New-York tribune., 1903-07-27


entity as if they had been discussing personal
experiences. that interested me a good deal I
was down in BOxtown. and happened to notice
very small boy, perhaps four five years old.
VINO was crying on the edge of the sidewalk.
Wh1le was looking at him another boy, a size
smaller, came up behind and gave him push
which sent him fiat into the road. There hap
pened to be truck passing, as usual and if the
little beggar hadn't been snatched out of that in
hurry he would have been run over. 1 tried
TO find out what the trouble was. but the first
child was crying too hard to talk. and the
ond was stubborn. and wouldn't say a word. So
asked an older boy, who watching it. if
he could explain. He said: Sure! Don't yer
see one of dem kids is sheeny and de others
a dago" I still a little in doubt. and he en-
l1ghtened me further. De sheeny's off his beat;
he don't belong dis street; he'd better be
moseying out of dis if he wants ter keep his
nut on The sheeny evidently quite agreed, for
he suddenly ceased his tears. and attached him
self so firmly to my leg that had TO escort him
home to get rid of him.
Was it a war?'
Something of the sort. gathered"
What takes you into Boxtown? Do you think
it's part of the highways and the hedges'?'
Not exactly. I had a little business there"
Connected with your dear strikers sup
wanted to tell you'll haven't had a chance be-
fore-that you did mighty fine thing in set
tling that strike"
Thank you"
You're thinking I'm some days after the fair
aren't you, considering the strike has been over
so long? 1 admit it. But ii hasn't been our
fault that we haven't seen more of you. Charges
Why don't you come to dinner when you're
asked?"
81 was sorry to be unable
Bradford laughed again. well. you. may
have been. don't want to boast about my
wife. but haven't forgot the obligation you
put me under when you married u.s.
Charges smoked gravely.
''Is there anything went on Bradford. ''that
wakes a up to the possibilities Of life like
getting married? I remember what used to
think about it. when bachelor like you.
you old celibate, and I stand dumb before my
own foolishness. There were times when used
to wonder whether any kindness was in the
power that ruled the world or not 1t used to
seem probable that there was none: we were
pitchforked into existence by some law Of ulti-
mate progress. which would probably end in
something great. but which was mighty hard
on US Intermediates. 1 had aspirations and
Dreams and no earthly chance to satisfy them,
as very well knew; and it seemed TO me
poor sort OF providence which would tie
donkey up in sight Of a barrel OF oats, leave
him starving there while. and then come and
knock him on the head. know better now
recognize the fact that I'm still donkey; even
marriage can't alter me in that: but I know
what I'm put in the world for at any rate
which is more than any unmarried man can
say. You think I'm raving Iunatic but really
the shoes on the other foot; it's you who are
out OF harmony with the scheme Of things. not
1. Do you want to know the recipe for certain
happiness? Go find woman like nv wife and
marry her.
Charges nodded in silence He was convinced
now. that Amy had never told her husband of
their words at Murdoch's dinner He hesitated
not knowing whether to be glad or sorry OF the
fact Sometimes he sure that Bradford
suspected his own disability: sometimes he
thought the young man was supremeIy uncon-
scious Of it. Just ne could not make I'D
his mind whether Bradford's words expressed
only naive enthusiasm. whether they con-
cealed wish to find out what other people
thought. Therefore. he waited for the next
move
DO you know what day this is?"
Eighteenth of November"
Exactly Eighteenth of last November. nv
dear sir, really began to make your ac-
quaintance."
SOP"
Don't you recOIect-Shedsy and I came to
church, and you corralled us and brought us
up here. You should have heard Shedsy rave
about your rooms afterwardl He wanted to
turn Episcopalian minister. Well, I've been
mighty glad to know you this year. hope
we're not going to drift apart now"
What makes you think we shan?"
IT don't Shedsy's theory Is. though that
--iaI 60 -
We'll hope he's wrong"
Yes. Because man has come into his for
tune is no reason why he should despise the
poor beggars who are still waiting for their
luck. Charges. why don't you take my word for
the joy of it. and get married?'
The rector's football training had given him
agility. but not deftness. apparently. Reaching
for more tobacco he upset small vase. which
rolled of the edge of his mantelpiece and was
smashed to bits.
That was one OF my favorites, too.' he said.
sadly, as he picked up the pieces. II bought IL
for a wedding present, and was too much
enamoured of it to send it on"
Bradford was properly grieved He did not
press his question and their talk shifted to
Shedsy and other topics. 1t is plain that neither
Bradford nor the rector was intended for the
diplomatic service; for. when Bradford had soon
after taken his leave. ne went away smiling TO
himself IF that was really favorite vase
he mused the dominic should find a cheaper
way of turning the subject" And Charges said
TO himself:
She hasn't told him. or he wouldn't be cad
enough to pretend friendship: but he guesses.
IL