to his button. Why 2221 02:04:31.840 --> 02:04:36.000 it's nearly coming off. You'll lose it, she cried. I 2222 02:04:36.079 --> 02:04:39.319 told mother it was getting loose yesterday, she says, She 2223 02:04:39.439 --> 02:04:41.560 is always sewing it on. I think I'll take it 2224 02:04:41.600 --> 02:04:43.960 off and put it in my pocket. Whatever should I 2225 02:04:44.000 --> 02:04:46.840 do if I was to lose it? He was jerking 2226 02:04:46.840 --> 02:04:48.520 at it as he spoke, and it slipped from his 2227 02:04:48.600 --> 02:04:51.159 grasp and rolled away on the path. It was too 2228 02:04:51.159 --> 02:04:54.479 great a temptation for Nancy, Like lightning. She was after it, 2229 02:04:54.520 --> 02:04:57.079 and a moment after stood upright and exultant, with a 2230 02:04:57.079 --> 02:05:00.439 button clenched tightly in her little hand. Give it to 2231 02:05:00.479 --> 02:05:04.119 me at once, demanded Teddy, Quivering all over with excitement. 2232 02:05:05.399 --> 02:05:09.560 Nancy's brown eyes sparkled with mischief. Aha, little button boy, 2233 02:05:09.680 --> 02:05:11.880 I've got it at last, and I shall take it 2234 02:05:11.960 --> 02:05:15.000 home and have it sewed on my jacket. I shall 2235 02:05:15.000 --> 02:05:17.159 fight you, cried Teddy if you don't give it up 2236 02:05:17.199 --> 02:05:19.760 at once. It isn't yours. You would be a thief 2237 02:05:19.800 --> 02:05:21.840 if you kept it. Give it to me this minute. 2238 02:05:23.039 --> 02:05:25.920 Shall I throw it into the river? Questioned the saucy 2239 02:05:25.960 --> 02:05:30.119 little maiden. Teddy darted forward and then began a tussle. 2240 02:05:30.520 --> 02:05:32.840 He tried to wrench her hands apart, and she exerted 2241 02:05:32.880 --> 02:05:35.680 all her strength to keep them closed. Suddenly, with a 2242 02:05:35.680 --> 02:05:39.239 triumphant cry from Teddy, as Nancy's fingers were beginning to yield, 2243 02:05:39.560 --> 02:05:42.119 the button was liberated with such force that it flew 2244 02:05:42.199 --> 02:05:46.239 violently out and splashed into the river it went. Nancy 2245 02:05:46.279 --> 02:05:48.560 gave a cry, but without a word or sound, Teddy 2246 02:05:48.600 --> 02:05:51.880 plunged in head foremost after it. It was done without 2247 02:05:51.880 --> 02:05:54.119 a thought. He was a good swimmer, and for a 2248 02:05:54.159 --> 02:05:57.479 minute Nancy watched him in breathless silence. But when his 2249 02:05:57.560 --> 02:05:59.600 little head rose out of the water, he seemed half 2250 02:05:59.600 --> 02:06:04.439 stupid and cried out in a weak voice, help, I'm drowning, 2251 02:06:05.279 --> 02:06:08.399 then sank again. Nancy set up a shout, then a 2252 02:06:08.439 --> 02:06:11.640 frantic agony, and a carter coming over from the bridge 2253 02:06:11.680 --> 02:06:14.000 fortunately heard her and came to the rescue. Not a 2254 02:06:14.039 --> 02:06:16.960 moment too soon, he threw off his coat and heavy boots, 2255 02:06:16.960 --> 02:06:19.359 and plunged in just as Teddy's curly head rose for 2256 02:06:19.359 --> 02:06:22.399 the third and last time. It did not take long 2257 02:06:22.439 --> 02:06:24.279 to bring him to the shore, but he lay in 2258 02:06:24.319 --> 02:06:27.239 the carter's arms, limp and lifeless, and Nancy burst into 2259 02:06:27.239 --> 02:06:30.600 an agony of tears. He's dead, He's dead, and I've 2260 02:06:30.720 --> 02:06:34.600 killed him, she cried. The carter wasted no time in 2261 02:06:34.640 --> 02:06:37.479 trying to restore animation to the little frame, but all 2262 02:06:37.479 --> 02:06:40.600 his efforts were unavailing, and at last he said, I'll 2263 02:06:40.600 --> 02:06:42.720 put him in my cart and drive as fast as 2264 02:06:42.720 --> 02:06:44.800 I can to the doctor's. It isn't more than a 2265 02:06:44.840 --> 02:06:47.119 mile off. If so be that he's at home, you 2266 02:06:47.199 --> 02:06:49.119 go home and fetch his mother as fast as you can. 2267 02:06:50.439 --> 02:06:53.159 Nancy raced off, sobbing as she went, and she was 2268 02:06:53.199 --> 02:06:55.520 in such a state of excitement that when at length 2269 02:06:55.640 --> 02:06:57.760 she burst open the farmhouse door, she seemed to have 2270 02:06:57.840 --> 02:07:02.239 lost her speech. Missus John saw her face and started forward. 2271 02:07:03.199 --> 02:07:07.159 It's Teddy, she cried, What has happened. He's at He's 2272 02:07:07.199 --> 02:07:11.039 going to the doctor's dead. She gasped, then fell breathless 2273 02:07:11.079 --> 02:07:14.199 to the floor without a word. Missus John snatched up 2274 02:07:14.199 --> 02:07:17.079 a shawl and with white set face and lips. Moving 2275 02:07:17.119 --> 02:07:20.279 in agonized prayer, she flew along the road to the doctor's. 2276 02:07:21.000 --> 02:07:22.760 She was shown into the room where the doctor was 2277 02:07:22.840 --> 02:07:25.720 hard at work, but Teddy lay like a waxen image, 2278 02:07:25.880 --> 02:07:28.880 with the sweetest smile on his lips, his fair curls 2279 02:07:28.880 --> 02:07:32.319 clustering around his brow, and only an ugly bump amongst 2280 02:07:32.359 --> 02:07:34.479 the curls told the reason of his sinking under the 2281 02:07:34.479 --> 02:07:38.079 water again. So suddenly, in breathless silence, the mother stood 2282 02:07:38.119 --> 02:07:41.359 and watched. Don't give him up, doctor, she cried. As 2283 02:07:41.399 --> 02:07:44.239 at last the doctor straightened himself and paused, looking at 2284 02:07:44.239 --> 02:07:47.239 the mother sorrowfully. He shook his head, but set to 2285 02:07:47.279 --> 02:07:51.479 work again, trying artificial respiration and leaving no effort. Untried 2286 02:07:51.520 --> 02:07:55.159 to bring back the life that had apparently departed. And 2287 02:07:55.199 --> 02:07:57.720 then there came the moment when his efforts met with success. 