The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-06-20
IKE'S GENEROSITY.
BY Thomas P. Montfort.

Ike Dawson furnished living ex-
ample Of the truth Of The idea that
there is something good In everybody.
He Illustrated the fact that there was
something good in himself, and after
that those who knew him were quite
ready to believe that there was not
human being who was altogether bad.
Dawson was not a cowboy, yet there
was not man who was better known
on the range from one side of Kansas
to the other. He owned no ranch, he
neither bought nor reared any cattle,
yet he was one Of the most thrifty cat
tie dealers on the plains.
In plain words he was a cattle thief.
He and four or five others formed a
little band who thrived by stealing
cattle from different herds and selling
them to buyers who were not over
scrupulous. Having got them at little
expense he could afford to sell them
cheap and consequently he had little
trouble In finding purchasers.
Naturally, the cattlemen had no love
for Dawson. They did not admire
bis style Of business. He was nervy.
progressive and energetic, and that
was all right; but his loose way OF ac-
cumulating property at the expense Of
other people was quite different
thing. That was not all right. }
The cowboys had it in for Dawson,
and If they could ever got hold of him
they would have forced him into In
voluntary retirement in short order.
He would have made a more or less
graceful exit from business at the end
OF rope. following the example Of
more than one enterprising gentleman
who had retired promptly and per-
manently from Legitimate cattle deal
Ing on short notice.
Dawson was well aware of the fesl-
ings the cowboys entertained for him,
and he made 1t point to keep as much
as possible out Of their way. How
ever, there were times when his busi-
ness interests brought him into pretty
close contact with them. and frequent
ly he had pretty narrow squeak for
his life. !
On more than one occasion he was
chased across the prairie by a gang Of
irate cowboys. his horse keeping time
to the rapid firing Of pistols while bull
let's whizzed about his head like an
army of angry hornets. But he always
rode the fleetest steed that could be
had and he was not long in leaving
his pursuers safe distance in the rear.
1t was during one. of these flights
from gang of vengeful cowboys that
Dawson did generous thing, bringing
sunlight and gladness into three dark
and miserable lives. 1t was an act
which showed that, in spite Of all his
faults, there was still burning in his
bosom a spark of true humanity. :
He had just eluded his pursuers and
seen them give up the chase and turn
back when he came upon an old,
rickety covered wagon standing at the
edge of belt of timber near little
water course. He was about to pass
on without giving the wagon more
than cursory glance when suddenly
there came to his ears a long, low,
pitiful moan that told too plainly a
story Of deep mental anguish. Invol-
unfairly he stopped and listened and
after the lapse of a moment the moan
was repeated, only this time it was
more pitiful, more pathetic than ever.
As hard as Dawson was that moan
toueesf'f his heart and stirred 1t
strangely. Without hesitation he dis
mounted and walked to the wagon and
raising the cover cautiously looked In.
One glance was enough. 1t revealed
to him sad and touching picture.
Stretched on bed of straw at one
end Of the wagon was the lifeless form
of poor emaciated woman while hud-
died together near her, gazing agoniz-
ingly on her cold features, were man
and two little children. The living
were almost as pale and hollow-eyed
as the dead.
Dawson drew away from the wagon
to little distance and for two or
three minutes stood deeply engrossed
in thought. A remarkable change had
come over his features and instead of
the hard, cold, wicked expression that
was natural to him, there was a soft
ness and a gentleness in his eyes and
face that was entirely new.
Poor woman" he muttered at last
with sigh. Poor little kids!" he
added after pause.
He went back to the wagon and
reaching in touched the man on the
shoulder.
Come out here moment" he said
softly. Il want to speak with you.'
The man got up slowly and stiff1y and
climbed down from the wagon. Daw-
son noticed that he was very frail and
that he reeed and staggered as he
walked.
What do you want with me" he
asked OF Dawson. i
That is your wife in therc?" the
latter replied questioningly.
The man nodded.
when did she die?"
about an hour ago."
"Malara?'
Eyes; she's been sick long time,
md I'd started east with her, l got
lere yesterday and stopped. She had
aiken worse and could go no further.
got doctor last night, but he could
aot help her, and this morning she
lied"
What are you going to do now?"
Il don't know"
you'll have to bury her," :,
Eyes, know"
Have you any money!"
mot cent" |
"Humph!"
1.-THE doctor said I would have to
Ipply to the county and have her bur-
ed as pauper. ] don't like to do
hat, though, would you?"
mo. l wouldn't"