The Oskaloosa herald., 1900-02-01

thinking is the worst thing you
can do Yoa just want to lie there
and do nothing but get we'll"
"All right. I'll quit everything ex-
cept eating and sleeping. Put up lit
tie placard on the head of the bed say
ing: Biggest curiosity in Milton! A
live minister who has stopped think
ing and talking! Admission 10 cents!
Proceeds to be devoted to teach sa-
loon keepers how to shoot straight
Philip was still somewhat under the
influence of the doctors anasthetic,
and as he family murmured this alb
surd sentence he fell into q slumber
which lasted several hours, from
which he awoke very feeble and realiz-
ing that he would be confined to the
house some time, but feeling in good
spirits and thankful out of the depths
of his vigorous nature that he was still
spared to do Gods will on earth.
The next day he felt strong enough
to receive a few visitors. Among them
was the chief Of police, who came to
inquire concerning the identity of the
ip showed some reluctance to witness
against his enemy. 1t was only when
he remembered that he owed a duty
to society as well as to himself that he
described the man and related minute
ly the entire affair exactly as it &C.
Cured.
'Ts the man in town" asked Philip.
"Has he not fledp
81 think l know where he u.s." re-
piled the officer. Hes in hiding, but
l can find him. In fact, we have been
hunting for him since the shooting.
He is wanted on several other
charges"
Philip was bordering something in
silence. At last he said:
when you have arrested him, I
wish you would bring him here If it
can be done without violating any or
dinance or statute"
The officer stared at the request, and
the minister's wife exclaimed: Phillip,
you will not have that man come into
the house! Besides, you are not well
enough to endure a meeting with the
wretchv'
Sarah, have a good reason for it.
Really, l am well enough. You will
bring him, won't you? / do not wish
to make any mistake in the matter.
Before the man is really confined un-
der a criminal charge Of attempt to
murder l would like to confront him
here. There can be no objection to
that, can there"
The officer finally promised that, If
he could do so without at, !cting too
much attention, he would comply with
the request. 1t was a thing he had
never done before. He was not quite
easy in his mind about it. Neverthe-
less Philip exercised winning infiu-
ence over all sorts and conditions Of
men, and he felt quite sure that If the
officer could arrest his man quietly he
would bring him to the parsonage.
This was Thursday night. The next
evening, just after dark, the bell rang,
and one of the church members who
had been staying with Mr.. Strong dur
ing the day went to the door. There
chief of police. He inquired how the
minister was and said that he had
man with him whom the minister was
anxious to see.
Philip heard them talking and guess
ed who they were. He sent his wife
out to have the men come in. The Of
ficer with his man came into the bed
room where Philip lay still weak and
suffering, but at his request propped
up little with pillows.
"Well, Mr.. Strong, l have got the
man, and here he is" said the officer,
wondering what Philip could want of
him. 81 ran him down in the crows
nest below the mills, and we popped
him into a hack and drove right up
here with him. And a pretty sweet
specimen he is. can tell you! Take
off your hat and let the gentleman
have another look at the brave chap
who fired at him in ambush"
The officer spoke almost brutally,
forgetting for moment that the pris-
oner's hands were manacled. Remem-
bering it the next instant, he pulled off
the mans hat, while Philip looked
calmly at the features. Yes, it was the
same hideous, brutal face, with the
harelip, which had shone up in the
rays of the street lamp that night.
There was no mistaking it for any
other.
"Why did you want to kill me?" ask
ed Philip after significant pause. Il
never did you any harm"
II would like to kill all the cursed
replied the man hoarsely.
you confess, then, that you are the
man who fired at me, do your"
II don't confess anything. What are
you talking to me for? Take me to
the lookup if you're going tor the man
exclaimed fiercely, turning to the off,
Ger.
Philip" cried his wife, turning to
him with a gesture Of appeal, 'send
them away! 1t will do no good to talk
to this man.
Philip raised his hand in a gesture
toward the man that made every one
in the room feel little awed. The
officer, in speaking of it afterward,
said: II tell you, boys, l never felt
quite the same except once, when the
old Catholic priest stepped up on the
platform with old man Cover time he
was hanged at Millyille. Somehow
then felt as If, when the priest rails
ed his hand and began to pray. maybe
we might all be glad to have some one
pray for us If we get into tight
place."
Philip spoke directly to the man,
minister.
you know well enough that you are
the man who shot me Tuesday night.
/ know you are the man, for l saw
your face very plainly by the light of
the street lamp. Now, all that / want