2288 02:07:58.199 --> 02:08:00.680 For placing his hand against the little heart, he felt 2289 02:08:00.720 --> 02:08:05.000 a feeble throb. He redoubled his efforts. The breath began 2290 02:08:05.039 --> 02:08:08.560 to appear, a faint color tinged the blue lips, and 2291 02:08:08.600 --> 02:08:11.119 at last the heavy eyelids raised, and a faint voice 2292 02:08:11.119 --> 02:08:17.000 said mother. Missus John sank on her knees. Thank God 2293 02:08:17.399 --> 02:08:21.199 was all she said, and then she fainted. Much later 2294 02:08:21.279 --> 02:08:23.479 in the evening, Teddy was placed in his own little 2295 02:08:23.520 --> 02:08:26.800 bed at home, but though alive, his condition was most critical, 2296 02:08:27.000 --> 02:08:29.279 and he lay in a heavy stupor from which it 2297 02:08:29.319 --> 02:08:32.640 seemed impossible to rouse him. The doctor said he must 2298 02:08:32.640 --> 02:08:34.640 have struck his head against a stone when he first 2299 02:08:34.680 --> 02:08:37.399 dived into the river, and this had produced concussion of 2300 02:08:37.439 --> 02:08:40.640 the brain. Nancy had been taken home before he came, 2301 02:08:40.800 --> 02:08:42.520 but the news was brought to her that he was 2302 02:08:42.560 --> 02:08:45.479 still alive, though in great danger, and that was a 2303 02:08:45.479 --> 02:08:49.520 great comfort to her poor little, sorrowful soul. For many 2304 02:08:49.600 --> 02:08:52.840 days he lay between life and death. The inquiries after 2305 02:08:52.920 --> 02:08:55.560 him from every one of his schoolfellows, the hall, and 2306 02:08:55.600 --> 02:08:58.399 the different farms and places round told his mother how 2307 02:08:58.479 --> 02:09:01.079 much her little son had been beloved. And when on 2308 02:09:01.119 --> 02:09:04.560 the following Sunday mister Upton gave out in a faltering voice, 2309 02:09:05.279 --> 02:09:08.840 the prayers of this congregation are desired for Edward Platt, 2310 02:09:09.079 --> 02:09:12.319 who was dangerously ill, there was not a dry eye 2311 02:09:12.359 --> 02:09:14.640 in the church, and one or two audible sobs came 2312 02:09:14.640 --> 02:09:17.960 from the boy's seats in the gallery. Missus John never 2313 02:09:18.079 --> 02:09:21.199 left her boy's bedside night and day. She was by him, 2314 02:09:21.319 --> 02:09:24.960 and Minnie wondered at her calm peacefulness after the first 2315 02:09:25.000 --> 02:09:26.960 great shock. She had been able to hand over her 2316 02:09:27.039 --> 02:09:30.039 child into her father's loving hands and rest content with 2317 02:09:30.079 --> 02:09:33.279 the result. And so she was able, and perhaps the 2318 02:09:33.319 --> 02:09:36.680 most anxious time of her life, to look up and say, Father, 2319 02:09:37.039 --> 02:09:41.640 not my will, but thine be done. The days slowly passed, 2320 02:09:41.640 --> 02:09:44.720 and still no change for the better. The doctor came 2321 02:09:44.760 --> 02:09:48.359 and went with his grave impenetrable face, and Teddy was 2322 02:09:48.359 --> 02:09:52.359 still unconscious. Then doubts began to rise in his mother's 2323 02:09:52.399 --> 02:09:54.640 heart as to whether his reason would ever come back, 2324 02:09:54.960 --> 02:09:57.000 and she stopped the doctor as he was leaving one 2325 02:09:57.000 --> 02:10:00.840 morning to ask him the question, if if he lives, doctor, 2326 02:10:01.199 --> 02:10:04.800 will he be an idiot? My brave bonnie boy. Oh, 2327 02:10:04.840 --> 02:10:07.880 I would rather have death for him than that. And 2328 02:10:07.880 --> 02:10:11.199 the doctor could only give her the meager consolation he 2329 02:10:11.319 --> 02:10:14.319 may recover. Yet I have seen worse cases than this. 2330 02:10:14.479 --> 02:10:17.439 Pull through and be as bright as ever they were. 2331 02:10:18.840 --> 02:10:21.720 And then one afternoon, when the setting sun was flooding 2332 02:10:21.720 --> 02:10:24.159 the room with a golden glory, the little head turned 2333 02:10:24.199 --> 02:10:29.560 on the pillow. Mother. The sound of that word not 2334 02:10:29.800 --> 02:10:32.039 uttered since she had seen him in the doctor's house 2335 02:10:32.079 --> 02:10:35.119 that first terrible day was like the sweetest music in 2336 02:10:35.159 --> 02:10:38.800 her ear. Stooping over him, she met the clear, conscious 2337 02:10:38.840 --> 02:10:43.079 gaze of the blue eyes. So tired, mother, put your 2338 02:10:43.079 --> 02:10:47.520 hand under my cheek. Good night. The eyelids closed and 2339 02:10:47.560 --> 02:10:50.880 the limbs relaxed in healthy sleep. The mother sat down, 2340 02:10:51.079 --> 02:10:53.359 and though her arm became stiff and weary, not a 2341 02:10:53.439 --> 02:10:56.640 muscle of it moved. The doctor came in just before 2342 02:10:56.680 --> 02:11:00.000 he woke. He has spoken, He knew me, she said, 2343 02:11:00.600 --> 02:11:03.399 and the doctor nodded and smiled. And then a minute 2344 02:11:03.439 --> 02:11:06.640 after the boy raised his head, Where am I? Mother? 