The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-04-13

I'm not quite sure, but I rather
think we can accommodate you at our
house for a few days. You may come
home with me. if you like. and I'll ask
my wife about it..
Half an hour later Mr.. Broadway
mounted the stairs to his own apart
ment with burglarious stealth. He
cautiously pilotcd his grateful guest
into the parlor and then tiptoed into
the bedroom, where Mrs. Broadway
was combing her hair. He sat by the
window for a few minutes making
playful feints at conversation. Finally
he ceased fencing and summoning up
all the eloquence of his command, he
said:
Kate, I saw a most pathetic sight
this afternoon 1 met an old mana
timid, lonely old man, a stranger and
a gentleman to the core. ] do not
know whar I have been so strongly
drawn to any one as was to him. He
was looking for boarding house"
Mrs. Broadway's mouthful Of hair
pins dropped to the dresser with a
little PUNK.
I don't see anything very affecting
about that" she said. People go out
looking for boarding houses every day
and nobody sheds tears over the tragic
event
Mr.. Broadway quailed before this
cold bloOded statement, but sense of
duty to be performed sustained him,
and he proceeded warmly: tNeverthe-
tragedy connected with this case. The
old man is unacquainted in the city
He knows not where to go. He is IN
danger of being robbed by sharpers at
every corner.
Mrs. Broadway gave the curl over her
left temple a gentle little pat, indica-
tive of a more charitable frame of
mind Poor old fellow she said
He was in hard times, wasn't ne
Mr.. Broadway grabbed eagerly at
/ this Christian sentiment. he was,
said he And, Kate, I couldn't bear
to see him exposed to the dangers or
great city. I brought him home with
4 me l thought we could stow him away
1 in the side room for a few days. He
will pay you well for your trouble. L
wish YOU would go in and take look
at him You can make the final ar
rangements so much better than /. lie
/ is waiting in the parlor'
Mrs. Broadway wheeled around and
excitedly took another reef in her bet.
IN the Darlor." she exclaimed Why.
] Jasper Broadway, you don't mean 10
saw YOU left that man in there all by
himself? He'll run off with everything
about the house. You don't know any
thing about him.
s.WeH" returned Mr.. Broadway.
were not running any greater risk
than he is. He don't know anything
about US. either"
THAT may be. retorted Mrs.
Broadway. but we are all right"
Mr.. Broadway cast his eyes upward
as if he had his doubts as to this as
sertion. ITO be sure" he admitted.
after a moments reflection. but he
/ doesn't know it"
Mrs Broadwav's only reply was a
plafntive sigh Seeing that it had de-
VOWED upon her to settle definitely the
question Of the prospective ledger. she
turned her steps heroically toward the
na-lcr door. She was gone but a few
minutes. When she returned to the bed
room her eyes soarkled in true melo.
dramatic style and her face was very
red
Jasper Broadway she demanded.
do you know who that man is thar
you brought home with you2'
No" said Mr.. Broadway. wonder
ingly. II didn't think to ask his name.
But I knew he was respectable.
Mrs. Broadway sank down on a
couch and wrung her hands nervously.
Mr.. Broadway became alarmed at this
demonstration
Who is hep he asked
Uncle Harvey said Mrs. Broad
way, meekly.-New York Sun.