The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, November 29, 1903, Page 15

THE SUNDAY CALL: 15 » - - NE of the greatest struggles that this world has ;ver known Is geing on in Appleville, and many & happy home Is dark in gloom and sorrow, for many & loved one dear Has fallen in the battle ranks with a heart that knew no fear. It was not long ago, my dears, that the Apple population Lived in peace and quiet and was loved by all the nation. The members of the colony, who in duty never blundered, Were by the teps of thousands by the census-taker numbered. Every Apple, big or small, from Grarly Crab to Bell Flower, Was a credit to his calling and to his king a bower. e But one morning bright and cheerful, when all was peace without, Brave Paul Revere Snow Apple aroused all ‘with the shout: “Fly to arms, you Apples all, and protect your loving wives, For a host ~f worms is close at hand o rob us of our lives!” The awful warning reached all ears and excitement was supreme When the minvtemen of Appleville gathered at the village green. Cool heads ruled, and soon there was an army—crude of course, With brave old General Pippin in comumand upon a lLorse. i Scouts were hastened to the hflll, and some with powerful glasses . Were stationed in the tallest trees ta watch the coming masses. Fiom a distant hill there clme}n time a signal that was wig-wagged, V] Which said the worms were marching in columns that were zig-zagged. “Housewives, brave and royal and true,” old Pippin boldly said, s e “Make us bullets from the dough which you’ve kneaded for your bread!” Molly Pitcher Winesap said her place was with the men, And she was named to swaka cuum’n from eight o’clock till ten. When the invaders reached the outskirts they saw no sigms of life, But the Appleé were in trenches deep &nd ready for the strife. General Prescott Russet, who was cool and brave and wise, Said: “Do not fire until you see the whites of all their eyes!” The wiggling worms came marching on, and ‘all seemed sure to win, But when they réached the trenches there wasa deafening gun-shotodin, Before their minds could realize the situation dire, General B!‘uset commanded loud: ‘“Again, take aim and fire!” The terror-stricken wigglers dispersed in great disorder, But formed again in columns when they reached the village border. Creeping through the weeds and grass, they advanced to fight again, 4 But once more the brave defenders took aim and fired at them. Again repulsed, 'twas thought by all the worms would stay away, But once more they came in columns and vowed to win the day. The Apples’ flag was shot away, but was soon set up again By Sergeant Jasper Jonathan, who is a hero to all men. The defenders’ ammunition showed signs of giving out, And the Apples left their trenches and retreated all about. The worms got to the trenches and there worked out a scheme To surprise the Apple minutemen by tunneling to the green. Their plan worked to perfection, but it did not win the fight, For the Apples still resisted, for they knew their cause was right, Many a brave defender was made captive that bright day, But many a bold intruder, too, was captured, so they say. The fight is still progressing, with the ultimate end in doubt, But every one is hoping that the Apples will win out. ) = ‘Watch for the Big Surprisc in the Puzzle Contest Next Sudny | | SRS S