Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1893-09-01
BOUNDFORGREEN FIELDS

SSAhESSh WI hCA lf1u DCCOnlO lulcGtc1 ny
socialistic principles. to the extent Of only
employing their hands from a. m. to 10
p. M. and giving them, as q rule, the al
ternate Sundays. So that, az things went,
be might be considered we'll of.
Better of, at all events than the pale
young man who, as Archy completed his
arrangements before starting, watched
him, with a rather melancholy air, from
the curbstone. For this pale young man,
whose name was Warner, by special per
mission Of the company, to whom a benevo-
lent clergyman had appealed on Warmers
behalf, came every morning at 7o'clock to
see II there was conductor OF work, and
II there was to take his place on the omnl
bus. For the last month he had presented
himself regularly, and the men had come
TO know and have kindly feeling toward
him; but in that month he had only been
on duty seven days. This fact inevitably
raised the question as to what Warner did
with himself when no vacancies occurred.
He did not look as IL be did anything very
remunerative. Nothing more remunera-
tive, probably Archy guessed correctly, as
be glanced across, than tramping the
streets in search of permanent employ
ment.
Archy's omnibus started last, and he had
two or three minutes to spare; SO, being q
sociable young fellow, he crossed over to
speak to Warner. who, for his part, re-
sponded with an anxious good will In
which, il Agchy had known, there was a
certain undercurrent of penitence. The fact
was Warner had just been thinking as he
saw the omnibuses roll away and realized
with a sigh that all the men were on duty,
What If one Of them were to die and he
were taken on as a permanent handf" The
iniquity Of this thought to his kindly and
gentle nature seemed terrible, and the con-
seriousness of guilt made his tone to Archy
one of deprecating cordially.
He did not in any way appeal for pity,
and yet the few facts Archy drew from him
we're an appeal to any one conversant with
the city. He lived mile away, "a Dix
itreet, an address that fingered curiously
IN Archy's memory. He had been a car
penter and comfortably OFF, but now he
was hopelessly out of work, and with his
wife and their young child had been living
how he could.
1--WE feel it most, you see," he said in his
patient way, "for the child" Then he
checked himself, as if he had said too much,
and added quite hopefully, 'tBut it's a
long lane that has no turning, isn't it!"
Yes" said Archy, reserving to himself
a reflection that life contained some very
long lanes, indeed, as not of cheering
character
No more passed between them just then,
for the conductors time was up. But the
next morning, as his eyes encountered the
depressed looking figure again. a sudden
impulse seized him.
Can you take my place today" he said,
accosting Warner. Pm awfully anxious
to have the day. but I can't risk getting
sacked"
Warmers face beamed.
II told Janet this morning." he said, as
he followed Archy. "Pd feeling should
be in luck today"
cts just here" said Archy staring
straight before him. Ppm thinking Of
going down into the country for day-or
two-or may be more-I can't exactly tell,
not being on the spot, how long may re-
Quire to stay. And it would be load off
my mind to know my place wouldn't be
snapped up"
"Ill keep it for you" said Warner ener-
getically> land give it up to you VIII an you
come back; for it's a queer thing, as |
know, TO be thrown out of work. And I'm
sure hope you'll have n pleasant journey.
Beautiful down in the country this time Of
year, amt itf"
"Ahl" said Archy Eyes, the country s
fine place, especially, as you say, about
this time Of the year, when you can lie
down in field and smoke a pipe without
catching cold, otherwise than from the
general treachery of the climate Natural
objects, as meadows, spring flowers, cows,
windmills, ripping streams, blue sky
when it don't happen to be rainy, fresh air,
plenty of wholesome victuals, that's my
style"
Archy had spoken jerkily and rapidly,
but with entire composure; and yet there
was something In his tone, suggestion of
a possible want of sincerity, that made
Warmers brain whirl.
IL expect that would be all our styles
he said timidly, elf we could afford it.
You've friends IN the country, suppose F"
"Ahr" replied Archy benignantly, look
ing at Warner for the first time. Lots of
'em. Fellows who would share their last
crust with me- But it amt come to that;
they live on the fat of the land, l call it."
YOU'RE lucky fellow" said Warner
admiringly
"Well," said Archy, with still deeper
gravity. sometimes think am in luck 8
way, now you mention it. Especially this
morning, And now l think as there's a
particular train have it in my mind to
| catch, and as your times just up, I'll bid
you good day"
He grasped Warmers hand and turned
away. After all, he had said and done
nothing remarkable; and yet, such was
she serene benignity Of his tone and man
aer, that for moment Warner stood stock
still on the. pavement, staring after him.
Archy went back to his lodgings, but he
could not rest there, aud soon he went out
again. He found himself wondering what
Warmers wife and child were like, and 1t
struck him that, as he had nothing else to
do. he would go around by Dix street.
1t was a small street of tiny, jerry built
houses, with their numbers inscribed very
| egibly on the doors, so that Archy had no
difficulty in recognizing "a. There was a
| brown blind over the low half of the win
dow; but Archy's tall head rose above it,
and as he passed he glanced furtive!y in, as
| II it were crime. 1t was a small, bare
room with no furniture but deal table, a
box or two and an old rocking chair drawn
| up to the hearth, whose fire had gone out.
| On that rocking chair a girl was sitting,
with baby in her arms, rocking slowly to
| aud fro, and singing YEARLY, over and over
again:
| There Is not In the wide world valley %
sweet.
A mere girl she looked. but very wasted
and her cheeks had not tinge of color.
| and yet ii WAS one of the sweetest faces,
Archy thought, that he had ever seen. II
this was Warmers wife. perhaps he was a
lucky fellow after all.