Jasper County Democrat, Volume 2, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 September 1899 — On His Furlough. [ARTICLE]

On His Furlough.

The children of the reading class were reciting, and as they read the teacher asked the meaning of the various words. Finally the word “furlough” was encountered. “What does ‘furlough’ mean?” asked the teacher. - There was no Immediate reply, and the teacher asked the question again. A little girl held up her hand. “Well, Mary, tell us what ‘furlough’ means.” “It means a mule,” said Mary. “Oh, no,” replied the teacher, “It doesn’t mean a mule.” “Indeed, it does,” said Mary. “I have a book at home that says so.” “Well,” said the teacher, now thoroughly interested, "you may bring the book to school and we’ll see about it.” The next day Mary brought the book, and In some triumph opened to a page where there was a picture of a soldier standing beside a mule. Below the picture were the words: “Going home on his furlough.”