The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1898-12-16
Credit Mark for Pet Strahan.


From the Portland Times.
"I have been reading with the great
est interest, The Times report of the
Moore trial in New York., said q gen
tleman of this city toa representative
Of this paper, "and no matter what the
final outcome may be-" he continued,
"I will always remember an incident
that showed me the character Of the
woman in the case. Let me relate 1t to |
you. Several years ago I was walking
mp Third street with Pet Strahan. She
was superbly dressed and was the pic
ture of health, beauty and contentment.
we'll remember that she attracted the
attention of every passeEby. As We
passed the corner OF Ysmhill street l
noticed standing theTel leaning against
the wall of the building a most abiect
fellow. He was youth, hns ',is wan
cheek gave him an aYpellance :Aai
would add ten years to his age. Ragged,
listless, objectless, he stood. Ny atten-
tion was attracted to him by the steady
gaze of my companion as we passed;
We had only gotten to the opposite cor
ner when Pet said to me. Excuse me
for a moment ard back she walked
straight up to the forlorn looking indi
vidual, spoke to him, then, shook hands
with HIM, putting her dainty, gloved
hand into the wasted one of the waif and
stood seseral minutes talking to him.
"The effect was electrical. The young
fellow braced himselfup, stood erect and
smile bespeaking that there was still
kindness in the world spread over his
features.
Then she dived into her purse, placed
a coin in his hand and returned to me.
My curiosity was aroused, and in spite
of an effort to control It, said:
"'Pet, who is your disreputable look
ing friend:'
Oh she replied, Il have known him
always. From earliest childhood, be
was an orphan. We attended the came
school, and at that time my heart went
out many days to him. He was moi
quick in his studies, was sick and weak
ly, unfit for the struggle o! life from tn,
beginning Today, as We passed,
thought recognized him, and God pu
the thought into my head to go back Il
him. He knew me; said he had seeI
me several times before in my visit |.
Portland. could see the hue of con
sumption in his face, that despaifing ye
hopeful look that none can describe
Then 1 did something that hope yol
will not be harsh with me for tavin
done. said to myself, this boy tha
the world diFowns, that Was born {
poverty, that has fsls the pabgs of hun
ger, upon whom death has set bis GRASP
shall know one happy dav, if it is in m
power, and in bis hand placed
twenty-doIar piece
There was sadness in her tone anC
her eye bespoke that the tear was nigh
when she continued:
Sometime, oh 30 often, think tbs
there may come a tine when .I-no
favored and petted of all-may he {
abject and forlorn, may be as hopeless
wreck as the poor boy have just Ief
But outwardly none will ever knoV
but if that time ever does cone, ms
God send friend even for q paasin
moment. Someone who recalls oil
days and old mem oTies.'
81 could hardly believe what ha
seen and heard" continued the gentle
man. Here was young woman clat
in the height of fashion, moving in lh
most exclusive circles. reared in the la
OF luxury, never having a wish unlu
filed, stopping upon the street and tall
ing to beggar.
Many were tie glances cast at th
strange pair IN the brief moments the
were together, but Pet Strahsn wa
needless of it all.
'No matter TO me il her honor is az
sailed, if che may be convicted OF bein
an adventures and a blackmaiIer,
Fnow that on the great ledger there /
q large credit account due to her.