The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1878-08-08

( let my life In the years 10 come tell my
gratitude. Oh, my all of life is yours,
and my last breath shall bear your name
in gratitude to God!"
Couldn't Stand on the Pedestal.
| breakfast Tablet
A policeman was standing on the
shady side of his beat, twirling his mus
tache and musing over the lost oppor-
tunities of youth.
A man came forward and made
an abject bow, iuterded as a
tribute to law and order. He was man
with glossy look about the knees and
elbows, and the small portion of shirt
front that managed to hold itself above
the discontented vest that was trying to
climb up and wind itself around the
mans neck, was not immaculate. 1t
said as plainly as a shirt-bosom could
say-and that, too, with piteous ap-
peal for sympathy-that it was badly
neglected piece of linen, and felt
ashamed of its keeping and company.
The man stood for minute or two,
and looked upon the officer with eyes of
humble admiration. He was awed by
the stern, defiant look Of the cop, and
dazzled by the badge and buttons. The
officer threw his gaze heavenward, in
sublime indifference, and folded his
arms, as though posing for statue of
Achilles in modern garments.
"Look at himp' said the man in
designing uldertone to himself. "Only
look at himl Amt he a tough 'un for
heavy duty? Them's the sort O. men
that makes an honest man a possibility
in this country, an keeps up the price
O. rope. What strength an courage do
I 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' their
peppers peeled for scalawags."
The officer threw his head higher, and
put on frown that would have soured
fresh milk.
The proper moment had come, and the
man walked up and looked him calmly
in the face.
"Why do I sleep well at nightw he
demanded. "Why are my dreams un-
troubledw
az suppose you have mosquito net"
said the blue-coat, unbending little;
"and sleep on the shed-roof where the
bugs can't reach YOU"
"No, sir-it amt that, but droop your
ear and hearken. Pll tell you how it
comes that I can tumble into my little
bunk every evening an shut my blinkers
for an all-night snooze without anymore
uneasiness than a baby running over
with catnip tea. It's because | know
that such men as you are walBin' up an
down in front of my shanty to see that
1 have my regular ration of peaceful
slumber without disturbance. What's
the use of my worryin' an layin' awake
watchin' for crib-crackers when 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
among the police force an you git full
measure every time"
The officer protested that the eulogy
was invidious. Plenty of other men
were brave.
$50 they may be-so they may; but
show me the courage that amt ballasted
with selfshness, outside of the police,
an you can take my nose for paper
weight. I know a brave man when l
hear him breathe, an / know Pm talk
ing to one of the boldest unlaureled
heroes in this stretch O. timber. Now
amt that sof"
Really-ah-I can't permit-such
undeserved-ah-I really can't allow it,
sir" said the officer with melting look
and softened tone.
"But you're not cowardP P'
"Pd like to hear some body Just hint
that I was," and the lips compressed,
and the head shook meaningly.
can you've got Jest oceans of cour-
age-no going back on that"
Well, no, maybe not"
CAN you're grit to the backbone.
Own up, now-you're Jest fairly loaded
down with it. Amt that sc? ?'
"I suppose 1 must have a little, you
know. Must have in this business"
"Didn;t say so? But little won't
do. That amt the term-groaning with
sand is better. Now, come; face the
music and own up. You've got grit
away ABOVE the aVerage-noW ain tnat
nearer the mark T'
"Oh, yes, Isuppose So" said the man
of the mace, a little sheepishly.
CAN as to nerve-we can't pile it on
too thick there, 1 know. You're neryy
to the marrow, now amt you? Own up
that you'veg got nerve-you can't deny
that?"
"No, / reckon not, but I'd rather
have somebody else say So"
The man drew up close, and spoke in
low voice:
I" knowed it-I knowed it. But see
here-do you s'pose you've got nerve
enough to lend me about two dollars%
The officer had to wilt this time and
back clear down from his high pedestal.
His nerve was too feeble.