for the last few years i have posted this excerpt from RED SNOW...WHITE LIES.. at Christmas. As I have received several request this year for a post .... Here we go again... Red Snow ... White Lies! (Copyrighted) (From the letters of Captain Harvey S. Leland, 27th US Infantry while in Siberia 1918-1920 ) 27th Infantry, Co. B American Expeditionary Force, Siberia Spassko Barracks Kharbarovsk Kamchatka , Russia. 3. January 1920 My Dearest Ada, This is to be my second Christmas here in Kharbarovsk, and my third away from you and little Audrey. Does she still remember her Dadda? How are the two of you? I trust you spent the season with the folks and Elanor and her family. I hope that she is doing better. I did not receive word that Edward had gone missing at Argonne until nearly a year after the Armistice. Perhaps you and Elanor should look after each other until I get home. She will need us for some time to come I should think. I am truly sorry to be so long in writing. It may sound strange to you after all my letters complaining about how weve nothing to do here in Kharbarovsk to keep our minds and bodies occupied, but I have been busy beyond any expectation. We are still lodged in the Tsars Imperial Army barracks here in Kharbarovsk, doubtless the best accommodations in the entire area. The walls are mud and nearly three feet thick and the roof is of heavy rough-hewn pine. Each room is equipped with a huge cast iron stove, in which we burn great chunks of hard black coal. We are warm, well fed, dry and relatively safe. From inside our barracks, the revolution seems an event as distant as the far side of the moon. It is quite sobering to realize that daily hundreds and even thousands of Russians are dying only a few miles from our warm hearth. The fighting between the Whites and the Bolsheviki continues up and down the peninsula. Each side claims to be in control and certain of a quick victory. In truth, the only thing that is certain is that people continue to die. Neither side can give a clear accounting as to the cause they claim to be promoting, not that it really matters, for the tactics both sides employ can only be described as nefarious. So called military campaigns, regularly consists of raids by hordes of heavily armed men, against defenseless villages. Food, fuel, livestock and anything of value is stolen, anyone who resists is murdered on the spot. Women and children are brutalized in the most unspeakably savage manner. When the village has been subdued it is then burnt to the ground. As a result of these attacks, hundreds of refugees pour into Kharbarovsk every week now. The camps on the outskirts of town have swollen with the numbers that have fled there to escape the swords, whips and guns of the various brigand bands. Soon I do not doubt that these cowardly animals will venture to attack the helpless refugees in the camps. Often when hearing of yet another outrage perpetrated against the helpless populace, a wave of anger will roll through our barracks and the men will tell the officers that something must be done. But nothing is done. We sit here day after day in our barracks, perhaps the most powerful and effective fighting force on the peninsula, and we can do nothing; nothing to protect those most in need of our help, nothing to lessen their suffering or protect them from their own countrymen. We are constrained, it seems, from doing anything at all, by politics and politicians over half a world away. And so we sit; eating well, sleeping comfortably, and waiting for the orders that no one really believes will ever come; while all around us the poor Russians die of starvation, disease, cold and war. One cannot help but ask why. By All Hallows Eve all but the most optimistic among us had given up any hope of being home for Christmas. And as you can imagine Thanksgiving was a wholly depressing affair. As winter set in with its Siberian vengeance, Christmas promised to be the blackest of any season in our collective memory. This was however not to be the case. It is a most extraordinary tale, which I have to share with you. I am not certain that I can convey it to you with words eloquent enough to sufficiently express the depth of emotion it has stirred in me. Between the foul weather and the latest outbreak of the influenza the infirmary and barracks were filled nearly to bursting with men from almost all of the other contingents. We spent Christmas with soldiers from England, France, Italy, and Japan. We even had some of the Austrian and German P.O.W.s, in the infirmary for a while. Our hospitality though seems to