2345 02:11:07.119 --> 02:11:12.000 He asked feebly in bed, Darling, you've been ill? Where's 2346 02:11:12.039 --> 02:11:16.960 my button? He'll do? Said the doctor contentedly. Keep him 2347 02:11:17.000 --> 02:11:19.960 quiet and feed him up, And the glad news went 2348 02:11:20.039 --> 02:11:24.039 round the village that Teddy was getting better. It was 2349 02:11:24.079 --> 02:11:26.039 a bright day for the farm. When Teddy was brought 2350 02:11:26.079 --> 02:11:28.079 down in a blanket and put in the big easy 2351 02:11:28.119 --> 02:11:31.159 chair by the fire. His little face and hands looked 2352 02:11:31.239 --> 02:11:34.239 very fragile, with the blue veins standing out clearly under 2353 02:11:34.279 --> 02:11:37.640 the transparent white skin, but his large eyes shone with 2354 02:11:37.760 --> 02:11:41.520 light and gladness. His mother made him comfortable, then left 2355 02:11:41.560 --> 02:11:45.039 him in grandmother's charge for a short time. Old missus 2356 02:11:45.079 --> 02:11:47.680 Platt had her share of suffering during those sad days. 2357 02:11:48.039 --> 02:11:50.199 Her heart was wrapped up in the boy, and perhaps 2358 02:11:50.279 --> 02:11:52.600 the greatest trial of all was to stand aloof and 2359 02:11:52.680 --> 02:11:55.840 perform her daily work downstairs, whilst her daughter in law 2360 02:11:55.880 --> 02:11:59.159 had the sole charge of him. She came across the 2361 02:11:59.239 --> 02:12:01.800 chair now, and kneeling down in front of it, said, 2362 02:12:01.840 --> 02:12:04.119 with tears in her eyes, as she took his two 2363 02:12:04.159 --> 02:12:07.840 little hands into hers, Grannie has sadly missed her pickle 2364 02:12:07.880 --> 02:12:11.119 all this while. And then Teddy put his little arms 2365 02:12:11.159 --> 02:12:13.680 round her neck and hugged her close, crushing her cap 2366 02:12:13.720 --> 02:12:16.880 in the most reckless fashion as he did. So. I'm 2367 02:12:16.920 --> 02:12:19.800 getting better every day, Grannie, and I love you. Ever so, 2368 02:12:21.279 --> 02:12:24.479 when missus Platt released herself, he went on more soberly. 2369 02:12:25.199 --> 02:12:28.000 I feel very tipsy on my legs. I asked mother 2370 02:12:28.079 --> 02:12:30.079 to let me walk just now, but I couldn't manage 2371 02:12:30.159 --> 02:12:32.479 very well. I don't think I shall be able to 2372 02:12:32.560 --> 02:12:36.239 run fast for a year, shall I? Oh, we'll see 2373 02:12:36.279 --> 02:12:40.399 you about long before that, please God, and Grannie, you 2374 02:12:40.520 --> 02:12:44.399 know about my sorrow. The blue eyes looked wistful at 2375 02:12:44.399 --> 02:12:47.800 the thought. Yes, laddie, but don't think of that now. 2376 02:12:49.239 --> 02:12:51.439 I told mother I didn't want ever to get well. 2377 02:12:51.479 --> 02:12:54.159 When I first talked about it, I felt I couldn't 2378 02:12:54.159 --> 02:12:56.600 live without my button. But she told me that was wrong. 2379 02:12:56.960 --> 02:12:59.000 She said it wasn't being a good soldier to wish 2380 02:12:59.039 --> 02:13:01.800 to die directly came, and that if I bore my 2381 02:13:01.880 --> 02:13:04.600 sorrow well, God would be pleased. Do you think I'm 2382 02:13:04.640 --> 02:13:09.680 bearing it well? Grannie? Yes, yes, missus Platt said soothingly. 2383 02:13:10.560 --> 02:13:13.079 Look at those lovely flowers and grapes that Missus Graham 2384 02:13:13.159 --> 02:13:15.279 sent to you this morning. Wasn't that kind of her? 2385 02:13:17.159 --> 02:13:20.279 I don't never forget it, pursued Teddy, refusing to have 2386 02:13:20.319 --> 02:13:23.079 the subject changed. But I thought this morning that God 2387 02:13:23.119 --> 02:13:25.000 could give it to me again, and so I'm going 2388 02:13:25.039 --> 02:13:27.079 to ask him every day till it comes. And do 2389 02:13:27.119 --> 02:13:28.920 you know, Grannie, I think he'll give it to me. 2390 02:13:29.319 --> 02:13:33.199 Only mother says I must be patient. Presently, he asked, 2391 02:13:33.359 --> 02:13:37.239 could I see Nancy one day soon? She comes on 2392 02:13:37.319 --> 02:13:39.560 her way to school every day to ask how you are, 2393 02:13:39.840 --> 02:13:43.079 poor little maid. She's taken on dreadful about your illness 2394 02:13:43.079 --> 02:13:45.079 and wouldn't eat her food when you were so ill. 2395 02:13:45.560 --> 02:13:48.399 Her mother got quite anxious about her. We'll send for 2396 02:13:48.439 --> 02:13:50.000 her in a day or two if you keep well. 2397 02:13:50.920 --> 02:13:53.359 And two days after Nancy appeared, she came up to 2398 02:13:53.399 --> 02:13:56.159 the big chair, very shyly, and looked with awe upon 2399 02:13:56.199 --> 02:14:01.239 Teddy's white, wasted face. Then she cried impulsively, Oh, Button boy, 2400 02:14:01.239 --> 02:14:03.600 will you ever forgive me? If you had died, I 2401 02:14:03.640 --> 02:14:07.600 should have killed you. No, you wouldn't, said Teddy, putting 2402 02:14:07.680 --> 02:14:10.159 up his face and kissing her. I was just as naughty. 