The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1880-02-17

The driver explained the clrcumstan-
ces of his "fright" " to the ranchman,
who requested the old man to accom-
pany him to "the house," and the latter
patiently complied with the request,
leading by the hand bright little
boy.
They soon reached "the house," u
low and struggling collection of build
ings, and were ushered into the presence
of Its owner, tall and fine-looklng man,
with his face covered by heavy beard
and his eyes shaded by a wide slouched
hat, who was seated in a raw-hide chair
reading a newspaper and smoking a
long pipe. He listened in silence and
with apparent indifference to the story
the ranchman told him.
"What is your name ?" he asked,
addressing the old man.
"John Byrd, sir"
"Where are you from p''
From Indiana"
Ay Any family with you 2"
"My daughter, Mrs. Worsham, and
her child"
" Widow, l suppose"
" Her husband is dead, sir" patiently
replied Byrd, although he resented the
tone of these inquiries.
"First husband, or second? 7"
" Mr. Worsham was her second hus-
band. She had been married to
drunken, worthless vagabond whom
was compelled to drive away"
"Quite right. Mr.. Byrd = exactly.
What become of the vagabondY"
=" 1 don't know"
"Died, suppose. 1t is of no conse-
quence what become of him. Then
divorce followed ?"
"Yes, sir. insisted upon divorce
against my daughters wish, she married
Mr.. Worsham, a well-to-do man. But
bad luck fastened upon us and never let
go. Mr.. Worsham died insolvent, and
one reverse after another swept my
little property and l was forced to come
out here to begin life again. 1t is
hard task, sir, for an old man."
81 should say SO. You ought to have
remained among your friends. What
boy is that ?'
"My grandson" family replied Byrd,
who was weary of this style of question
ing.
"Son of the vagabond, or of Wor-
sham ?p
"Albert is the son of my daughters
first husband"
81 have taken fancy to him. You
want home, and 1 will tell you what
will do. Give me that boy and will
give you a fine ranch, well stocked,
with everything you need to make you
comfortable. Is it bargain 7"
DO you expect me to trade off my
daughters child 7" indignantly demand
ed Byrd.
81 forgot about her. OF course she
has an interest in him. Suppose you
ask her. She ought to be willing to
accept comfortable home for life, when
she knows that the boy will be provided
for"
L will bring her here II you wish."
"No; don't want to see any women
folks. Ask her and bring me word"
81 will ask her." replied the old man;
but know what her answer will
be-"
John Byrd soon returned and inform
ed Gen. Chance that Mrs. Worsham had
refused to accept his offer, declaring she
would rather die, than be parted from
her boy.
"Very WE'LL" said the gentleman
That is all have to say to you.--
You may CO."
John Byrd sadly left the house, and
its owner signaled to the ranchman to
remain.
Mr.. Whipps,'' said he, F" wish you
would follow that old man. Take him
and his family down to Killers ranch,
which is vacant, and settle them there.
Supply them with stock, provisions, and
everything they need to make them
comfortable, and let me know if money
is needed
So John Byrd and his little family,
greatly to their surprise, were settled
| and made more than comfortable.