The Mineral argus., 1885-01-22

pAnlOnship he loved. And his way led
him through lonely stretch Of country,
where the farms were scattered far
apart, for Mr. Collingwood had b ought
. farm ct some distance from the vii
lage.
BY what instinct Joe knew that there
might be danger lurking in the road 1
can not explain, but il became his habit,
solely Of his own will TO follow Cyrus
Portman out of sight himself, till he
saw him safely within his house. and
then limp back again TO his own barn
chamber. II may have been that the
talk Of the farm hands about some Of
the crimes perpetrated by tramps con-
veyed warning to his weakened mind.
But whztever the motive, he WAS con-
slant in his unsupported attendance.
The Rev. Cyrus Portman, secure Of
his peace in the love Of his congregation,
thinking his village home ever secure
from danger Of robbery, or even the
fear Of theft. was careless Of the fact
that il was known he carried about him
large sums of money. He drew his in
cume quarterly from . Boston bank.
and was apt TO carry large rolls Of bank
notes in his pocket.book, ready for his
own expenses and charities. He wore
diamond studs and finger ring and .
heavy gold watch and chain.
All these facts becoming known 70
Bob Carter, Joe's old tormentor, led TO
the fact that proved the idiots deepest
devotion TO Sasy. One of the tramps
seeking employment ct Brent Hill.
proving = genial companion for Bob
Carter in his drinking frolics and idle
life. became his guest, and the two, un-
der influence Of liquor resolved to rob
the parson.
Hes bound to have pocket full Of
money!" Bob said, land we're half
starved! Wen make it more equal
like!"
So il befell that one August night.
when there was no moon. Joe, faithfully
trudging upon his self appointed task Of
seeing Susy's lover safe in his own home.
saw two men spring upon him as he
passed high hedge.
Taken entirely by surprise, Cyrus
POrtman turned to his assailants and
tonight for his possessions with the cour-
age OF . truly brave man. But they
were two to one, and had thrown hmm
down, when Bob Carter. lifting FORM
liable club Of wood, ordered him to
give up his money and watch. Instead
Of complying he struggled more fiercely
10 free himself from the grasp OF the
other ruiIian.
"You will have it, then," growled
Bob, lifting the club, and surely there
would have been an end Of all Susy'a
dreams of happiness. had not Joe. with
. cry utterly indescribable, flung him
self between the heavy murderous wea-
pom and Cyrus POrtman.
Down came the wood with o sicken-
ing crash upon the idiots back and
head, and Cyrus Portman, with sud-
den wrench, freed himself rs the tramp
lodged back TO avoid the blows. AT
this moment the voices Of party OF
village merry makers were heard COM
ing up the road, and the would-be rob-
l,erx and assassins turned and fed.
The calls of the clergyman hurried
the steps of the farmer lads coming
home, and the well-known voices OF the
Collingwood boys were soon heard in
eager EXPLANATIONS.
In hurried words the young clergy
explained the situation.
Poor Joe!" he said, looking up a. he
knelt to examine the PROSTATE body. l
am afraid his devotion has cost him his
life. Icannot feel his heart beat"
well carry him home" Charlie Col
lingwoOd said. Come. boys. it is not
half a mile to the farm"
Willing, strong hands lifted the in
sensible figure, and tenderly poor Joe
was carried to the farm again. Susy,
sitting still upon the wide porch, think.
ing of her lover, saw the procession
enter the gate, and ran quickly down
the path. Her tears fell fast as Cyrus
told his sad tale, but she opened the
door of the spare room on the lower
floor, awakened Mrs. CollingwOod,
brought lights. water and bandages,
while James sadldled a horse and rode
back to the village for the doctor.
But doctors could not help poor Joe;
the blow was death blow, and before
morning there was only a cold, still
form where the poor idiots life had ex-
listed. But before he died he was
brought back to consciousness, to know
Susy was bending over him. her tears
dropping fast upon his white, DEATH
striker face.
"Dont cry" he whispered family.
1T is because you love him. I didn't
forget" he said, while smile bright
ened his poor face. Joe didn't forget
when you took lashing for him. Joe
remembered. And he put his head an
der Bob Carriers club to save the par
son. Ii the parson here?"
"Yes, Joe, I am here"
GAN alive. and Joe did il! Joe did
it for Susy!"
And SO, with Susv's name upOn his