Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-07-04
TRAMP OR GENTLEMAN?
Undoubtedly he was q tramp.

Undoubtedly he was q tramp.
The solitary marshal, whose business il
was to represent the majesty Of the law IN
the little village OF Blue Rock, spotted the
stranger as soon as he entered the place
The visitor was shabbily dressed His
coat was ragged and his trousers were
patched. HIS hat was without brin and
his shoes let his feet touch the ground.
III shadow him, said the marshal TO
himself.
The tramp slouched along down the
shady side of the street until he reached
the depot Here he paused and took a
teat on the platform.
Hello, there said the marshal as he
eame up. You must move On"
The nan thus rudeIy spoken TO turned
aweary face toward the officer.
Il was not 4 very clean FACE, and it bore
traces Of care. Bat it was not bad face
nor very old face. On the contrary, 1t
was rather frank and youthful
Ali this the marshal took IN, but he had
his orders and he had to carry them out.
Hue Rock had passed an ordinance sub
iecting ell tramps 70 thirty days imprison-
ment at hard labor.
What are you doing here?" asked the
oticer roughly
I an looking for work, was the reply.
WHO are you, and where are you
from
lam a gentleman" said the tramp,
YEARLY.
y gentleman?" shouted the marshal.
You look like one. What is your name
and where are you from
The wayfarer put his hand to his head
and q puzzled look came over his face.
4 would give anything to be able to
answer your questions, he said. but l
can't answer, for I do not know"
At this astounding reply the marshal
raised his baton.
None of your chaf,~ he growled.
Now, II give you one chance Ioumust
march out Of town or II run you in
The stranger evidently understood the
full meaning Of the threat lie leaped
from his seat with a frightened look, and
without a word walked of down the rail
read track.
Hes been arrested before" said the
officer thoughtfuIly. No doubt he has
been in a dozen jails- Wen, SO he leaves
here it is all right.
Two hours later the guardian Of the
peace found his tramp occupying his for
l1er seat on the depot platform.
Now. you must come with me-" said
the marshal, sngrily
He seized the lounger by one arm and
ier,led him up
The prisoner made no resistance. Ee
looked reproachfuIly at his captor. and
started of with him without word.
At Blue Rock justice was always swift,
although perhaps 1t was a little crude.
In less than al hour the tramp was con-
ricted and locked up in the stockade,
nhere he was set to work breaking rock.
The prisoners obstinacy IL asserting
that he had forgotten lis name and former
place Of abode made the petty village
officials very mad, and the poor fellow
was put TO work at harder tasks than
usual.
As the weeks rolled on it was noticed
that the prisoner displayed no resentment
or impatience. He went about his work
,heerfuIly and without comp Iaint.
When the prisoners term was ont the
6rst man he met after his release was the
marshal.
Get out of the town right away, was
the officers advice.
But l want TO stay here, said the
tramp. Il want work, and / Ike the
place
You are a blank fool to want 10 stay
In this town, replied the other, and it
VIII be my duty TO arrest you again if you
don't leave. So march,
The unfortunate wreteh made no further
appeal. lie limped off slowly and was
soon out of sight.
Later in the day the marshal passed by
the depot and saw q spectacle that made
him open his eyes.
The tramp was on the platform, ard tho
superintendent was talking to him.
Cone here, said the superintendent
to the marshal and take this vagabond
Of"
There was nothing TO do but 10 make
the arrest = speedy conviction followed,
and the luckless victim was again sent 70
the stockade for thirty days.
At last the month came - an end and
the prisoner was turned ont. This time
the marshal marched him beyond the town
limits aid let1 niu.
He has got too much sense 70 come
back. reported the marshal 70 the mayor.
We may have been too hard on him,
responded the mayor. 7 sometimes
think he is wrong IL the haa&.
Well, it is too late TO talk about it,
said the other, and the conversation
ended.
The tramp did not turn up again that
day nor the next
The worthy marshal began TO bo wo--
ried and the mayor was little uneasy.
BlEs Rock was such 4 small place thu. :
sensa-oa WIS always welcome, ana rae
uukrowa prisoner had been the talk of
the town fer sixty days
Hes hiding in the woods. and viii slip
in here some night and burn the town,
said one.
This idea found great favor. and tha.
night the Villagers found it 6ilic-l; 70
sleep.
On the following day there was rail-