St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-12-26

f, life the fair, sweet face stood for a religion
something to De worshiped-poor Joe's spe-
cial providence.
He never forgot the falling OF the cruel
lash upon her tender figure bent TO protect
him, and his gratitude expressed Itself IL
such offerings as were within his reach
bouquets OF wild flowers, clusters Of delicate
ferns he knew she loved, baskets Of wild
cherries or nuts, and an eager offer to lift
any obstacle from her path. Aud the good
natured, jesting country folks called POOR Joe
Susv's admirer.
But while the winter SHOWS were vet upon
the ground there came 70 Brent Hill new
clergyman, one Cyrus Portman, who had
been pupil Of Susys father when he was
youth OF nineteen. she a child OF twelve
1t was quite natural that be should seek
Susy, aud the old servant at the parsonage
was warm in her praise. He was wealthy
man, having Inherited fortune from his
father, and he was eager TO help the poor IN
his parish.
So, in the winter evenings. in the spring
walks, he let bis heart 90 out to Susy and
gather her image into its deepest recesses,
while she, unconscious Of her own secret,
felt that there was no happiness so profound
as Cyrus brought by his own presence. II
was quiet, uneyentful counting for six long
months, but 1t bound two hearts firmly to-
gether for life, and Joe, looking on, under
stood vaguely that Susy was happy when
Cyrus was near, that service performed for
Cyrus pleased Susy as well.
Rev. Cyrus Portman, secure Of his place
In the love Of his congregation, thinking bis
village home ever secure from danger of
robbery. or even the fear of theft, was care
less Of the fact that it was known he carried
about him large sums of money. He drew
his income quarterly from q Boston bank,
and was apt to carry large rolls Of bank notes
in his pocket-book, ready for his own ex-
penses and charities. He wore diamond
studs and finger ring and heavy gold
watch and cnain.
All these facts became known to Bob Car
ter, Joe's tormentor. One of the tramps
seeking employment at Brent Hill, proving
congenial companion for Bob Carter in his
drinking frolics and idle life, became his
guest, and the two, under the influence OF
liquor, resolved to rob the parson.
"He's bound to have a pocket full Of
money" Bob said, - and we're half starved!
Wen make it more equal like"
So it befel that one August night. when
there was no moon, Joe, faithfully trudging
upon mis- self-appointed task of seeing Susy's
lover safe in his own home, saw TWO men
spring upon him as he passed a high hedge.
Taken entirely by surprise, Cyrus Portrnan
turned to bis assailants and fought for his
possessions with the courage of truly brave
man. But they were two TO one, and had
thrown him down, when Bob Carter, lifting
a formidable club of wood, ordered him to
give up his money and watch. Instead of
complying, he struggled more fercely to
free himself from the grasp of the other
ruf1ian.
''You will have it. then,'' growled Bob,
lifting the club, and surely there would have
been an end TO all Susy's dreams of happi-
ness had not Joe, with q cry utterly indie
scribable, flung himself between the heavy
murderous weapon and Cyrus Portman.
Down came the wood with crash upon the
idiots back and head, and Cyrus Portman,
with sudden wrench, freed himself as the
tramp lodged back to avoid the blows. At
this moment the voices of the party of village
merry-makers were heard coming up the
road, and the would be robbers and assassins
turned and fed.
Willing, strong hands lifted the stil in
sensible figure, and tenderly poor Joe was
carried TO the farm again. Susy, sitting still
upon the wide porch, thinking of her lover,
saw the procession enter the gate, aud ran
quickly down the path. Her tears fell fast
DO lOlu LIS bdlc, DuL OptDeu TIE
door of the spare room on the lower floor,
wakened Mrs. Collingwood, brought light.
water and bandages, while James ssddled a
horse and rode back to the village for a
doctor.
But the doctors could not help poor joe
The blow was jeathblow, aud before morn
ing there was only cold stiff form where
the poor idiots life had existed. But before
he died he was brought back to conscious
ness, to know Susy was bending over him,
her tears dropping fast upon his white, death
stricken face.
Don't cry" he whispered, family. at
was because you loved him, didn't forget,'
he said, while a smile frightened his poor
face. 'Joe didn't forget when you took
lashing for him. Joe remembered. And be
put his head under Bob Carter's club to save
the parson. Is the parson herel"
GAN alive, and Joe did itl Joe did it for
Susyp'
And so, with susy's name upon his lips,
poor Joe died