The Afro-American advance. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1899-19??, 1900-01-06
BEFRIENDED.


THE place known IA "Lnrry's Lunch"
Is narrow hoe In the wall be.
tween two frame houses. The build.
ings are 40 old and weak that they lean
toward each other In their decrepitudc.
The street In front Is muddy and cobhled.
Street lamps are far apart. They burn
low, as IL there was not the oNy gen in
this neglected air to feed cheerful
flame. The sunken and Fotting side
walk of wood Ia slippery 10 the foot.
A kerosene lamp propped In The front
window of "Larry's Lunch" showed as
a mere smudge OF light behind the dirty
panes.
John Hnzen lifted the loose Iron latch
and there came into his nosiriIs, like
the breathing from foul creature, the
smell Of poverty, frying grease and bad
tobacco.
But he had to eat. lie hal not eaten
for "a hours. A jew dealing In pawns
and iunks had given him ten cents for
his pocketkuife. the last of his CON
sertlble property.
At "Larry's Lunch" he could get
meat, bread. potatoes and coffee for ten
cents. lie ordered and then leaned for
ward on the rough table. with his chin
In his hands, while the meat slssled in
the pan aud a rancid smoke filled the
low room.
His uncle had been right.
"Yeu take your share Of the money
and go 20 Chicago and youll be broke
within six months" the uncle had said,
"You're a fool with money. Any mans
a fool with money. unless it's money
he's earned"
II know my business" he had said
20 his uncle.
After which they had parted. with
the understanding that II John llnzen
ever needed money he would uu, come
to his uncle for It,
Yes. his uncle had been right. A fool
with his money! Diamonds which he
had worn elumsily hravadu betting al
the raeetraeks loans To new~made
friends experiments at the bucket
shop. Six months OF Il and he had Just
sold his pocketknife that he might
eat a shred of carrlon In this hole and
be alive for another day.
oh. what a triumph for those who
had warned hlm-lh0se who had
told him he was fool with
money! What rejoicing there would he
at home when they heard of it~and
they would hear 81 It. because IN small
towns they hear Of rtthing. They
would be glad. be was sure all except
Aunt Fila.
"She was the only one who ever cared
for me-" be said. half aloud, grinding
his fists ON the table, "But / don't
care"
Then, because he didu't care. he let
his head fall down into the angle of
his right arm and there In the dark
ness which he had made for himself he
cried. He was only ss years old
The front door clicked and slammed.
Larry. who was both cook and waiter
Gin red flannel shirt chopped Off at the
elbowNi, brought the meat and coffee.
John Hasen pulled himself up from the
table. before him. talking To LARRY,
stood very small Young man. With
square shoulders, n pointed nase. Jet
black eyes aud mouth twiichlng Into
a smile whenever be spake. This tunug
man wore plaid cap. with a short
peak. His coat collar was turned up.
and within IL WAS blue and white
handkerchief knotted closely around
his neck.
"If be comes around here. you tell
him want To ser him. this young man
was saying To Larry,
AL right. Eddie"
Al tia, moment the young man
named Eddie looked down and saw
John Haxen'S face. Streaked with tears.
Possibly he WAS surprised 10 know thai
q man may weep Let IL be assumed
that he was prompted by impudeni
curiosity lie spoke TO ihc Young mar
Whats the mAtser7" he asked.
"Dan'f the steak suit you -
.You'li have 10 excuse me," sad
Haxen, trying 20 laugh. "i'm hoeing
pretty hard row just at present.
s'poae | Was kind o. weak from not eat
ing or ] wouldn't have and he
stopped.