be lost on our Russian hosts, for with the exception of an occasional messenger we have virtually no contact with their military personnel. The Czechs and Chinese too have become increasingly scarce. The wind was particularly evil in the last few weeks before Christmas, but the wind is only one of the evils of Siberia... Chapter 29 Apples and Warngis Wind, cold and biting, swirled through the drifted over streets outside the hospital windows, kicking up little spirals of snow as it howled around the corners and down the empty alleys. From behind the frosted window panes, two soldiers stared out upon cold, stark world. Across the street from their barracks several refugees huddled around a pair of raging bonfires in which burned the daily refuse from the barracks. Their gloves lay steaming on a piece of cast iron hastily placed next to the fires. Two men, an ancient babushka and a young girl warmed themselves next to the roaring flames. Except for them the street was deserted. As if being over here for Christmas aint bad enough why do I have to be sick too? Hank groaned. Stop complainin. The soldier in the next bunk said. You drink the water; you get the bug! Were all in the same boat. Jes be glad youre in here, stead of out there on patrol or somethin worse. Yeah, like them. Hank said as he stared down at the refugees. Supply trains coming in! the sergeant yelled. Im going to need some volunteers down here on the double to unload it, so lets get a move on! Hank hurried into his boots and parka and was the first one down the stairs. The train was just groaning to a steamy halt outside the hospital and when Hank stepped outside to greet it, the wind nearly took his breath away. The first thing he saw when he stepped outside was the little refugee girl from the bonfires, as she clung to the fence next to the guard post. He didnt recognize her at first in her tattered brown coat and dirty blue shawl but he couldnt mistake the face. Apple Annie, spent almost everyday begging for food on the corner by the barracks. She waved at him. Hello Annie! He called back to her. All the soldiers called her Apple Annie because she would always ask them for food or scraps whenever they came outside. And apples seemed to be her favorite. All right boys lets get this stuff unloaded before it all freezes out here, lets go! The Sergeant barked. As the soldiers started to unload the single boxcar Hank could see Annie waiting just outside the fence, staring at the train. She wiggled her half-gloved fingers at him through the wire and smiled. Well, lookey here! said one of the other soldiers, Oranges! Why I aint seen a real orange since we shipped over here. This is just what my doctor ordered! When the other soldiers heard there were oranges on the train they all came to get their share. There was turkey too and ham and all the makings and fixings for a fine Christmas dinner, and before long the soldiers were singing carols while they packed the crates into the barracks. Soldier! Soldier! called a thin little voice through the ruckus Got a Apple? Some bread? Eh soldier? Hank looked up, hed almost forgotten the little beggar girl on the other side of the fence. He opened one of the crates of oranges and took out four and took them over to the girl by the fence. Here you go, Annie. Hank smiled as he passed the oranges one at a time through a hole in the rusty grating. Fank koo, Soldier! Apple Annie smiled back. At first Annie just looked at the oranges as she held them in her tiny hands. Then she looked at Hank, her eyes full of curiosity and childish amusement. Hank couldn’t believe that this little girl had never seen an orange before. But sure enough, that was the message the eyes conveyed. “Oranges.” Hank said slowly. “Warngis.” Annie repeated with a smile. “Here, let me show you.” Hank reached through the fence and took one of the oranges from her hand and began to peel it. Annie managed a childish laugh as she watched the soldier pull the bright orange skin from the fruit. “Here.” Hank said as he pushed a section of orange through the fence toward the little girl. Annie slowly bent forward and allowed Hank to place the piece of orange on her tongue. A squirt of juice shot from between her lips as she bit down. First her nose wrinkled and her eyes squinted, then a broad grin spread across her thin face as she chewed with obvious delight. Hank smiled as he passed another slice through the fence to Annie. “Warngis!” She laughed as she took the piece from his hand. “That’s right Annie, ‘Warngis’. He smiled back. Hey! Hey! Stone! Whatre you doing there? Called