2403 02:14:10.239 --> 02:14:12.960 I shouldn't have tried to fight with you. I go 2404 02:14:13.039 --> 02:14:16.159 to the river every day, Nancy went on sorrowfully, and 2405 02:14:16.279 --> 02:14:18.880 Farmer Green brought a big net one day and dragged 2406 02:14:18.920 --> 02:14:21.039 up lots of stones and old tin pans. But the 2407 02:14:21.079 --> 02:14:24.039 button wasn't there. I hope it will be washed ashore 2408 02:14:24.079 --> 02:14:26.439 one day, and so I look along the banks, but 2409 02:14:26.479 --> 02:14:29.600 I haven't seen a sign of it yet. I'm asking 2410 02:14:29.640 --> 02:14:31.760 God to give it back to me every day, said Teddy, 2411 02:14:31.920 --> 02:14:34.439 with a little decided nod. And I think he'll do it. 2412 02:14:34.960 --> 02:14:37.319 You ask him too, Nancy, and perhaps he'll do it quicker. 2413 02:14:38.520 --> 02:14:40.600 I've asked God every day to make you better, and 2414 02:14:40.680 --> 02:14:42.479 I promised him if he would do it, I would 2415 02:14:42.479 --> 02:14:45.159 be the captain's soldier. Yes I did, and I said 2416 02:14:45.159 --> 02:14:47.119 I would give up being a sailor and be just 2417 02:14:47.159 --> 02:14:52.039 a soldier like your. Nancy made the statement with great solemnity, 2418 02:14:52.159 --> 02:14:55.479 and Teddy beamed with delight. And are you really enlisted? 2419 02:14:56.479 --> 02:14:58.840 I don't quite know, but I'm trying to be good, 2420 02:14:58.960 --> 02:15:02.319 and I ask Jesus to help me every day. Then 2421 02:15:02.359 --> 02:15:05.479 there was silence. Nancy sat down on the rug and 2422 02:15:05.520 --> 02:15:10.000 took the large tappyquet on her lap. Did you think 2423 02:15:10.000 --> 02:15:14.239 you were going to die, she asked, presently. I didn't 2424 02:15:14.239 --> 02:15:16.119 think nothing at all till I woke up and saw 2425 02:15:16.239 --> 02:15:18.960 mother crying over me. And then I felt dreadful, tired 2426 02:15:19.000 --> 02:15:21.720 and ill. I asked her one day where she would 2427 02:15:21.760 --> 02:15:23.439 bury me, for I was sure I was much too 2428 02:15:23.479 --> 02:15:26.359 ill to get better, and she well, She smiled and 2429 02:15:26.399 --> 02:15:29.560 said God was making me stronger every day. I didn't 2430 02:15:29.560 --> 02:15:32.960 feel I was better a bit. Would you like to 2431 02:15:33.000 --> 02:15:36.600 have died and gone to heaven? Yes, Teddy answered promptly. 2432 02:15:36.680 --> 02:15:40.319 Of course I should, wouldn't you? Nancy shook her head. 2433 02:15:40.840 --> 02:15:42.800 I might if I was quite sure the Angel would 2434 02:15:42.800 --> 02:15:45.279 carry me safely all the way without dropping me or 2435 02:15:45.359 --> 02:15:47.680 leaving me in the clouds before we got there. But 2436 02:15:47.760 --> 02:15:50.319 I think I like to live here best. Besides, I 2437 02:15:50.319 --> 02:15:52.159 don't think I'm good enough to go to heaven yet, 2438 02:15:52.960 --> 02:15:55.039 I don't think it's being good gets us to heaven. 2439 02:15:55.239 --> 02:15:57.720 Jesus died to let us, you know, like the hymn says, 2440 02:15:58.520 --> 02:16:02.159 Jesus loves me. He who died, Heaven's gate to open wide. 2441 02:16:02.600 --> 02:16:05.720 He will wash away my sin, let his little child 2442 02:16:05.760 --> 02:16:08.840 come in. Have you asked him to forgive you, Nancy? 2443 02:16:09.880 --> 02:16:13.399 Nancy nodded yes. When you was so ill, I felt 2444 02:16:13.399 --> 02:16:17.119 I had been so wicked that God was punishing me. Here, 2445 02:16:17.239 --> 02:16:20.399 reverting to more earthly topics, Nancy held up the cat, 2446 02:16:20.520 --> 02:16:23.840 arrayed in her sailor hat and jacket. Look, this is 2447 02:16:23.920 --> 02:16:28.079 jack tar. Doesn't she make a jolly sailor? A gleeful, 2448 02:16:28.119 --> 02:16:30.680 hearty peal of laughter came from Teddy and was heard 2449 02:16:30.720 --> 02:16:33.440 in the adjoining room by his grandmother with comfort. She 2450 02:16:33.559 --> 02:16:37.399 called missus John, hear that now, why he's getting himself 2451 02:16:37.479 --> 02:16:39.639 quite well again. It does him good to have a 2452 02:16:39.719 --> 02:16:43.280 child to talk to. She must come again, And this 2453 02:16:43.479 --> 02:16:46.159 Nancy did, and the roses began to come back to 2454 02:16:46.200 --> 02:16:49.319 Teddy's cheeks, And then others of his playfellows were allowed 2455 02:16:49.319 --> 02:16:53.000 to come and see him. Certainly, no little invalid could 2456 02:16:53.000 --> 02:16:55.600 have received greater attention than he did during that time 2457 02:16:55.639 --> 02:16:59.479 of convalescence. Every day small offerings were presented at the 2458 02:16:59.520 --> 02:17:03.200 door by the village children, and very diverse were the gifts. 2459 02:17:03.239 --> 02:17:07.319 Sometimes a bunch of wild flowers, sometimes birds, eggs, marbles, 2460 02:17:07.520 --> 02:17:10.600 boxes of chalk, a packet of toffee or barley sugar, 2461 02:17:11.040 --> 02:17:15.040 a currant bun, a tin trumpet, a whistle, a jam tart, 2462 02:17:15.360 --> 02:17:18.360 a penny pistol, and so on till his mother declared 2463 02:17:18.360 --> 02:17:20.280 she would have to stop taking them in as they 2464 02:17:20.280 --> 02:17:23.559 were getting such an accumulation of them. And how is 2465 02:17:23.600 --> 02:17:26.520 my little fellow soldier, asked mister Upton, as he came 2466 02:17:26.559 --> 02:17:28.479 in one day for his first visit to the little 2467 02:17:28.479 --> 02:17:32.440 infallet after being downstairs. He'll soon be out of the hospital, 2468 02:17:32.520 --> 02:17:36.440 responded Teddy brightly. And is he still fighting for his captain? 