Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-11-13
TRAMPOLOGY.

lar RfettieF army IMAM comes unuer
the head of professional vagabonds,
undoubtedly containing every variety
OF character. to be accounted for in
that as the country grows moro popu-
lous and prosperous. circumstances be-
come arbitrary with the individual.
and natural ability is but secondary.
Once man is in the muddy tide.
It's defiling influence begins. and what
ever be his natural qualities TO stay
Is to become tainted. A tumble into
the current however thoroughly
rousing to action as it does-unlike
the unfortunate case OF him who was
born there when scarcely the thou
sandth man can escape contamination
often is the turning point to sue
cess.
In search OF such instances of
worthy impecuniosity there are at
least two philanthropists playing in n
manner the Vicar of Wakefeld's
Burchell " as is TO be seen by the fol-
lowing odd occurrence:
A tramp unshaven. and ragged as
usual. was standing near the gate OF
one of the fine residences that line the
Hudson river. apparently in study of
where TO strike next tor some victuals
or drink.
A second tramp. carrying guitar.
camej along. keenly scrutinized the
house. entered the gate without MOTTO
ing No. l, went around TO the kitchen.
and TO the maid answering his knock.
asked to buy dimes worth of cold
Victuals. After doubtful glance or
two she invited him in, probably in
fuenced by the sight of the guitar
play some good music and | will
not charge you anything for lunch.
she said
With pleasure. He played sew
eral beautiful selections.
Il see," she said, with an air of
apology, as she continued her work
after placing victuals before him, that
you have at least the ability to dis
pense musical enjoyment and / would
be pleased 10 show moro civility, but
we are as busy as bees preparing for
the arrival OF relative, whom our
employer has never seen. You are
welcome to your breakfast and my
thanks beside. Mr.. Richey instructs
us to treat well any applicant who
shows merit but 10 give the cold
shoulder to others; and you may not
think it but we have to turn away the
greater part of those who apply at
this door. For your own good, now /
will inform you that Mr.. Richey's
uncle, VINO is to arrive to-day, is known
TO be wise philanthropist, and if you
can interest him, it may help you back
to the condition you have evidently
fallen from"
By the time this much was said, in
detached sentences, substantial
breakfast had disappeared, and the
tramp was handed a goodly lunch to
carry away. He thanked the maid
politely for the food and information,
and left.
The first tramp was still lettering
at the gate and inquired: What
luck?" "A big breakfast and big
hand-out TO boot. Il tried it and
got nothing" Come along then, and
I'll whack up"
The tramp with the guitar. intro
ducing himself as Bill, did not physi-
economically, appear like an evil doer
but made profuse use of blackleg ex-
pressions. saying nothing. however
OF what he was advised concerning
the expected philanthropist
The other. who introduced himself
as Red, appeared rather like man of
good principles in adverse circum-
stances. and, although probably five
years the younger. replied with some
severity TO the loose remarks Of Bill.
They decided to walk TO town ten
miles away. In the course OF this
walk, becoming confidential. Bill. tho
guitarist who talked crooked" con-
descendingly disclosed that most OF
his crookedness had been assumed for
the purpose OF getting acquainted. and
that in point OF fact their ideas OF
morals and honor were much in com
mon.
Red the man OF good principles in
adverse circumstances, expressed him
self gratifed TO hear it, as honest
tramps were scarce, and in return for
the confidence, said that he, too. had
"a disclosure to make.
The fact is he said. pausing at
each division of the sentences to make
them quite plain, Il am not as honest
as / represent myself-but stopping
all this fol-de-rol-as / see that you
know me and know you'll will state
that in the house where we met
are twenty thousand dollars IN cash
| know where it is-between the two
of US we can make the haul tonight"
I'm with you" I'VE will stop at
that depot yonder and take the next
tram back" The manner Of the men
which had been occasionally good HUI
mored changed now To gravity. and
when the silence between them was
broken, it was by something that need
ed 10 be said. They kept out of the
way as much as possible.
a. two o'clock in the morning Rcd