one of the other soldiers. Not enough. Hank moaned under his breath. You arent allowed to give Army food to those people, you know, thats somebody elses job. the other soldier said. I know, but shes so hungry... I... Hank began. Besides that you didnt give her nearly enough. Laughed the other man out loud. Here, he said as he took a large bag off the train and began to stuff it with food. This will be more like it. he smiled as he passed the full bag to Hank. Hank took the bag and handed it over the fence to Apple Annie. Now, run along home Annie, and Merry Christmas! Fank koo Soldier, fank koo! Annie giggled. Spaseeba!” Hank returned, trying his weak Russian on his little friend. Spaseeba Bolshoya! She smiled back. Hey, you men, knock that off, no more handouts to the natives YOU GOT ME !! Screamed the sergeant. Yeah, yeah I heard you Sarge. Hank grumbled. Reluctantly he turned and went back into the barracks. The men were in a jolly mood now. Someone had had dug out his old harmonica and was playing Christmas carols as the other sang. Eggnog and hot cider were set out in big pots and as quick as the army cooks could get the boxes unloaded they set about cooking Christmas Dinner. Most of the day was spent in preparation for the feast and the anticipation in the barracks became almost tangible. Soon the hospital smelled like roast turkey and stuffing, hot bread and spicy cider and tables were hurriedly set for a Christmas Eve feast. Before long even the two Japanese soldiers, guests of the infirmary, who had never heard of Christmas began to join in the festivities. The entire barracks was filled with the sounds of laughter, singing, and friendly conversation. The evening passed so quickly that most of the soldiers never even noticed the blizzard that raged just outside their windows. After everyone had eaten their fill the soldiers slowly filed off one by one to their beds, some writing letters to loved ones back home others to the company of a good book. Some of the men near Hank began to talk about home again. I hate this stinkin place. All this snow… and this stupid war, I could be home right now! Toastin my toes by the fireplace and soaking up some of my aunt Tillies hot rum punch. Said one. And why does it always have to be so darned hot in here? As he opened the steamy windows to let some fresh air in. Yeah, why do WE have to be the ones wastin our lives away in somebody else’s worthless mud hole of a country anyway? Asked another. Cause were non-intervening interventionists boys, thats why. Hank said. Now how about lettin me enjoy one evenin without havin to listen to your belly-achin? Well pardon me! the first soldier sneered. A pair of Italian sergeants began singing softly in the corner. No one else understood the words but almost everyone knew it was a Christmas song. When they finished the Scotts sang a lovely Carol, then the French, at last the English, Canadians and Americans joined in a chorus of Peace on Earth. The hospital was quiet when they had finished, except for the howl of the wind outside. Lights out! called the head nurse. 2200 Hours, it is now boys, youre up past your bedtime, you are. Her kind Irish voice made Hank smile. Now into the sack with all of you! And Merry Christmas boys! Merry Christmas, Irene! they all called at once. The hospital staff and cooks cleaned up what was left of the meal and packed it all off to the coolers in big containers for leftovers. They would probably use most of it up in soup or sandwiches or turn it in to hospital food. In a few minutes everyone was finally settled in and the hospital became very quiet. Hank fell asleep quickly, but dreams of home and family quickly changed to dreams of cold, dark streets and wind that tore at his clothes. Snow seemed to be blasting him from all sides as if he was stuck in a wintry vortex. He could see the glow of a fire, far off, but no matter how hard he tried to reach its warmth the wind seemed to drag him further away. He awoke with a start, the hospital was dark except for the pale yellow glow from the candles that flickered beside some of the beds and the dull orange glow from the stove. He sat up slowly in his bed and listened as the wind raised to a frightening howl outside of his window. He got up and moved quietly over to the window. Outside the lantern light from the guardhouse windows illuminated billions snowflakes that danced and streaked around in a wild frenzy, tortured by the wind. Where the fires had been earlier in the day, there was now only a set of small footprints that were fast filling in with snow. Hank watched