The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1875-10-01
He Couldn't Lin-cr.

but one or more of them strikes us for
job. Those from the West say that bust
ness is dull in all the towns out there, anC
those coming from the East have the sam,
tale of hard times to tell about the country
they have passed through. One of then
limped into the office the other day anC
propounded the old, old question:
"How's work ?"
First rate" said one of the proprietors
'never was better"
something to eat" said the print, as hi
pulled his coat down over one shoulder
"More work here than we know what
to do WITH" continued the proprietor.
| "Well, that's what Pm after" said the
tramp, and he threw the other shoulder in
view.
But" and the tones of the boss were as
| sad and plaintive as the moan of Il lost child
heres-no-money."
Like q startled mud turtle, 'juking" in
to its shell, that printer shot back into his
coat, and sigh-partly of regret, some
what of relief-escaped him. He was sor.
ry to be disappointed and glad that he had
been made acquainted with the situation
before he had wasted any of his energies
in uncompensative labor.
ST you amt got any money how do you
pay your hands2" he asked, CHANGING
around at the boys, who were pulling out
with as much energy as if they were work.
ing in q silver mine.
1--WE pay them in real estate and town
lots, sir" replied the boss, who happened
to be in communicative humor. my
partner aud run the paper, not as mo-
ney making institution, but medium
through which to dispose of a quantity OF
land which we could not get off our hands
in any other manner. When we find a
printer who is willing to work and take
his pay in the free soil Of Missouri we en-
ploy him; otherwise, notsoever."
The tramp looked puzzled and distress
ed, but he said:
81 don't care about settling down just
now and becoming landed proprietor
Pm poor enough already. | don't want
any more Of this country than can conve-
niently carry around with me. I'm too
feeble to grow up with any considerable
amount Of it. Good day, sir"
Hold on" said the proprietor. Don't
tear yourself away from bonanza before
you are acquainted with the nature of its
resources. There is an opportunity offered
you to acquire distinction, if not wealth
You see that young fellow over there 10y
the window ?"
THE one with a lar.away, vacant look
in his mild blue eyes 2"
Yes. Well, that young man has just
about completed his apprenticeship, and
I've made him out deed to 100 town lots
in consideration OF his services. You can
see them from the window. Half Of them
| are on the bar and the other half i'll the
river, but they will be very valuable in a
| century or two. Oh, sir, all the boys here
are heavy property holders. The pressman
| owns half that bar, and the jours can each
point with pride to the mighty Missouri
and say it rolls and surges over their pos
sessions, guarding and enriching them
| You see that man over in the corner2"
THAT long, sad, consump looking
| being2"
Eyes. Speak low. gave him deed
| for 1000 acres of land, in payment for
three years. work 1t was swamp land, in
Linn county, and he has just returned from
visit to it. He is working this week fol
| lot in the cemetery. His place will soon
be vacant, and you may have it on the
same terms, you like"
The tramp moved uneasily about, and
| finally went to the window and gazed out
over the town. Presently he called the
proprietor to him and said:
81 haven't got long to larry. Something
seems to call and beckon me away. But
don't mind working couple of hours fol-
that corner lot over there-the one with the
| saloon on it,
"Im truly sorry" said the boss, "but ]
decided that lot last week to the boy who
carries papers. There's lot right back
of it, with nice cellar on--wouldn't that
suit you?"
mo, believe not. guess can't lin,
ger with you, however much might desire
to. have presentiment that l am not
long for this world, and l fain would lay
my bones to rest in the home of my child.
hood. Farewell, old man. Your kindness
has moved me. I'm homeward bound"
He bounded down stairs, and continued
his journey into the East B'1nsUickv