The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1889-08-10

the opportunity" said Mr.. p, teel-
ing keenly her rebuke and by no
means sharing her tender sentiments,
swell, think should If it were like
ly to do him any good. My friend,
What is the matter? You seem ill.,"
The tramp looked up with dull,
stony eyes; and his grizzled hair and
beard met in d hoary, tangled mass
about His head and face: He Was d
sorry and unclean customer who was
in sore need of washing and a change
of raiment. But Miss II. was un-
terrified and asked him several ques-
tions before he finally replied;
''I'm only tho caisson wheel, but
III roll over 'em all, the black furies
land I'll RUN on, on, on, on-on till
| find'it. I've seen the gate, and I'll
get there soon-I know I'll get there
soon"
He again dropped his head, and
his frame shook with emotion.
"He must have been an artillery
man." said Mr.. p, in a whisper,
land, poor fellowl he is demented."
eyes, he talks like other poor
creatures who have lost their minds
in the war: How my heart bleeds
for him! He may have dear ones iv-
ing who do not know Of his fate,
which is, alas! worse than death:
Have you no home, my poor friend?"
she asked, with a voice of almost SUI
per-human compassion, as she laid
her hand on his shoulder. He glanc-
ed up as if startled by the touch,
stared at her a moment, and then let
his head fall as before.
"He looks SO weak and Ill, I'm
afraid he is starving. He has not
strength to speak. Let us help
him into the house,
'Really, Miss H., think you might
let me look after the man. | will
send for an ambulance, and have
him taken to the hospital. Youmay
harm others and can do him no good
by taking him into your house,
"very well, you shall send him to
the hospital; but meanwhile let us
take him In and give him some food.
Come, friend-come into the house;
you are as welcome as if it were your
own home"
The tramp sat motionless and did
not heed her.
perhaps he is too weak to stand
Take hold of his arm and let us lead
him."
Mr.. P. complied, but DIS they EN-,
deavored to raise him UP he made q
show of resistance, and was released.
Sinking back upon the bench he
again looked up strangely, and said:
81 am at the gate, the very gate
and I'll run on, on-till l go in. Her
eyes see me-they are looking into
mine, and l can reach out my arm
and touch her"
AS he said this slowly, he rose to
his feet, staring wildly into Miss H. Z
face, and stretching towards her his
right hand, as If he would clutch her
Mr.. p, advancing a step, laid his
hand on the mans arm and gently
urged him back to the bench
where the poorfellow bowed his head
upon his knees and so remained silent
and motionless.
Miss H. went hastily into the house,
and her companion hailing police
man, who happened to be passing or
his beat, asked him if he knew any
thing about the stranger.
"No," said the policeman, 81 can't
say that | know much about him
He amt been in these parts more'n d
few days, an guess he's a loon o
some sort as s come from some 9th
er place. He's been prowiin' round
this block, though, ever since l first
noticed him, an there's no tellin
what kind O. game he may be after.
While they continued to discuss
him Miss H. came out again and ask
ed if the ambulance had been sent
for. This seemed to awaken a new
interest in Mr.. P.'s mind, and he got
the policeman to go at once to sen6
| in a call.
The man was too feeble to make
much show of resistance when they
removed him, but he hung back and
gritted his teeth in desperation, say
ing in a weak, husky voice:
"Oh, don't take me back, don't
take me back!"
Miss H. quickly told the attendant
that she would be responsible for the
pdtient and would call next day tC
see him. Meanwhile he must have
every attention that would be shown
to private patient who was expect
ed to pay well, for he was certainly
soldier, and for a soldier, who had
come to his sad estate in the cause
of his country, nothing could be toe
good.
ITO please her Mr.. P. went to the
hospital that evening to see that heI
orders were fully carried out, and she
was more contented when he brought
back word that the man had taken
| alittle nourishment, and was rest
ing quietly.
"They have made a new man o.
him in appearance already" said
Mr.. P, smiling. pm afraid you
will not recognize your protege when
you see him tomorrow, and indeed
do not see that any good purpose
can be served by your bothering
about him."
But Miss Fl. had a way of "both-
ering about" people whom Others
deemed of no consequence, and was
at the hospital next day as early as
.-..l i l. 4, L.,nskfn1 70 Tho nuo I,dc