St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1893-08-24

riveted their eyes upon the spot q
man STROBE into the freight. The
visitor was an evil.looking tramp.
His clothing was soiled and latter.
ed. His hair and beard were mat
ted and unkempt. He had blearv
eyes and swollen, purple checks.
There was no time for escape.
even had the boys chosen to rush in.
to the darkness and storm. They
shrank back against the rock as the
tramp seized Teddy's gun and BRAN
dished it menacingly.
Here's luck ~ he cried, in harsh
cracked voice. Good company, a
warm fire, an plenty to eat, all
ready an waiting, as sure as nv
names Rusty Walker. What do l
see there? Ham? An amt that
pie stickin' from under that blanket?
Well, this is lark !"
The boy shrank closer to the ledge.
shrivering with fear. At that moment
they bitterly regretted the rash i'm.
pulse that had led them to run away
from home and parents. Would
they ever see either again.
Mr.. Rusty Walker observed the
dread he had inspired, and straight
way scowled ferociously.
Don't you stuck-up young cubs
know a gentleman when you see
him :" he snarled. I'm one. if 7
don't look like it. You've hurt my
ieelin's an | intend to pay you up
for it. Turn your pocketsinside out,
quick !"
He emphasized the command by
taking a step forward, and lifting
the gun as though to strike.
Please don't hurt u.s." whined
Teddy, Were dom it as fast as we
can"
With trembling hands he and Nick
emptied every pocket, until little
pile of coins, handkerchief, Barlow
knives, fish hooks and other bovish
treasures lay at their feet.
The tramp grimly appropriated
the spoil.
What brought you chaps into the
swamp" he demanded, ewing the
boys curiously. II more'n half be-
lieve you run away from home.
Yes; | kin read it in your faces.
Why did you do it? Weren't you
treated right? Did you get beaten
every day an go to bed hungry
when night Gomez"
Not exactly that" Teddy ven.
tured to reply in a timid voice;
but we had to work hard, and
couldn't go fishing or to the circus
well, you're precious pair of
fools" said the tramp. You don't
know when you're we'll off,"
He paused moment and looked
straight into the fire as though he
saw something among the flames.
Then he resumed in a strange husky
voice:
II was boy once and lived on a
farm. | wish I'd staid there. But
got fool notions into my head, an
thought l was treated badly. SO
run of, an never see my parents
again. You see what l am now.
An that's just what you young
fools will come to some day if you
don't take warning. Better steer
another tack while there's time"
He stared into the fire once more,
and when he turned again to the
boys the momentary softness had
faded from his face and voice.
Now light out" he snarled.
MAKE tracks fur home an stay
there. You won't need your traps
any more. I'll take care of EN-.
OFF with you"
Teddy and Nick were only to glad
to obey. They fled empty handed in
to the darkness, and the last they
saw of Mr.. Rusty Walker he was
sitting on a fiat stone with a pie in
one hand and loaf Of bread in the
other.
The storm now ceased, and after
wandering for several hours through
the gloomy recesses OF the swamp the
boys stumbled upon open country.
They reached home at daybreak,
greatly to the relief of their anxious
parents, and as they showed genuine
repentance for their misconduct they
were freely forgiven.
Although the reformation of Nick
and Teddy was directly due to Mr..
Rusty Walker, that erratic individ-
ual was diligently searched for in the
interests Of justice. However, he
prudently made himself scarce, and
was never heard of again. William
Murray Graydon, in the Providence
Journal.