Rally 'Round the Flag

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Out in one of the broad fields of their father's farm the two Fletcher boys, John and Jim, are busy helping the farm hands harvest the corn. In the distance we see approaching their cousin Mary. She gaily waves her apron to summon all to dinner. The farm hands pile into the wagon, all but John and Jim. They glance at Mary and after a word together call to her. Mary starts back to join them. In a few words John tells Mary how both he and Jim love her and how they have decided to tell her and give her the opportunity to choose between them. Mary glances first at John then at Jim. Her face grows serious. She tells them she cannot choose, that she loves them both equally. Why can't they go on as they have before, just affectionate brothers and sister? But the boys tell her that it is impossible and urge her to choose. She still refuses and turning starts slowly after the retreating wagon. All is excitement in the little village near the Fletcher farm. The recruiting sergeant has set up his tent on the village square. Mounted on a box Colonel Loyde is urging the assembled crowd to enlist. At first the response is slow, but soon a young farmer pushes forward and signs the roll. Up through the crowd come the two brothers, John and Jim. Jim signs first and John follows. Soon the recruiting sergeant is almost swamped with volunteers as the wave of patriotism sweeps over the crowd. The day has arrived for John and Jim's company to depart for the front. The old mother weeps over her boys that she may never see again. After bidding both parents a fond good-bye the two boys move down to the gate, where Mary is waiting for them. Mary kisses them both goodbye and as they start slowly down the road stands watching them sadly for a second then hides her tears in her handkerchief. Since early morn the two opposing armies stretched out in a long battle line have been struggling desperately. The Union standard bearer staggers. A Confederate grabs the flag and as he waves it in triumph the victorious rebels toss their hats and cheer. But their success is only momentary. Crash goes a mine skillfully laid by the Unionists. And now the Colonel rides forward with the order for a general charge. Up jump the boys in blue and dash forward. Here are the two brothers. Jim begs some cartridges from John as they move forward with their comrades. Beyond a wooded ridge the Confederate rear line supported by a battery is still holding its position. Out from the wood dash the victorious Unionists. In a few moments the Confederates are in retreat but every inch is hotly contested ere it is given up. Here come John and Jim still fighting side by side. John has taken the standard from its wounded bearer and now carries it forward. The Confederate standard bearer reels and drops his flag, but ere it has reached the ground Jim has it in his hands. As he stands waving it a bullet from the retreating enemy reaches his heart. He falls into John's arms dead. All night long after the battle the work of caring for the wounded continues. The dead are being placed in silent rows and the mournful work of identifying them has begun. Down across the field comes John sadly making his way amongst the dead and dying. He is searching for Jim's body. Ah, he has found it. Tenderly he lifts the head that since early childhood has lain nightly on the pillow beside his. The war is over. At the little village all the town people have gathered to do honor to the returning hero, brave Captain John Fletcher. Colonel Loyde addressing the assembled crowd, tells of John's brave deeds on the field of battle, of the pride of the village in him and how they have purchased a sword for him. He buckles it around John's waist. John steps forward and in a few modest words thanks his neighbors. As he finishes his father and mother embrace him while the crowd offer up cheer after cheer for him. The celebration is over. This has been a happy day. In a faltering voice the old father asks about Jim and how he died. John tells of that last charge, how Jim went up the hill and forward with the flag and fell lifeless in his arms. While the mother sobs Mary's hand slips into John's and his arm goes around her waist. The old father glancing up sees the two young people in loving embrace and gently tells the mother to look, for although they have lost Jim, they have a son and a daughter to cheer their declining years.