Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-04-28
TRAMP OR GENTLEMAN?
Undoubtedly he was a tramp.

uc bOlttaTy uiuISuui, NHusc ouothcoo ~
was to represent the majesty Of tho law In
the little village of Blue Rock. spotted the
stranger as soon rs he entered the place.
The visitor was shabbily dressed. His
coat was ragged and his trousers were
patched. Ills hat was without u brim and
his shoes let his feet touch the ground.
"Ill shadow him, . said the marshal TO
himself.
Tho tramp slouchcd along down tho
shady side Of the street until hc reached
the depot. Here he paused and took
seat on the platform.
Hello, there" said the marshal as he
came up. You must move on"
The man thus ruiely spoken to turned
O weary facs toward the officer.
Il was not very clean face. and II boro
traces Of care But 1t was not bad face
nor q very old face. ON tho contrary. II
was rather frank and youthful.
All this the marshal took in but he had
his orders and hc had to carry them out.
Blue Rock had passed an ordinance sub.
jccting all tramps to thirty days imprison-
ment at hard labor.
"What are you doing hcrc!" asked the
officer roughly.
Il am looking for work. was the reply.
"Who are you. and where are you
FROM
II am gentleman" said tho tramp.
wcarily.
"a gentleman shouted tho marshal.
"You look like one. What Is your name
and where are you FROM
The wayfarcr put his hand to his head
and puzzled look came over his face.
II would give anything TO be able to
answer your questions. he said. but l
can't answer for do not know"
At this astounding reply the marshal
raised his baton.
None of your chaff." he growlcd.
''Now. I'll give you one chance. You must
march out Of town or Ill run you in"
The stranger evidently understood the
full meaning Of the threat. lIc leaped
from his seat with frightened look. and
without word walked off down the rail.
road track.
Hes been arrested before" said the
officer thoughtfully. mo doubt he has
been In "A dozen jails. Well. so he leaves
here II Is all right"
Two hours later the guardian Of the
peace found his tramp occupying his for.
mer seat on the depot platform.
"Now. you must come with mo-" said
the marshal. angrily.
He seized the lounger by ono arm and
jerked him up
The prisoner made no resistance. Tie
looked rcproachfully at his captor. and
started of with him without word.
Al Blue Rock justice was always swift.
although perhaps 1t was little crude.
In less than an hour the tramp was con.
victed and locked up In the stockade.
where he was set 10 work breaking rock.
The prisoners obstinacy In asserting
that he had forgotten his name and former
place Of abode made the petty village
officials very mad. and the poor fellow
was put 10 work at harder tasks than
usual.
As the weeks rolled on IL was noticed
that the prisoner displayed no resentment
or impaticnce. lie went about his work
cheerfully and without u complaint.
When tho prisoners term was out the
6rst man he met after his release was the
marshal.
Get out Of the town right away" was
the officers advice.
"But ! want TO stay here" said the
tramp. Il want work, and like the
place"
"You are blank fool to want to stay
In this town." replied the other. land It
will bc my duty TO arrest YOU again II you
don't leave. So march,"
The unfortunate wretch made no further
appeal. lie limped of slowly and was
soon out Of sight.
Later In the day tho marshal passed by
the depot and saw spectacle that made
him open his eyes.
The tramp was on the platform. and the
superintendent was talking TO him.
Come here" said tho superintendent
to the marshal. and take this vagabond
oil"
There was nothing 70 do but 10 make
the arrest. A speedy conviction followed.
and the luckless victim was again sent TO
the stockade for thirty days.
At last the month came 10 an end and
the prisoner was turned out. This tlme
the marshal marched him beyond tho town
limits and left him.
''IIe has got too much sense TO como
back. reported the marshal To the mayor.
1--WE may have been too hard ON him. "
responded the mayor. II sometimes
think he Is wrong In tho head"
'well. Il Is too late 10 talk about II. y
said the other. and the conversation
ended.
The tramp did not turn up again that
day nor the next.
The worthy marshal began 10 bo wor-
RED and the mayor was little uneasy.
Blue Rock was such small place that q