The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-03-31
A GREAT RAT KILLER
AFTER A HEARTY MEAL HE WAS
READY TO BEGIN WORK.

The Lunehroom Proprietor Was Not
Pleased, and For a Time the NeighbOrs
Thought a Merry Go Round Was In
Operation on the Premises.
There was a Clean and hungry look
about him as he opened the door of the
lunohroom and advanced toward the desk.
81 want to see the proprietor, 3" he said,
with the air of one born to command.
The man behind the desk took in at
glance the heavy fringe on the strangers
pantaloOns, the have seen better days as
pect Of his torn coat and the mutilated and
discolored appearance of his hat
well, what'H you have?i he said short
", his eyes moving suggestively toward
assAe door and back again to the stranger.
''Sir," said the latter, strengthening
hi useh and proudly throwing back his
head, 'fyou zee before you a gentleman to
! tie manner born, who has just returned
from the Klon'-
"That's enoughp" interrupted the pro-
rrietazR and there was a GOODNESS in his
voice fhat reminded the stranger OF an
Alaska blizzard be had read about.
There's the door, - went on the man
behind the desk, pointing toward that
Surely am at liberty to ask a civil
question, " remarked the stranger, in an
injured tone. - merely wanted to know
Twenty five cents, and in advanced"
Mapped the proprietor.
The stranger sighed and stepped back a
pace. Unfortunately for me at the pres
ent moment, I gave my last half dollar to
a poor man last night who was in search
, of a lodging; but, gentleman to the man
ner born though I am, 1 can work Isn't
there something can do to earn meal?'
Il think I showed you the door once
said the proprietor, bouncing up from his
seat.
lone moment" said the stranger, edg-
ing regretfully toward the door. Il notice
that your place is in one of the older build
fngs in the city, and it occurs to me that
perhaps the rats are a source of annoyance
to you"
''Well what # they are9'' asked the pro
prietor, pausing abruptly.
A new light shOne in the strangers
eyes, and the gentleman to the manner
born instinct showed itself in the graceful
bow he made.
" Because I am great rat exterminator
Give me a square meal, and I ready to
kill the vermin-wipe them out.''
The proprietor seemed impressed. He
hesitated only moment and then babe
the stranger to be seated. An hour after
ward the stranger sat back in his chair
with sigh of contentment as he finished
his dessert.
Here is 10 cents - he said to the wait
er, but am q gentleman to the manner
born and spurn the thought of giving you
50 small a sum" And he returned the
dime TO his pocket.
Now for the rat killing he muttered,
rising from his seat.
81 am going to ask You for a biscuit
roller, he said suavely to the proprietor.
When that implement was brought, he J
rolled up his sleeves in q businesslike
manner, and, looking at those who were
crowded around him, Are you ready to
go ahead9" he asked.
Certainly, said the proprietor little |
puzzled.
well, I'm ready too. Just waltz out |
your rats and I'll kill them according to |
the letter of my contract"
The neiEhbOrs didn't know just what /
was happening, but it seemed like merry /
go round was in operation within the /
restaurant Half an hour later the pro- /
'prietor was csressing his eye with piece !
of raw beefsteak and tall soIdierly man /
was walking down the street. Part of his /
coattail was gone and he looked as if he |
might have been used temporarily as a /
patent floor scrubber, but his face was IL /
Illuminated with a seraphic smile, such as
arises only from a clear conscience and a
full stomach Washington Star.