The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1897-07-24

Yes, bat he meant to get in again
when he said Remember. / saw you get
of Now I'll wedge this door shut,
and wen have peace till morning, You
bet!''
Morning found them slde-traclzed in
the Quaker City. Jim took his party
TO the outskirts of the town. where
stood a deserted house in which num-
her of men were evidently having
1olliication, Drawing near, they saw
q gentleman1y six-footer advancing to-
ward them. He had on one red shoe
and one black one, both 1efts. The
sleeves of his coat did not come much
below his elbows, and the tails only
reached his waist-band.
The Flying Sword, exclaimed Jim,
as the man unbuttoned his coat, put
one hand into the upper part of the
LETT sleeve and drew out a tin trowel,
over three Weet long, remarking:
y still carry the tomahawk."
Where did he have that trowel?"
Van managed to whisper to Jim.
"oh, the handle was up his sleeve,
and the tip in his pocket. 1t is not
froWel, you know, only guy. Come
in and meet the boys. This we'll.
dressed chap is Diamond Kit, that
short ono is Billy the Bat; yonder come
Duty end Missouri Kid Oh, we're all
here for reunion-but it's the first
we've had north of Lexington. That's
our pet place.
After a general handshaking the
party broke up into groups, wilkins
and Kit reclining on the floor smoking
cigarettes.
AS he could not then talk with Will
kins Van proceeded to satisfy his Curl
osity by questioning the one known as
Missouri Kid"
THE Flying Sword? Oh, he got the
name by carrying that tin trowel. He
will go and ask for work. telling the
boss that he lays brick, not by the hun
dHed day but by the acre. If you
doubt me look at my trowel' The
righteousness OF his ways usually gets
aim job too. He is a very fair brick
layer, but of course not so good as
Diamond Kit, who is considered the
best in the United States"
How about our hobo stew?" now
chimed in Wilkins voice.
How much can we raiser" was
Kits practical supplementary remark.
The sum of two dollars was collect
ed, with which Kit and wilkins de-
parted to do the marketing.
Soon after they returned with vari-
OT7S U1IDHlne Ave cro1Ioy
can and an empty tobacco can for
each person present
van was interested, and pressed for
ward to see what was going on.
While Kit made the stew he sent
some of the boys out for empty cans.
He ordered the solder removed from
them, and that they be fattoned out
and washed.
Each man had a tomato can, and a
small portion of ground coffee with
which he made his own drink, army
style, and this was drunk with con-
densed milk Slices of steak were fried
on the pieces of tin which they had fat
tened, and soon the first course was
eaten, amid much testing and laugh
ter, for all hoboes are apt to be jovial
when certain of one full meal in a day.
After the coffee was drunk the cans
were filled up with the rich, savory
stew.
AS dusk came on the men reclined
about the floor, telling their expert
ences. Van determined 20 try to in
fuence wilkins into telling the truth,
as he was interested in the man, who
seemed above his fellows, Sd sat by his
side and watched him stealthily while
Jim told of his life, how he had start
ed out romsnecessity, and so fallen in
love with the wild freedom that he
could rot bear to give it up.
Scarcely had he ceased when all were
surprised to hear Wilkins the Silent"
saying:
II was born and raised in New York
city. While yet young man learned
locomotive engineering, and for years
had a freight. That paid me about
one hundred and forty dollars month.
and saved my money. When | was
tWenty-eight / married. My wife hal
been one of large family and | meant
her never to be lonesome nor unhappy.
bought nice house and furnished it
costly. deciding it to her. That used !
up all had saved but l had a good |
run. was considered one of the best
men on the road, and everything went |
smoothly for year. 1 was home every
second night and my wife was content !
ed.
Zone day I had sudden order to |
trade engines when l met a certain |
train, as that engineers wife was sick |
and he wished tc return home. I never