Morris tribune., 1880-09-02
The Romance of a Tramp

ABOUT -FOUR years ago, says the Little
Rock Gazette, Miss Emma Roland of Gal
weston, visited an aunt in Warren Coun.
ty, Kentucky. 1t was in the summer
time, and one evening the girl sat in the
yard. halt reading and half regarding the
enormous bumble.bees buzzing around.
1t was voice that said, ''can get
drink of water?' Two arms and the chin
of tramp leaned on the fence. He was
dressed in the tramp's garb, wardrobe at
once SO describable and indescribable.
81 say, can get some water2"
"Must go round to the gate or climb
the fence2"
"Both, if you choose
''That's the way like to hear people
talk" said the tramp, climbing over and
approaching. SNOW where's the water?''
"I'll bring It."
1.-THE girl went to the house and re-
turned with bucket of water. When the
man had finished she did not think that
he had exaggerated his thirst. In tact, she
did not think that his comparison had
been adequate.
"What book are you reading?"
mill on the Floss
''Overated. / never liked it. All
depth or no depth, I don't know which.
The novelist has tried to write a story
without well defined plot, and has
failed. Goldsmith's success as plotless
and charming writer was bad example"
"You shouldn't tear my tavorite book
to pieces. like George Eliot and all
her works."
"You don't like "Mill on the Floss -
You have been nodding over it for the
last half hour. You only pretend to read
it because you imagine that in dong 80
you develope literary tastes"
II think, sir, you are impudent."
But truthful. Here's book you should
read" and the tramp took from his rag
ged coat, tattered copy of Burton
ANATOMY of Melancholy" DR.. John
son said that this book was the only work
that could induce him to get out Of bed
mornings sooner than his regular time
Of rising"
"And that's why you like it," re
marked the girl. taking the book. III
DR.. Johnson hadn't made that remark
you would not tiEd the work so charm
ing"
That's ell right. Give me SOME 1aort
water"
The conversation was pursued unit
the tramp accepted an invitation to sup
per. His idea of Burton and johnson
was soon covered up with batter cakes
The tramp, MIR. Preston, remained al
night. Next morning when he an
nounced his intention of leaving, the CIR
accompanied him to the spot where sh,
sat when he hailed her.
"Why do you tramp around; have yo'
no home2''
Eyes, as to the home. Don't know a
to the tramping."
"WhiskyS"
"Whisky.'
"Why don't you qultG"
81 will"
| "When2''
"Now, on enc condition. That 70,
will consent to be my wife. Meet M
under this tree four years from to-day.
~ will"
"Good-bye," and he climbed the fenc
and was gone. No correspondence wa
carried on between them. The manly
handsome face of the tramp hung be
tore the girl like portrait. Deep earn
est eyes, merry laugh, accompanied
the tramp. Several weeks ago the youni
lady visited her aunt. One evening las
week she sat under tree in the yard
where four years before she nodded owe
book. Bees buzzed around; the sam
bees seemingly. Or her lap lay 'ENlil
on the Floss; near her tattered copy c
''Burton's Anatomy of Melancholy" !
buggy drove up. A man allghted an
climbed the fence.
"Mr. Preston
"Miss Rolanu."
, There was no indication of tramp i
the handsomely dressed gentleman. tn
clear, earnest eyes showed no iurid ligh
kindled by satan's breath. That even
ing the buggy went to Bowling Greer
Next morning happy couple left o
southern bound train. They are no.
r IN this city. Tomorrow they will leay
for Texas.