The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1889-09-18

MS lOVelyi ulsngured wheels he gathered
up his reins and flew down the road.
And Joe; it was the happiest moment
of his life, just then. The consciousness
of having hurt his enemy crowded out
all other thoughts for the time, but the
haul was still q long one, the sun very
warm, the horses tired and listless, and
Joe began to wonder if, after all. he
hadn't made fool of himself to say the
leastl What would the tired little wo-
man say who never had heard of those
''yellow Wheels" if he should tell her
what he had donel And then he wished
his favorite wish that he had never been
bornl
r.--.-s
"You must get her out of this, said
the doctor to Joe. "She tells me she
has few hundred dollars saved up in
the bank, and she longs for little home
of her own. Stairs are killing things
Tor women. Can't you buy lot and
build a little house for her? see that
there are some lots for sale over there, !"
and the doctor pointed to the corner lot
that the little woman had looked upon so
wistfully, where, from her dingy attic
windows, she could see few stunted
willow trees wave in the summer breeze.
''It would cheer her up" continued
the doctor, Through the coming winter
to think about it, and you could have her
in it by next fall"
81 will try" said Joe. GIVE got a
little left from my bounty and my pay
that l never touched, and she don't know
about. We might, he said, "do it to-
gether;" and he climbed up his high seat
and started off with his load of coal.
What had become of the ''yellow
wheels2" Since that day he had never laid
eyes on the man, or on the wheels. 1t
had worried Joe, it seemed to gnaw at
his hard, unfeeling heart, and his mind
had been very soon made up to tell him
how sorry he was, and pay him for the
damage.
"What are you doing, Joe?' said the
little woman, as Joe the next morning
"'fixed himself up and put on his Sun
day clothes.
81 amt going to work to-day" said
Joe. GIVE got business down town"
And down town he went.
The little woman asked no questions,
she couldn't help looking over to the
little corner lot. 81 wish we had enough
money" she sighed.
"26 Water street! Here's the place."
said Joe to himself. "Elmville Manu-
featuring Co., J. Johnson, Treasurer. "
And up the stairs, two at a time, he
went. The Office staggered Joe. Clerks
to the right Of him, clerks to the left of
him, and high railing to keep out
common folks like himself. Joe re-
membered that in the army privates un-
covered their heads when they came into
officers quarters, and off went his shabby
hat. "Can 1 see Mr.. Johnson2" he
asked, looking at all the clerks in turn.
Gle is busy just now," answered lit
tie man, peering over his big books.
Take seat, and when he's at liberty
I'll tell him."
1t seemed hours to Joe and the per-
spiration stood in great beads over his
face.
"Now," said the man, "come on, you
can go in;" and opening door into an
inner Office he ushered in Joe.
But one quick look was enough for
him; there, seated at his desk and facing
Joe, sat the man with the "yellow
wheels"
"Come in, said the man kindly; but
Joe fairly grasped the door knob for
support. "What can do for you?"
"Don't you know me1" gasped Joe.
81 am sorry to say do not, replied
the man.
''How's them wheelsl" moaned Joe;
"them ycller wheels mashed up on the
avenue, and the hat?"
"Oh, are you the man." inquired the
other.
81 was the man, but amt no more,
you bet; and if you'll tell me what's the
damage I'd like to settle
"And you've como down for that?"
asked his enemy.
"Oh, no." said Joe, conscious that he
hadn't a cent in his pockets. "Tve most
forgot what | have come for, seeing as its
YOU" You could have overturned Joe
with n feather and the man with the
''yellow wheels wore a puzzled sort of
look.
81 see, 3" said the man, getting up from
his desk; ''but it seems to me you're
little late. l had almost forgotten the
whole thing; in fact, you not only made
my wheels look pretty badly, but you
spoiled my hat and You upset me for a
long time"
"Good Lord" said Joe, 81 didn't see
you spilled out. ~
Il was only mentally upset, rejoined
his enemy. Il haven't been very strong,
and | used to drive for exercise. If 1 had
your physique l would have annihilated
you, then and there.
''If you'd a-had to pay for my ply
'ique, " said Joe, thinking of all the
doctors bills and the patent medicines he
had bought for the little woman. "If
you'd a-had to pay them bills you
want my physique; altho' it's
he woman as doses, not me, !" he con-
Something about Joe interested the
nan. He looked at him and at his
watch, and, coming close to Joe, he sat
down beside him. ''Tell me, he began
-"tell me what brought you here -
And Joe began stammeringly, haltingly |
1t first, but growing more and more elo-