2469 02:17:37.440 --> 02:17:40.040 I think Sir Ipse has been very good while I've 2470 02:17:40.079 --> 02:17:43.920 been ill. He's been lying low, has he? If I 2471 02:17:44.040 --> 02:17:46.120 mistake not, you will have a brush with him yet 2472 02:17:46.120 --> 02:17:49.639 before long, So be on the lookout, And Teddy found 2473 02:17:49.639 --> 02:17:52.840 the good Rector's words come true. Days came when he 2474 02:17:52.920 --> 02:17:56.600 tried his mother's patience by his fractiousness and restlessness, and 2475 02:17:56.719 --> 02:18:00.280 he was more often the vanquished than the conqueror. Even 2476 02:18:00.360 --> 02:18:03.840 Nancy one day remonstrated with him, you're a nasty and 2477 02:18:03.920 --> 02:18:07.719 cross today. No one pleases you. I want to get out. 2478 02:18:07.920 --> 02:18:11.159 I'm tired of this old kitchen. If you can't get out, 2479 02:18:11.159 --> 02:18:15.559 you can't. Being cross won't take you out. This logic convinced, 2480 02:18:15.600 --> 02:18:18.879 but did not comfort. I expect your captain won't come 2481 02:18:18.920 --> 02:18:22.239 near you when you're cross. And then Teddy burst out, crying, 2482 02:18:23.040 --> 02:18:25.319 I'm not a soldier at all. I don't know how 2483 02:18:25.319 --> 02:18:27.639 to stand fire, and it's all ipse, and I'm too 2484 02:18:27.760 --> 02:18:32.680 tired to fight him. Poor little soldier one above took 2485 02:18:32.760 --> 02:18:36.079 note of the physical weakness and weariness, and in his tenderness, 2486 02:18:36.440 --> 02:18:48.079 pitied and forgave. End of chapter nine. Chapter ten of 2487 02:18:48.200 --> 02:18:53.000 Teddy's Button. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings 2488 02:18:53.040 --> 02:18:56.399 are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, 2489 02:18:56.760 --> 02:19:02.799 please visit LibriVox dot org. Record by Robert Harder Teddy's 2490 02:19:02.840 --> 02:19:09.600 Button by Amy La Fever. Chapter ten found it was 2491 02:19:09.680 --> 02:19:12.159 winter time and Teddy was back at school, full of 2492 02:19:12.159 --> 02:19:15.120 health and spirits. Yet through all his boyish mirth. The 2493 02:19:15.159 --> 02:19:18.639 loss of his button was never forgotten. Daily he prayed 2494 02:19:18.639 --> 02:19:20.319 for it to be found, and his hope and faith 2495 02:19:20.360 --> 02:19:23.559 in God never failed him. Perhaps God will send it 2496 02:19:23.559 --> 02:19:26.239 to me for a Christmas surprise. Perhaps I shall find 2497 02:19:26.280 --> 02:19:28.559 it in my stocking on Christmas morning, he used to 2498 02:19:28.559 --> 02:19:30.959 say to his mother, and she told him to pray on. 2499 02:19:32.399 --> 02:19:34.079 He had come in from school one day in the 2500 02:19:34.079 --> 02:19:37.680 beginning of December and was watching with keen interest the 2501 02:19:37.799 --> 02:19:40.200 roasting of an apple suspended from a string in front 2502 02:19:40.200 --> 02:19:42.479 of the fire, when there was a sharp knock at 2503 02:19:42.520 --> 02:19:45.760 the door and the footman from the hall appeared. The 2504 02:19:45.840 --> 02:19:48.159 master wants you to let the youngster come up with 2505 02:19:48.200 --> 02:19:52.280 me now and speak to him. What about? Questioned missus John, 2506 02:19:52.680 --> 02:19:55.000 rather alarmed at this summons and wondering if Teddy had 2507 02:19:55.040 --> 02:19:59.479 been up to mischief. He won't keep him long. Then, 2508 02:19:59.559 --> 02:20:02.639 as ex Teddy began pulling on his greatcoat, he whispered 2509 02:20:02.639 --> 02:20:05.000 something into his mother's ear, which had the effect of 2510 02:20:05.040 --> 02:20:08.760 completely reassuring her and bringing a pleased smile about her lips. 2511 02:20:09.159 --> 02:20:11.360 Teddy was delighted to go up to the hall, and 2512 02:20:11.440 --> 02:20:13.959 he trotted along by the side of the tall young footman, 2513 02:20:14.280 --> 02:20:17.879 keeping a brisk conversation as he went, I shall never 2514 02:20:17.920 --> 02:20:20.120 be a footman, he was asserting. I couldn't keep my 2515 02:20:20.200 --> 02:20:22.920 legs so stiff. You're always like the soldiers when they 2516 02:20:22.920 --> 02:20:25.680 stand at attention. Don't you never kick your legs out 2517 02:20:25.680 --> 02:20:28.799 in the kitchen or have you got stiff knees? I 2518 02:20:28.920 --> 02:20:31.239 can kick out as much as I like, responded the 2519 02:20:31.280 --> 02:20:34.319 young man in rather an offended tone. Don't you think 2520 02:20:34.319 --> 02:20:36.280 it's nicer to be a soldier? Wouldn't you like to 2521 02:20:36.319 --> 02:20:39.680 be one? No? Their grub is something shocking, and they 2522 02:20:39.719 --> 02:20:43.600 live like cattle. Teddy would not allow this. The discussion 2523 02:20:43.639 --> 02:20:45.799 began to get somewhat heated when their arrival at the 2524 02:20:45.840 --> 02:20:49.959 house put an end to it. I say, just tell me, 2525 02:20:50.079 --> 02:20:53.840 is the colonel angry? Asked Teddy, as looking into the large, 2526 02:20:53.879 --> 02:20:58.559 brightly lighted hall, he suddenly felt his diminutive size. Not 2527 02:20:58.760 --> 02:21:02.680 he wipe your feet, take your cap off. Teddy stepped 2528 02:21:02.719 --> 02:21:05.360 in upon the soft rugs, almost on tiptoe, and the 2529 02:21:05.399 --> 02:21:07.799 colonel himself came out into the hall to meet him. 2530 02:21:08.479 --> 02:21:12.120 Come in, my little man, and don't be frightened. Teddy 2531 02:21:12.120 --> 02:21:14.520 held his head erect as he followed the colonel into 2532 02:21:14.520 --> 02:21:16.840 a bright cheery room, where a group of ladies and 2533 02:21:16.879 --> 02:21:19.360 gentlemen were round the fire enjoying their cup of five 2534 02:21:19.360 --> 02:21:23.120 o'clock tea. Missus Graham came forward and gave him a 2535 02:21:23.200 --> 02:21:28.040 kindly greeting. This is our would be soldier, said Colonel 2536 02:21:28.040 --> 02:21:30.520 Graham the button boy, as I hear he is called. 