The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1878-08-21
oopldh,t sIulnal len lhe Redealal.

| n potASthiau NtNS eN.AAANfHb iN.a. fFeAN
shady side eufhis beat, twirliug his
mustaehe and musing ovOr the lost
opportunities Of youth.
A man came forward and made an
abiect bow, intended as a tribute to
law and order. He,was alman with
a glossy look about the knees and ell
bows, and the small portion Of shirt
front that managed to hold itself
above the discoptented vest cat was
trying to climb upapd wind itself
around the mans neck, was not i'm
maculate. 1t said as plainly as a
shirt.bOsOm could say--and that, too,
with a piteous appeal for sympathy
that It was q adlyneglected piecg
of linen, and felt ashamed ofitskeep,,
ing and company, ls97l)
The man stood for minute or two,
and looked upon the eofficer witheyes
Of humble admiration. He was awed
by the stern, defiant look Of the cop,
and dazzled by the badge and but
tons. The officer threw his gaze
heavenward, in sublime indifference,
and folded his arms, as though pos.
ing for q statute Of Achilles in mod
ern garments, .'qb g ~ aist
a"Look at himl" said the man in q
designing undertone to himself
"only look athiml Amt he q tough
'un for heavy dutyf Them's thesort
O. men that makes an honest man a
possibility in this country, an keeps
up the price o rope What strength
an courage do ! see before me like a
pictur', TO say nothin' Of the iron
muscles and breadth of chist. Our
sacred institutions are well guarded !
an the majesty Of the law is purity
well sot up with SO long as such men
as him are keepin' the peepers peel
ed for scalawags," 81
The officer threw his head higher,
and put on frown that would have
soured fresh milk,
The proper moment had come, and
tho man walked up and looked him
calmly in the face,
eWhy do sleep well of nightH"
he demanded. "Why are my dreams
unslumbered2' .ea4
81 suppose you have o mosquito
net" said the blue.coat, unbendinga
a little; and sleep on the shed-roof
where the bugs can't reach you" q
aNa- sir-itain,t that, hnt drnon
Il -aaraIaIaldIia IiarIasIad, fiaI-ai s.y.e..
how it come that | Gun ttlmble into
my little bunk every evening an
shut my blinkers for an alf-night
snooze without any more uneasiness
than baby running over with cat
nip tea. It's because ] know such
men as you are walkin' up an down
in front of my shanty to to see that
get my regular ration of peaceful
slumber without disturbance. What
is the use of my worryin' an layin'
awake watchin' for cri6scrackers
when l know that every street in
the city is under the eye of men who
never back down, an fight as though
every last mothers son Of 'em was
married and had to do it? Talk
about brave men! Look for 'em on
the police force an you get full meas
ure every time"
The officer protested that the eulo-
gy was invidious. Plenty Of other
men were brave. qe f.ol III
$50 they may be1so they may; but
show me the courage that amt ball
lasted with selfshness, outside Of the
police, an you can take my nose for
a paper.weight. ! know "a brave
man when ! hear him breathe, an !
knoA I'm talkin' to one Of the bold
est unlaureled heroes in this stretch
o timber. Now ain't that so2p
"Really-ah-I can't permit-such
undeserved-ah-I really can't allow
it, sir" said the officer with a melt
ed look and softened tone.
"But you're not q coward!"
"Id like to hear some body just
hint that was" and the lips COM
pressed, and the head shook mean
SIn, you've got just oceans ofcour-
age-no going back on that"
"Well, no, maybe not" ga
"An' you're grit to the backbone.
Own up, now-yOu're jest fairly load.
cd down with it. Amt that 500"
81 suppose must have little,
you know. Must have in this busi-
ness"
"Didn' / say SOP But little won't
do. That amt the term-groaning