Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1903-02-13
but he's backed out"

| Inc barber exploded IN guffaw.
Lucky for him he has," he an
swered, "unless he means to hire out
to Forepaugh or Buffalo Bill as the
wild man of Borneo."
While Rossiter's locks were being
trimmed and his beard removed, Joe
Becraft and his tonsorial friend kept
their tongues continually wagging.
Their conversation had chiefly to do
with the town of their nativity and
certain portion of it's inhabitants,
and Rossiter listened with not little
inward amusement, for each young
man lad, in his way, sense of broad
humor that flashed out in their COM
ments upon people. Finally the bar
ber's task was accomplished, and he
removed the soiled apron from Ros-
siter's neck with flourish and "a
"There you are, sir!"
"Gosh!" Joe Becraft exclaimed, ssI
wouldn't believe yon were the same
| fellow"
The change in the vagabond's APP
pearance was indeed great. His
rather large, clear-cut features
showed to an advantage without
beard or mustache, and though the
lines of his chin indicated a lack of
decision, one studying his face for
the first time would have said that
it's possessor was endowed with a
strong individuality. His deep brown
eyes were laughing and grave by
turns. The discomfort and bitterness
which showed in the expression of
his mouth were not to be seen habit
ually. Dissipation had left no mark
upon his countenance, for although
at times Rossiter had imbibed freely,
| he was very far from being drunk
| ard; indeed, he had no special taste
| for liquor, and had frequently re-
sorted to it not so much because he
craved it as because it took him out
Of himself.
Becraft produced some silver and
| paid his townsfellow.
"Its my treat to-day" he ex-
planned.
They now retraced their steps to
keneseo street, and followed this
thoroughfare until they came to the
elaborate lift-bridge spanning the
Ontario canal. From time to time
Becraft regarded his new friend spec
ulatively.
Say" he at length broke out, as
the three paused and leaned over the
railing, idly scanning steam packet
that was moored below, you've been
used to different sort OF life, haven't
you2"
Rossiter did not reply at once.
YES" he said finally.
"Had an education, am all that?"
eyes"
II thought SO. You don't talk like
well, like most of the people I
know"
I'm not aware of any difference"
"Oh, yes, you are. That is, you
would be if you'd stop to think about
it."
II got through thinking some time
ago, at least SO imagined until
lately"
"You know, an education" said Be-
craft, not needing Rossiter's last re-
mark, sis something I'm always wish.
in ! had. It's great thing"
1--WE certainly not done very much
with mine" replied the wanderer.
sIow'd it happen?"
cts hard to say. I don't doubt
another-you, for instance, would
| have proited by it, but as for me"
He ended with an expressive shrug
Of his shoulders.
They continued to look at the
steam-packet for several minutes
longer, and then resumed their walk
towards the Cottage hotel.
Don't b'lieve we'd better say
anythin' about my swimmin' OK,
perience to Ma, Jim," observed Joe
Recraft, as they left the main street
for the narrower thoroughfare
where the hotel they sought was
situated. Like as not she'd have a
blue fit
"Bet she would,'' replied Jim.
"She's pretty nervous about my
health sometimes" Joe explained
"You see, father died O. consump
ton"
"Why should you say anything tc
her about it?" inquired Rossiter
Certainly, SO far as I am aware
there's not the slightest reason fol
your doing so.'
"Oh, but I want her to know some
day what you did for me. I'll tel
her about it up in the hop-yard. She
won't take on SO there. I mean, shs