2537 02:21:30.959 --> 02:21:33.399 Some of you remember his story told in our schoolroom 2538 02:21:33.440 --> 02:21:35.799 to the regiment passing through in the summer, and we 2539 02:21:35.840 --> 02:21:38.239 weren't surprised to hear of his narrow escape from death 2540 02:21:38.239 --> 02:21:41.360 from trying to regain his button. But perhaps you've forgotten 2541 02:21:41.399 --> 02:21:44.479 all about it, youngster. A button isn't worth much sorrow 2542 02:21:44.559 --> 02:21:48.280 after the first pang of its loss is over. Teddy's 2543 02:21:48.280 --> 02:21:51.200 face was a picture. The blood rushed up to his forehead, 2544 02:21:51.520 --> 02:21:54.200 his eyes flashed, and with clenched hands, he said boldly, 2545 02:21:54.840 --> 02:21:57.639 don't you think I could ever forget my father's button, Sir. 2546 02:21:58.040 --> 02:22:00.399 I'd rather have it back than anything else in the world, 2547 02:22:00.440 --> 02:22:04.000 and I'm going to get it back too. But it's 2548 02:22:04.000 --> 02:22:07.280 at the bottom of the river, isn't it. I don't 2549 02:22:07.280 --> 02:22:09.440 know where it is, but God does, and I ask 2550 02:22:09.520 --> 02:22:11.360 him every day to send it back to me. I'm 2551 02:22:11.440 --> 02:22:13.479 quite sure he will, and I think it will be 2552 02:22:13.559 --> 02:22:20.399 this Christmas. Ladies exchanged glances. Fact is stranger than fiction, certainly, 2553 02:22:20.440 --> 02:22:24.000 said the colonel. Now, my boy, come here. He was 2554 02:22:24.000 --> 02:22:26.319 standing on the hearth rug, with his back to the fire, 2555 02:22:26.520 --> 02:22:28.559 and putting his hand into his pocket. He drew out 2556 02:22:28.600 --> 02:22:31.079 a small box and placed it in the child's hand. 2557 02:22:32.000 --> 02:22:34.520 Open it and tell me if you recognize the contents. 2558 02:22:35.799 --> 02:22:38.000 Teddy lifted the lid and in a gasp and a 2559 02:22:38.000 --> 02:22:41.479 cry of ecstasy broke before him. Oh my button, my 2560 02:22:41.600 --> 02:22:45.520 own button, oh sir. And here the tears welled up 2561 02:22:45.520 --> 02:22:47.920 in the blue eyes, and utterly, regardless of the place 2562 02:22:47.959 --> 02:22:49.799 he was in, he flung himself down on the hearth 2563 02:22:49.879 --> 02:22:52.719 rug and buried his head, face foremost in his arms. 2564 02:22:53.239 --> 02:22:55.159 He lay there so still for a moment that Missus 2565 02:22:55.239 --> 02:22:58.000 Graham bent forward to touch him, fearing that the excitement 2566 02:22:58.040 --> 02:22:59.959 might be too much for him, but he was old, 2567 02:23:00.200 --> 02:23:03.079 trying to hide his emotion from those looking on. In 2568 02:23:03.120 --> 02:23:05.200 another minute, he rose to his feet, and, with a 2569 02:23:05.200 --> 02:23:09.079 face perfectly radiant, he turned to the Colonel. It's lovely, sir, 2570 02:23:09.280 --> 02:23:12.760 It's lovely. The Colonel had had it set and a 2571 02:23:12.760 --> 02:23:15.479 little gold framework with a blue ribbon attached, making it 2572 02:23:15.520 --> 02:23:18.159 look as much like a metal as possible, and missus 2573 02:23:18.239 --> 02:23:21.559 Graham now came forward and pinned it to his coat. Now, 2574 02:23:21.639 --> 02:23:23.920 my boy, I don't think you will ever guess how 2575 02:23:23.920 --> 02:23:26.879 it came into our possession. The other day I brought 2576 02:23:26.879 --> 02:23:29.040 home a few fish, and in preparing one of these 2577 02:23:29.040 --> 02:23:32.200 for table, our cook discovered your button inside it. I 2578 02:23:32.239 --> 02:23:34.600 wonder the fish had not come to an untimely end 2579 02:23:34.680 --> 02:23:38.239 before from such an indigestible meal. She told us of it, 2580 02:23:38.360 --> 02:23:41.159 not recognizing what a valuable treasure she had brought to light. 2581 02:23:41.680 --> 02:23:43.639 And directly we saw it, we knew it was the 2582 02:23:43.680 --> 02:23:46.239 redoubtable button that has been the means of causing such 2583 02:23:46.280 --> 02:23:51.079 interest in our neighborhood. Teddy listened eagerly. No wonder no 2584 02:23:51.120 --> 02:23:54.520 one couldn't find it, he said, fingering his adornment proudly. 2585 02:23:54.760 --> 02:23:57.000 It's like the fish that brought Peter some money once. 2586 02:23:57.959 --> 02:24:01.319 Then the colonel turned to one of his friends, Now, Major, 2587 02:24:01.440 --> 02:24:03.639 what do you think of this youngster? Would you like 2588 02:24:03.680 --> 02:24:05.639 to take him as a drummer boy into your regiment? 