The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE SOLDIERS' RETURN

I BELIEVE THAT THIS HAPPENED IN KENTUCKY. A GIRL WAS
ENGAGED TO AN ARMY LIEUTENANT WHO WAS SENT OUT ON AN
INDIAN DEAL. HE WAS KILLED. SHE HAD PROMISED TO WAIT
BUT SHE DIDN'T WAIT TOO LONG, 'CAUSE SHE GOT ENGAGED
TO A CAPTAIN. THEY HAD A BIG WEDDING ON THE POST AND
A BIG DANCE AFTER THE WEDDING. EVERYONE WAS DANCING,
WHEN THE DOORS OPENED AND IN STAGGERED THE DEAD
LIEUTENANT, ALL MOIST FROM THE GRAVE. HE WALKED
OVER AND STARTED DANCING WITH THE GIRL AND THE LONGER
SHE DANCED, THE PALER SHE GOT AND JUST DIED DANCING
WITH HIM BECAUSE SHE WASN'T FAITHFUL. SHE DIDN'T WAIT
VERY LONG AT ALL.

Where learned: TENNESSEE ; NASHVILLE

Date learned: 04-24-1969