as one of the soldiers on guard duty, stopped to check the gate, and then stepped into the guard booth out of the cold. As the door opened a sliver of light leapt out into the dark, and for a second Hank thought he could see something across the street: a shadow or a shape, against the cold stone wall, on the ground. He looked again but the light had reduced his night vision for a moment and he couldnt even tell where he had been looking before. He waited straining into the darkness until his eyes began to adjust again. Then searching along the base of the wall he saw it again. It looked like a bundle of rags or a bag of laundry half covered with snow that was leaned up against the wall. Then as he watched he thought he saw a tiny puff of steam rise from the bundle only to be swept away by the blizzard. The guard stepped back out of the guardhouse again and the light once again fell on the bundle across the street. Thats when Hank saw something that made his heart leap, a tiny patch of dirty blue. Annie! he whispered hoarsely. Annie! Quickly he stuffed his feet into his boots and grabbing a greatcoat from a hook by the door he fairly leapt down the stairs. Hey! the Sergeant called. Where do you think youre going? But he was too slow, Hank was already out the door and halfway to the guard house before the first lantern could be lit. He banged on the guard house door. Open the gate! He yelled. Open it now! The poor soldier inside was scared half out of his wits by the screaming soldier in pajamas and before he could react Hank had pulled the keys from his hand and was working the lock. Hank had to lean on the gate with his might to move all the snow that had drifted in behind it. NO! STOP! shouted the guard as Hank pushed his way out of the compound. Its all right, Ill be right back. Hank shouted over the wind NO! COME BACK! By now the Sergeant had made it down the stairs and came sliding out into the snow in his boots and coat. Well GO GET HIM SOLDIER! He barked at the guard. What are you waiting for, Christmas? Hank was across the snow-covered street in two bounds and as he reached for the bundle the guard was catching up to him. W hat are you doing? The guard queried. Hank stooped down and pulled the scarf away from Annies face, her skin was almost as blue as her eyes. She slowly looked up at him, and smiled, her whole body convulsed with shivering as she struggled to speak. Hi...Soldier... she whispered As he lifted her tiny body from the ground, her eyes rolled back and she became limp. Lets get her inside, now! He called to the guard. Hold the gate for me! Once again the guard was more than cooperative. Hank held the limp child close to his chest as he made for the infirmary door at a fast walk. As he passed the sergeant Hank saw him shake his head with disbelief. What are you doin Corporal? the sergeant asked as he caught up to Hank. Dont really know Sarge, guess Ill figure that out inside. Hank answered. With the child in his arms Hank became aware of just how light and frail she was. She was not nearly as heavy as the crates he had unloaded earlier. He could feel the joints and bones poking through the tattered rags that hung on her tiny frame. Ice was matted in her hair and brows and her skin showed a strange gray pallor, though her nose and cheeks glowed red from frost. By the time he reached the door her breathing was little more than shallow rasp. Stop! You cant bring those people in here! the infirmary supervisor yelled as Hank pushed past him. Theyve got Typhus and... This facility is for soldiers only! Hank continued down the hall and up the stairs. The Sergeant took the supervisor by the arm and spoke softly. Look here Doc. This place is a hospital, and thats a very sick little patient, so unless your feelin like takin on half a dozen soldiers, Id suggest you get your people together and lets see if we can thaw this kid out. The doctor looked at the big Sergeant for a long moment. Yeah...right, uh... Im sorry... I... The doctor shook his head. The other soldiers in Hanks ward had heard all the commotion and by the time he reached the room they had already cleared everything off his bed and were standing by with a pair of warm blankets. Hank placed Annie gently in the middle of the bed, while the others began to carefully remove her frozen clothes. One of the soldiers lifted her while two others wrapped her in the blankets. As they placed her head on the pillow she began to stir and her eyes opened a slit, and fluttered under the light of the room. Annie? Hank whispered Youre gonna be fine now, just... Make way