2589 02:24:06.959 --> 02:24:09.000 The Major scanned the boy from head to foot, then 2590 02:24:09.000 --> 02:24:12.159 answered emphatically, I wouldn't take a boy with a face 2591 02:24:12.280 --> 02:24:17.000 like that for a good deal, Why not, asked missus Graham, 2592 02:24:17.520 --> 02:24:20.680 Because it's the ruination of them. I shall never forget 2593 02:24:20.680 --> 02:24:22.840 a pretty boy we had once. He was called the 2594 02:24:22.959 --> 02:24:26.600 Cherub and had been a chorister. Sang divinely. He was 2595 02:24:26.639 --> 02:24:28.799 only four years in the regiment, and his case was 2596 02:24:28.799 --> 02:24:31.440 brought to me before he was discharged. He came to 2597 02:24:31.520 --> 02:24:35.879 us an angel and departed a finished young blackguard. He drank, stole, 2598 02:24:35.920 --> 02:24:38.520 and lied to any extent, was as well versed in 2599 02:24:38.600 --> 02:24:41.840 vicious sins as any old toper in the regiment. When 2600 02:24:41.879 --> 02:24:44.040 I see a fresh drummer brought in, I wonder how 2601 02:24:44.040 --> 02:24:46.680 long he will keep his innocence, and sometimes wish his 2602 02:24:46.719 --> 02:24:49.520 friends could see the life he is subjected to. I 2603 02:24:49.600 --> 02:24:52.159 give them a month, generally, and then away flies their 2604 02:24:52.200 --> 02:24:56.319 bloom and all their home training. But Major Tracy, you 2605 02:24:56.399 --> 02:24:58.479 are giving us a shocking idea of the morals and 2606 02:24:58.520 --> 02:25:02.680 the service, said one lady. He shrugged his shoulders. I 2607 02:25:02.719 --> 02:25:04.879 grant you on the whole. They are better than they were, 2608 02:25:05.079 --> 02:25:07.520 But the service is no place for highly strung boys 2609 02:25:07.600 --> 02:25:10.799 like this one. The rougher, harder natures get on best 2610 02:25:11.200 --> 02:25:13.520 when they get older and have sense and strength enough 2611 02:25:13.520 --> 02:25:17.159 to stick to their principles, then let them enlist. But 2612 02:25:17.200 --> 02:25:19.399 I have always heard, said missus Graham, that the drummer 2613 02:25:19.440 --> 02:25:21.920 boys are well looked after. Now they have a room 2614 02:25:21.920 --> 02:25:25.000 to themselves, and the chaplains have classes for them. That 2615 02:25:25.159 --> 02:25:27.159 may be, I would only ask you to watch a 2616 02:25:27.159 --> 02:25:29.319 boy as I have from the start, and see what 2617 02:25:29.399 --> 02:25:31.600 kind of a man he grows into after having spent 2618 02:25:31.680 --> 02:25:35.120 most of his early youth in the service. There are exceptions, 2619 02:25:35.159 --> 02:25:38.000 I know, but precious few, as far as my experience goes. 2620 02:25:39.479 --> 02:25:42.440 Teddy did not understand this conversation, but he gathered from 2621 02:25:42.440 --> 02:25:45.120 the major's tone that he did not approve of him. 2622 02:25:45.760 --> 02:25:47.440 Do you think I'm too small to be a soldier, 2623 02:25:47.479 --> 02:25:51.319 he asked? The major laughed. Don't bother your head about 2624 02:25:51.360 --> 02:25:53.559 your size, he said. You'll grow, and there's plenty of 2625 02:25:53.600 --> 02:25:57.280 time before you. I don't want to be a drummer, 2626 02:25:57.319 --> 02:25:59.719 said Teddy earnestly. I'd rather wait and be a proper 2627 02:25:59.719 --> 02:26:04.399 SOULI a soldier that fights a capital decision. Stick to it, 2628 02:26:04.440 --> 02:26:08.399 little chap, and you have my hearty approval. You have 2629 02:26:08.520 --> 02:26:12.079 your father's blood in your veins, said the colonel, laughing. Meanwhile, 2630 02:26:12.319 --> 02:26:14.479 I suppose you try your hand on the village boys, 2631 02:26:14.520 --> 02:26:18.639 to content your fighting propensities. No, said Teddy, a grave 2632 02:26:18.680 --> 02:26:21.280 look coming into his sunny blue eyes. I don't fight 2633 02:26:21.319 --> 02:26:24.319 with anybody but Ipsen. Now he keeps me always busy. 2634 02:26:25.680 --> 02:26:29.680 Who is Ipse, asked missus Graham. He's my own enemy. 2635 02:26:30.120 --> 02:26:32.920 Mister Upton told me about him. You see, I belong 2636 02:26:33.000 --> 02:26:36.280 to God's army. He takes very little soldiers. I've been 2637 02:26:36.360 --> 02:26:38.840 enlisted for months and months, and Ipse is just another 2638 02:26:38.840 --> 02:26:42.079 part of me, the bad part. There was silence on 2639 02:26:42.120 --> 02:26:44.840 the little company for a minute. Then Major Tracy said, 2640 02:26:44.840 --> 02:26:47.680 with a laugh, what an original little oddity. It is 2641 02:26:47.879 --> 02:26:51.959 quite a character. And then Teddy was dismissed. He flew 2642 02:26:52.000 --> 02:26:53.959 down the avenue home as fast as he could go. 2643 02:26:54.600 --> 02:26:57.079 Snow was falling, but he heeded it not and burst 2644 02:26:57.120 --> 02:26:59.319 into the kitchen a little later in a breathless state 2645 02:26:59.360 --> 02:27:03.360 of excitement. His mother knew already so was prepared for 2646 02:27:03.399 --> 02:27:05.680 his news, but she was not prepared for the handsome 2647 02:27:05.719 --> 02:27:08.680 adornment now on her boy's coat, and his grandmother and 2648 02:27:08.799 --> 02:27:12.079 uncle were equally pleased and gratified at the colonel's kindness. 2649 02:27:12.760 --> 02:27:15.440 Teddy's prayer of Thanksgiving that night touched his mother greatly. 