St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1895-08-02
KIPLING'S TRAMP TRIP.


himself.
He found himself in Lower Caliior'
MIA penniless. How that happened
he did not tell me, but he dwelt with
emphasis on the fact OF his entire
poverty. In what manner to gain
relief he did not know. Whether or
not he was ashamed to beg, the Sc,
quel will show, but he certainly did
not dig.
While he ruminated on his misfor-
tunes and schemed tor remedy, he
came upon fellow sufferer. This
second victim was of venerable years,
uncouth and wretched in appear,
ance, and altogether without money.
Misery loves company, and Kipling
associated himself with the stranger,
They planned together and finally
determined to tramp to San Francis
co, where Kiplng had resources.
They started on foot to travel the
two hundred miles, slept in barns or
in the open fields beneath friendly
hedge.
They murmured indistinct Spanish
at Greasers doors, seeking crust of
bread. They pilfered from friendly
fruit trees, they did without all the
luxuries of life and some of the sup
posed necessities. Their one luxury
was scenery.
Kipling descanted on the generally
obnoxious nature of their undertake
ing and upbraided the evil necessity
that had converted him into a
tramp. He dwelt at length on the
painful contrast afforded by his pres
ent position to the luxuries with
which he had beeu surrounded in
other and happier tours. He de-
scribed the stealthy sway of the
howdah as the elephant bore him
through the jungle and he told of the
lurching ricochet of the camel's
hump.
But his companion said never a
word Of complaint. He accepted
stoIidly all the vlcissitudes OF their
course. He bowed humbly when
cursed in Spanish patois by a lordly
Greaser. He suffered without rebuk,
the gibes of naughty urchins. He
contemplated without remark tn,
open advance OF his toes from out
his boots.
So meek, so silent, so phlegmatiC
was his manner that Kipling came
to look upon him with something o
contempt, as one who, unknowinl
any better fortune, humbly accepted
the worst with indifference. How
ever, he was someone to talk to, anC
for that reason Kipling loved hin
just then.
The twain had no especially thrill
ing adventures. On one occasion the
ancient tramp fell into a hole hllec
with mud and water. Kiphnl
watched him for few minutes anc
then pulled him out, and the victim
said, Thank YOU" which was {
long speech for him.
His fragments of trousers wer,
hopelessly iouled, and to Kiplug'
astonishment he took them off
kipling's emotion became amaze
ment, mixed with admiration, whel
he saw his companion clad in ;
sound pair which he had worn con
cealed. This afforded Kiping grounC
tor reflection. Had the other inner
tied that second pair of trousers
No. Certain qualities in thei
appearance forbade ascrlbing t,
them great antiquity. Had he stolel
them? Dismal thought What ii he
Klplng, should be robbed!
Once Kipllng complained that h
was having great deal of troubl
with his feet. His sententious com
paniou replied; You would have
great deal more trouble withou
them"
Finally the tramps reached Sa
Francisco. Kipling hailed it as hi
Mecca. His companion made n
comments. Kipling wished to see
his friends at once, but he was en-
barrassed by his companion. H
hardly wished to present him to otl
ers, and he could not suddenly desel
him. SO Klplng inquired OF him h
destination. THE wharf," was tt
answer As that was but little ou
b. OF K,ping's way, he ascompanie
his fellow traveller to satisfy his col
science.
Arriving at the wharf they found
very neat boat waiting and half
dozen sailors lounging about, VIII
sprang up and saluted respectful
at sight OF the ancient tramp. Xii
ling was astounded, nor was h
emotion lessened when his tacitur
and tattered wanderer stepped int
the boat, seated himself, nodded t
Kipling, and said "Shove off.
The men bent to their oars, Il
boat sped swiftly away from Il
gaping Kiplng, who stood ar
stared att until it reached a remar
ably handsome yacht that Law
anchor in the harbor and there I
mained.
Kipling shook himself, like Sam
son OF old, and sought his friend
from whom he learned that he h;
made his impecunious journey alon
side OF man whose private yacht
one OF the most luxurious ever Sc