The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1901-07-20

4 IL, Uut L LII udIu
He had come to the side of the
wagon as he spoke and stood with one
hand on the dashboard.
us this a holdup?"I said the strang-
er, and shifting his whip to his left
| hand slipped the right behind him.
STEADY, Bill" cried the tramp, as
he reached forward and caught the
strangers arm. None of that. Your
pocketbook isn't there. it Is in your
breast pocket. I'll trouble you for it"
Curse YOU" screamed the stranger,
LET go of mer'
And he struck the tramp with all his
force across the head with the whip.
The vagabond shrieked with pain and
the next instant had grappled the
stranger and with a remarkable show
of strength drew him from the wagon
and hurled him heavily to the ground.
The startled horse ran a little ways
and then, turning sharply, started into
a fence corner and stood there tremb-
ling.
The tramp knelt by the PROSTATE
and unconscious man and drew from
his pockets. first the loaded revolver
and then the long pocketbOok. He
hastily opened the latter and assured
himself that what he wanted was
there. Then ne thrust the book into
his own ragged breast pocket and
drew himself up. The stranger was
rousing from his swoon.
Presently he sat up and looked
around with confused air. The tramp
a few feet away was quietly regard
ing him, revolver in hand. The
stranger put his hand to his breast
pocket.
Curse you," he growled. "this is
highway robbery"
"You ought to know" said the
tramp quietly. It's one Of your lead
ing accomplishments. Get up"
The stranger arose.
Pick up your hat" said the tramp.
Now go and get your horse into the
road"
He followed close behind as the
stranger backed the light wagon into
the highway.
"I'n kill you for this" the despoiled
one snarled.
Don't trouble yourself" said the
tramp. Just climb into the wagon
and start your horse. I'll see you off.
Step lively. please" And he fiourished
the revolver.
! The stranger obeyed. He gave the
tramp a look that was meant to be
malevolent, and the tramp returned
with a smile. Then he touched the
horse with the whip and drove away.
The vagabond watched until a
curve in the road hid him from sight,
and then he darted into the woods
again and swiftly retraced his steps.
Presently he recrossed the ravine and
then he paused. He slipped the re-
volver into an inner pocket and then
took slip of paper from the strang
er's book. A moment or two later he
knocked at the farmers door.
1t was opened by the farmers wife.
Her eyes were still red with weep
ing.
Thee hear again?" she said.
come back to pay you for that dinner"
He pressed a little forward, and she
gave way before him and he passed
into the house.
At the window sat the farmer, with
his head bowed over a huge volume
that lay open across his knees. He
looked up, wondering. as the tramp
entered. The vagabond raised his
hand to his hat, and then remembered,
and let the hand fall again.
I'm glad to see a little fire in your
fireplace" he said, because want to
add to it." He moved little nearer
the window. See, dear lady," he
softly said. "here is your pay. Look,
but don't touch it."
Impelled by his earnest manner, the
woman came closer and glanced at the
slip of paper he opened before her
eyes.
Father she gasped.
The old man started and arose with
the book In his arms.
what is it?" he cried. The vaga-
bond pushed the note nearer him. "My
notew he cried. Wh-where did you
get it?'
II spoiled an Egyptian" laughed the
tramp. "It tells about the process
there" and he pointed to the big book.
Now watch me-" He stepped quick
ly to the fireplace and held up the note
In the fame until 1t was entirely con-
sumed.
Thank Godw murmured the old
man, with sigh Of relief.
thee has been hurt" cried the
woman; "there is blood on thy fore
headr'
1T is nothing" said the vagabond.
There, you see the debt is paid. /
won't ask for receipt. You'll be
troubled no more. Good-by."
Stay" cried the aged couple In one
breath.
NO." said the tramp. II cannot
stay. The Gopher may be looking for
me. and l wouldn't have him see me
here"
"And why hast thou done this great
service for usy' the old lady asked.
"You were kind to me-" said the
tramp very softly; "and you made me
think Of my mother. Good-by." And