boys, Irene called from behind the crowd. Now what have we got here? She asked as she stepped up to the bed and put her hand on the childs forehead. Annie? Its me Irene, can you hear me? She said softly, but the child didnt stir. All right now boys, youve done your part now step back, make some room for the doctor, come on now... back up... give the lady some privacy. She chided. The doctor and two more nurses moved up to the bedside, and began to examine Annie as Irene pulled the thin curtains into place. Hank moved back against the wall and leaned up against a table to wait with several other soldiers. They talked in low voices, asking Hank how he knew she was out there, and ‘Why did he think she was just sitting in the snow like that?’ The conversation slowly passed from Annie to stories of brothers or cousins whod fallen through the ice at the skating rink, or gotten lost in a snowstorm. All of the stories ended the same way though; ...but he was all right... Hank took some comfort in the stories but he couldnt seem to keep his mind on anything but the little girl in the bed. Doctors and nurses bustled in and out from behind the screens, speaking in hushed tones and working with an obvious sense of urgency. Corporal, can I have a word with you? The Sergeants voice startled Hank. You bet Sarge. Hank yawned. The Sergeant led him out into the hall and closed the doors behind them. He turned and looked at Hank for a long moment then spoke. I cant fault you on what you just did Corporal, but we do have some rules, and ...well ... Id be much obliged if next time you wanna haul a babushka into the infirmary, you would at least let me know what youre up to. He said as he put his hand on Hanks shoulder. Sorry Sarge...I just didnt ... I mean I couldnt just let her... Hank was having a hard time thinking. I know Stone... Smiled the Sergeant. I know... But the Major is on his way over here now to see what all the hub-bubs about... reckon hell probably take a hunk out of my hide and hell tell me that Id best be takin a chunk out of you myself. So... He paused and looked at Hank with a wry sort of smile. Sooo... no matter what I have to say to you to keep the Major happy, I just want you to know, that I think you did the right thing... Youre okay by me Corporal. He slapped Hank on the shoulder and winked, then nodding his head back towards the door where Hank could see the faces of several of his buddies pressed against the glass, the Sergeant added Here goes. in a whisper. SO! If you ever pull a shenanigan like that again Corporal, Ill have your carcass in the stockade! You got me! the sergeant yelled in his best Sergeant style. YES SERGEANT! Hank returned. Now get back to bed ... All you goons... Back to bed! Growled the sergeant. Mind your tongue Sergeant! Said Irene as she came through the door. Weve got sick people and wounded in here if you dont mind! All the beds close by Annie were taken so Hank set up a cot a few feet outside the curtain where the nurses were still hovering. He didnt think hed be able to sleep at all as he listened for some indication from the medical staff as to Annies condition. Hours dragged by. The Major came and had a subdued conversation with the Sergeant outside the doors and left after he had looked in on the small patient and frowned at Hank who pretended to be asleep. Except for the sounds of the nurses the room was quieter than usual. As Hank looked around he could see that nearly every face in the ward was turned towards the screens behind which Annie lay. One of the Italian soldiers fingered the beads on a rosary while uttering a quiet prayer. Hank thought that praying might not be such a bad idea, though he hadnt ever done much of it, he figured he knew the basics his Grandma had taught him, so hed try. Our Father, He thought silently. This is Hank, Father...Hank Stone, He paused, he didnt quite know how to go on. Help Annie. Please? He felt very tired. His mind struggled to stay awake but fatigue was slowly overtaking his wits. He felt someone gently place a blanket over him, he stirred and opened his eyes. It was the nurse Irene, and she looked as tired as he felt. THank’ss Hank whispered Hows Annie? Irene pursed her lips and looked away towards the window. Weve done what we can do. She sighed. Its up to her and the Saints now. Can I see her? Hank asked Im sure shed like that. Smiled Irene. Hank sat up on the cot and stretched. Outside gray dawn was beginning to touch the night sky. I must have dozed off. He thought to himself. He stood and crept over to the screens and poked his face through. Annie looked