Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1889-08-24

through the city. However, it failed 70
attract, for ''the freak was but tho va
gary of a wandering brain, or the harm
less escapade Of an imbecile." The tones
of the bell seemed to grow mournful day
by day, and old residents looked pity
ingly upon the man who, when doing a
heroic deed long years before, had sud-
denly lost what makes life worth living.
Tho trampling of a horses hoof. though
q child's life was saved, had left be-
numbed intellect and MANNED body to
be cared for at the expense OF. the town.
No one molested him during this week
of excitement, though a following of
small boys sometimes cried, 'tLostl
Lost" in unison.
More than q week had passed, and an
other Monday morning had come, before
the denouement. After the regular morn
ing paper went to press, q valiant re-
porter brought in an item so choice Il
warranted an extra edition.
The old man was on his rounds again,
and in pathetic tones crying, "Losts
Lost" while the newsboys shouted:
more mysteries! More mysteriesr'
tuu llG RCORlC WIFI AlllC41n0 CSAkCAuCc3
read: "The Trow residence that was sup
posed to be closed has an occupant. A
light seen there at midnight, but no an
swer when newspaper man rang the
door bell. It is thought by some that the
abused wife may be locked into an inner
room to give the husband and tho siren
who has ensnared him time to reach o
foreign land and escape detection. 1t is
also whispered that citizens propose to
invade the premises for tho purpose Of
ascertaining il such crime has been
committed"
The old man passed ON till he stood be-
fore the "hitherto happy homo of the
Trows." A crowd had gathered around
the house, and while no one had become
sufficiently audaeious to burst open q
door and enter, he cried louder and
shriller than before, Lost! Lostr
The newsboys were shouting, "Have
an oxtraw ''Have an extrag Gan the
particulars bout the 'lopement an POSI- bic
murder!" when from one direction came
team and from another an unmanago-
able horse and rider, scattering the mob
right and left, but the old mans bell was
ringing and he took no heed. Lol again
the poor skull received q blow from a
horses hoof and the distorted body was
trampled on, till writing in pain he was
tenderly lifted from the ground.
Mr.. and Mrs. Trow, with cousin who
lived on farm fifteen miles away, had
driven up just in time to witness the
accident and attempt 70 rescue him.
Saturday evening, when somewhat TO
their own surprise they accompanied tho
man on his homeward drive, they inn
agined themselves children Just out of
school, they said, and having given their
housemaid and man servant weeks va
cation, were easily persuaded to stay till
the moment when it was expected Mr..
Trow would resume his duties at the
bank
Fresh and vigorous after week of
life in the woods" they drove back to
civilization @ on Monday morning.
"a real vacation, not q telegram, not
letter, not even n paper" said Mr.. Trow.
cousin, we are indebted TO you for a
new lease of life.
The old man was MORALLY wounded,
but he lifted the bell once more and as q
CLEAN of intelligence lighted the face
that had so long been vacant, with in
oirable sadness, he gasped, "Lostl LostF
when apparently recognizing the face of
friends and in reply TO the omnipresent
small boys "Say, what's losty' no gath
cred up his last remnant Of strength and
answered. in clarion tones, "TIuthl
TRUTH
The spirit escaping from the cumber-
some flesh, that like an old garment, it's
sometimes ones joy to leave, took its
flight TO the country where tangled wobs
are Strengthened, while school bells called
the children to their accustomed places,
where each and every teacher was found
at her post.-Ned Gwen in Manchester
Union.