2650 02:27:16.520 --> 02:27:18.879 Oh God, I do thank you. I knew you would 2651 02:27:18.920 --> 02:27:21.079 answer me, for you knew how dreadful it was to 2652 02:27:21.120 --> 02:27:23.520 live without my button, and you knew how unhappy my 2653 02:27:23.559 --> 02:27:25.639 heart was about it, though I tried to be brave 2654 02:27:25.920 --> 02:27:28.399 and not talk about it. Please do help me to 2655 02:27:28.440 --> 02:27:30.360 take great care of it and never let me lose 2656 02:27:30.360 --> 02:27:34.639 it again. The next morning, before breakfast, Teddy ran off 2657 02:27:34.639 --> 02:27:37.200 to tell Nancy and to show her the long lost treasure. 2658 02:27:37.879 --> 02:27:40.319 She was quite as delighted as he was, but said 2659 02:27:40.360 --> 02:27:44.079 a few minutes after, button, boy, do you remember telling 2660 02:27:44.159 --> 02:27:46.719 me you couldn't live without your button? You said you'd 2661 02:27:46.719 --> 02:27:50.760 pine away and die. Yes, I thought I should, but 2662 02:27:50.840 --> 02:27:52.520 as soon as I began to pray about it, I 2663 02:27:52.559 --> 02:27:56.120 knew it was coming back, and so I got better. Well, 2664 02:27:56.159 --> 02:27:58.440 said Nancy with a sigh. I won't ever try to 2665 02:27:58.440 --> 02:28:00.479 get your button again, but if if you were to 2666 02:28:00.520 --> 02:28:02.760 die before me, I wonder if you would let me 2667 02:28:02.799 --> 02:28:06.520 have it. I would take great care of it. I 2668 02:28:06.600 --> 02:28:09.040 meant it to be buried with me, said Teddy, considering, 2669 02:28:09.399 --> 02:28:11.879 but I don't mind altering my mind about it, and 2670 02:28:11.959 --> 02:28:13.920 if you promise not to give it to any one else, 2671 02:28:14.040 --> 02:28:17.840 I will let you have it. I promised, truly vowed, Nancy, 2672 02:28:18.079 --> 02:28:19.719 And I told you I wouldn't love you till you 2673 02:28:19.799 --> 02:28:22.000 gave it to me. But I will now because I'm 2674 02:28:22.000 --> 02:28:25.680 trying to be good. And we'll always remember that soldiers 2675 02:28:25.680 --> 02:28:27.879 and sailors are just as good as each other. They're 2676 02:28:27.959 --> 02:28:32.799 quite even, yes, nodded Nancy. Sailors and soldiers are quite even. 2677 02:28:33.000 --> 02:28:35.360 And my father is just as good as your father was. 2678 02:28:36.600 --> 02:28:39.399 Teddy looked a little doubtful at this, but wisely refrained 2679 02:28:39.399 --> 02:28:42.479 from making any objection to the assertion. And then they parted, 2680 02:28:42.920 --> 02:28:45.760 Nancy calling out after him. And when you die and 2681 02:28:45.840 --> 02:28:50.479 I get the button, I shall wear it as a brooch. Mother, 2682 02:28:50.639 --> 02:28:52.959 said Teddy a few days after this, as she was 2683 02:28:53.000 --> 02:28:55.920 paying him her usual good night visit. It's a very 2684 02:28:55.920 --> 02:28:58.639 funny thing. But do you know I used to wish 2685 02:28:58.639 --> 02:29:00.920 for an enemy so much to fight and carry on with, 2686 02:29:01.399 --> 02:29:03.520 And now I've got one and have Ipse to fight with, 2687 02:29:03.920 --> 02:29:06.879 and I'm getting rather tired of him? Is that wicked? 2688 02:29:07.680 --> 02:29:09.680 I asked mister Upton to day if I couldn't ever 2689 02:29:09.719 --> 02:29:12.079 get rid of Ipse, I mean when I grow up. 2690 02:29:12.479 --> 02:29:15.159 But he said I never should altogether, and that I 2691 02:29:15.200 --> 02:29:17.479 should keep him well under so that he wouldn't trouble me. 2692 02:29:17.559 --> 02:29:22.000 So he does trouble me a lot. Now, soldiers must 2693 02:29:22.079 --> 02:29:24.479 never get tired of fighting, Sonny. And you have your 2694 02:29:24.520 --> 02:29:27.760 captain to help you. Yes, And I suppose when I 2695 02:29:27.760 --> 02:29:31.399 get bigger and stronger, it will be much easier, won't it. Mother? 2696 02:29:31.479 --> 02:29:33.520 Do you have any fighting Have you got an enemy 2697 02:29:33.600 --> 02:29:37.879 like me? Yes? Indeed I have, my boy. But you're 2698 02:29:37.920 --> 02:29:41.879 never beaten, are you? You never do anything wrong? I 2699 02:29:41.920 --> 02:29:46.319 don't get into mischief and disobey orders, perhaps, missus, John said, smiling, 2700 02:29:46.799 --> 02:29:49.520 But I have lots of other difficulties and temptations that 2701 02:29:49.559 --> 02:29:52.120 you know little about, Sonny, And I am afraid I 2702 02:29:52.239 --> 02:29:56.799 very often get beaten by the enemy. Teddy pondered over this. 2703 02:29:57.600 --> 02:29:59.399 When I get to Heaven, I shan'n't have to fight 2704 02:29:59.399 --> 02:30:03.319 with Ipse. Sh No, Darling, there will be no fighting 2705 02:30:03.360 --> 02:30:07.520 with sin there. Teddy smiled. Perhaps my captain will think 2706 02:30:07.559 --> 02:30:09.600 I've been nearly as brave as father. If I fight 2707 02:30:09.680 --> 02:30:12.680 Ipse hard till I die. There is a verse in 2708 02:30:12.719 --> 02:30:16.440 the Bible that says he that ruleth his spirit is 2709 02:30:16.479 --> 02:30:19.959 better than he that taketh A city. Mother would rather 2710 02:30:20.040 --> 02:30:22.840 have her little son fight God's battles than be the 2711 02:30:22.840 --> 02:30:27.239 bravest soldier in the Queen's army. But said Teddy, I 2712 02:30:27.319 --> 02:30:30.520 mean to do both. And now, Mother, just before I 2713 02:30:30.559 --> 02:30:35.520 go to sleep, give me father's button to kiss. End 2714 02:30:35.760 --> 02:30:41.719 of Chapter ten and end of Teddy's Button, recorded by 2715 02:30:41.840 --> 02:30:42.520 Robert Harder.