like a tiny doll on the big bed. There was a steaming towel on her forehead and a hot water bottle next to her in the bed. Her hair was drawn back and her bed was propped up at a forty-five degree angle. Hank listened to the course rasping sound of the little girls’ shallow breathing. Across the bed from him another very tired looking nurse sat reading a very old newspaper. Hank smiled at her and then looked back at Annie. He stood staring at her for a long time, wondering, hoping. He realized that he didnt even know her real name, or who she really was. Where were her parents? Did she have anyone? He felt very heavy and old as he turned to walk away; hed let her rest now and talk to her later. Just as he took a step away, a tiny voice called him back. Soldier? Annie whispered. Hank turned back to see the swollen eyes flutter and open, a weak smile trembled on the bluish lips. Yeah, Annie? He asked as he made his way to the bedside. Fank Yoo. She smiled softly. Sure Kid. Hank smiled as he tried to swallow a lump in his throat. Annie, he started. Why did you come back? “ya nee gho var ru par engleski…” Annie whispered . She doesnt speak much English. The nurse interjected, then laying her hand on the childs arm she rephrased Hanks question in Russian. “Pochemu ty vernulsya?” Through the nurse the girl replied. I took the food back to our camp, but while I was gone another group had come into our camp. They were so weak and sick that I gave the food to them and the others in my camp. But we still didnt have enough, so I decided to come back and ask for some more. She stopped and coughed weakly, gasping for breath. Why, didnt you come in? Hank asked as he stroked her small cold fingers. The gate was locked, so I turned around to go back to camp. But then I thought I could hear singing, like angels, and I remembered that it must be Rozhdestvo , Christmas time. I stopped to listen to the angels and the wind and cold seemed so far away. They sang so many beautiful songs and though I couldnt hear all the words I knew what they were saying. The nurse stopped translating to wipe a tear from her eye. Hank was biting his lip to fight back his own emotion. I felt so good and warm sitting there listening to the angels. Better than I have felt in a long time... Mamma... used to tell me that the... angels... will come... Annies voice faltered as she began to cough again, a deep rasping cough, that made Hank feel like he needed to cough too. She coughed until the nurse was able to sit her up, then she smiled at Hank and collapsed against the nurse. Hank watched as the nurse gently laid her back in the bed and replaced the covers. She looked up at Hank and motioned toward the break in the screens. Hank rose and quietly walked away. A few moments later the doctor and two more nurses hurriedly entered the room they moved past the screens and began frantically trying to revive the little girl. Hank hadnt noticed at first, but now he did; the slow rasping of Annies struggle to breathe had ceased. Hank turned and hurried back to the bed. Annie! he heard himself saying over and over. After several eternal minutes, the doctor relented, stepping back from the bed he placed his hand over his mouth, his head dropped to his chest and as he turned away he heaved a great sigh. Tears coursed freely down the faces of the nurses and Hank wept openly. Around them in the pale morning light, that filtered into the room a dozen soldiers stood staring or crying or both. When Hank arrived at the refugee camp to return Annies body, he was appalled at the conditions in which the refugees lived. He stumbled from tent to tent with the lifeless child in his arms trying to find anyone who could identify her or who would claim her. He was barely aware of the nurse and Sergeant who followed him through the drifted snow. Filthy, wretched forms barely discernible from the piles of frozen refuse next to which they crouched, sat huddled around fires built of burning garbage, or bunched shivering inside tents with mud floors. The entire camp smelled of foulness and death. After nearly an hour of searching Hank found a man who recognized Annie as Tatanya. He told the nurse that she was just an orphan, one of the beggars. He said that she had brought them food only yesterday and had then disappeared. It is sad. He said with a frown and a shake of his old head. But it is not something new to us. he said. He took the tiny girl from Hanks arms and smiled up at Hank. THank’s you. he said. I will see to it that she is properly buried. Hank watched as the old man turned and limped away