The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1879-01-24

for others.
keeper.
ssTo old Deuce-acep reckon So"
the man said. putting at his pipe. III
you'd make up TO some Of your like, I'd
not need TO keep such watch on you. "
adding to another keeper. "it's when
they're mum they're hatchin' devilry."
"Why do you play aloneP" asked
Walter, Of the old man.
Nobody viii play with me-" The
bleared eyes suddenly lightened. evil
you? oh, will you, my boyP"
Walter sat down and took up the dice
box. 1t was pathetic to see the delight
of the old man, especially when he won,
whichWalter took care that he should do.
With all his madness, he was courte-
Gus and refined, having been an educa-
ted gentleman. Day after day Walter
devoted himself to this man, playing
and losing countless "hits.'' The vigil
lance of his keeper relaxed.
I" He's as silly as old Deuce-ace," he
said to his fellows.
As Walter sat one day throwing the
dice and humoring the feeble fancy Of
the old man, q quick disgust overcome
him. What an occupation was this for
him, an able, strong young man, while
other men were working with brain and
body in the world. He threw down the
box. The next moment he shut his lips
and took it up.
at Is all that God gives me to do,
and Ill do it." he said to himself, and
was more gentle than before with his old
companion.
That night he was alone in his cell.
The door was open, the keeper at sup
per. Deuce-ace came to him, trembling
with excitement.
"I'm going out-as potatoes! pota-
toes!" he whispered. "I'll take you
with me. None Of the rest would play
with me. Quick! quick.
PotatoesP"
Walter followed, bewildered, but
shaken by sudden hope.
In the yard was farmers wagon full
Of potatoes. The Superintendent had
refused TO buy them, the price being too
high. The man was in the kitchen, but
in a few moments would return to drive
away with them.
Deuce-ace who had all the qnickness
and cunning Of his disease, had heard
the squabbling and had made his plan.
Walter understood 1t at glance.
"Lie down! lie down." said the old
man, huskily.
Fortunately, there were no keepers in
sight. Both Waiter and the old man
eagerly pushed aside with their hands
sufficient number of potatoes, so that
hole was made large enough in which
they could both lie down. Then they
hastily covered themselves as much as
possible with the potatoes.
They were so much concealed that
unless careful scrutiny was given they
would not be noticed. 1t was twilight,
and the gathering darkness favored
them.
The farmer came at last. "Gee up!"
lashing his horses.
just then keeper came along. 500
in into town to sell emp" said he.
"Guess not. No time for trade now.
Ill take 'em to Hestonville to my broth
err
The wagon jolted on and stopped.
They were unlocking the gate. Walter
clenched the old mans arm like a vice,
so terrible was his excitement.
One moments breathless pause, then
the wagon moved and the gate closed
with heavy clang behind them.
When the farmer had driven one or
two squares, Walter softly freed the old
man from the potatoes, and they drop
ped noisclessly into the street 1t was
dark and raining hard.
They ran behind projecting build
ing and hid. They saw the gate Of the
asylum open, and the keepers, with
lanterns running out In pursuit of the
wagon. Their fight was known.
Al soon as the men had passed, Walter 4
ran with his companion into the street. \
Late that night, Mr.. McCann was
reused by violent knocking at the
door. He put his head out into the
storm, and the next instant rushed like
q mailman down the stairs, shouting
"Wife! Jessy! 1t Is he! it is he!"
He dragged Walter in, and they hug
ged the boy, and laughed and cried
over him all at once. But in the midst
of his Joy Walter found time to pull the |
old man forward, crying, HE saved
mel"
"And potatoes" said Deuce-ace,
bowling low, and beaming on the COM
pany.
His friends afterwards took charge Of
the old gentleman, but kept him at
home. Col. Thorpe was forced to re-
store the property he had so wickedly
obtained the control Of, and Dunbar a.
forwards became partner Of Mr.. Nc !
Cams, marrying little Jessy when he
became Of age Youths Companion.