from him. The cold wind made him realize that his face was wet again and his whole body was shaking. The old man disappeared between a pair of large disheveled tents and Hank turned to go back to the barracks. As he slogged around the corner of a makeshift wood and canvas shelter he was nearly knocked off his feet by a pair of solders carrying crates marked Leftovers. Pardon me! Said the first. Comin through! Called the second. He stepped aside, and only then began to realize that all around them the refugee camp was aswarm with soldiers carrying crates of food, blankets, coats and clothes. Some were even carrying the brightly wrapped packages that they had unloaded from the train the day before. The gifts their families had sent to them. An old horse dragging a “korzina” cart rattled up and from the seat jumped the Major right into a huge mud puddle. Without so much as a growl he went to work, ordering tents and field stoves and crates of hats and gloves unloaded from the truck. The Sergeant slogged up to where the Major stood and saluted. Beggin your pardon Sir. He started. But theres gonna be trouble over this, Ill bet my stripes on it Sir. Youre probably right Sergeant, but I reckon that gives you about twenty-four hours to come up with a good story for the Colonel. Pardon me, Sir? The Sergeant asked. The blizzard... Sergeant. The Major smiled. I must have overestimated the severity of the weather. Dont you think Sergeant? The Major said with a grin. Oh! Of course Sir! The sergeant smiled back. Deuced difficult to get this surplus gear back from these poor beggars once youve passed it out to them too! The Major remarked, mocking his own customary gruffness. That it is Sir! Agreed the Sergeant. I just dont want to see you catchin hell for this Sir... I mean... Im three weeks away from shipping out back to Vladivostok , Sergeant, and I still have a spotless record. The way I see it, its just about time to change all that. And what better way? Smiled the Major. Understood Sir! Snapped the Sergeant Oh and ... Merry Christmas Sir! Now lets get this truck unloaded and get this gear set up. The major ordered. Theres another wagon on its way. Yes Sir! The Sergeant saluted. Sergeant have Corporal Stone report to me would you? Asked the Major. Right away Sir! Hank could hear the Sergeant calling his name over the bustle and as he turned toward the direction of the Sergeants voice, he nearly fell over a small blonde boy, who looked up at him through enormous blue eyes. In his filthy hands the child held two pieces of peeled orange. “Oops!” Hank smiled “ I almost trampled you there, Pardner.” The little boy just smiled and held out a dirty piece of fruit to the somewhat befuddled soldier. “Warngis.” The child whispered. “Yah…Warngis.” Hank choked. “Corporal Stone! Major wants to see you boy, on the double.” The Sergeant called out. “Right Sarge. On my way.” Hank smiled at the boy and received the gift that was offered him. The boy smiled back, then turned and slogged away through the mud on little feet wrapped only in rags. Over here Corporal. he heard the Major say. Yessir! Hank saluted. So youre the man who started all this? Said the Major in a flat voice. Begging your pardon Sir... Hank began. Well God bless you then soldier, God bless you! Smiled the Major as he patted Hank on the shoulder. Now give me a hand unloading this tack Corporal. The Major ordered with a smile. With pleasure Sir! Hank smiled and saluted. As Hank moved toward the truck to join in the effort, his heart still ached for the little orphan girl and he felt a warm tear rolling slowly down his cold cheek. He looked up the hillside above the refugee camp where a small group of ragged refugees were busy digging a shallow grave in the nearly frozen ground, and remembered his little friend who had given so much in the true spirit of Christmas. He swallowed hard and wiped his eyes, then in an almost inaudible voice he heard himself say; Merry Christmas, Annie. Slowly a warm feeling began to spread from somewhere in his chest, into his back and arms until he felt as if he would almost begin to glow. He smiled. Somewhere in his mind he heard a little voice say; Fank koo, Soldier! A Christmas Carol could be heard rising from the soldiers now busy in the camp, softly at first, and then with swelling voice. Hank, whispering, joined in the chorus of Peace On Earth, Good Will To Men! Merry Christmas Everyone!!! Dont forget what this holiday is really about.....
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 09:12:14 +0000
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