The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1903-01-13

wonderful way OF his own that never
could understand. Presently we heard
him coming. singing, up the stairs; he
brought a can of kerosene oil and
basketful OF coal and wood.
Feathers, you light the fire." he
said. Anders always made everyone
90 his share of the work, while his
own contribution was money and
brains. He was grca' fellow for
schemes. He always hau one decent
suit Of clothes, and a clean shirt in
winch, once a week, he invaded the
mysterious precincts of society.
There were only two unpawnable
things in the place.-Anders' best suit
and the baron's either.
We had coffee and crackers for
breakfast. Soon thereafter. we started
out in the rain to look for work. At
night we struggled back. wet and
chilled, hungry and moneyless. 1t was
heartracking work, sometimes, but
Anders laughed it to scorn and always
managed to bring in something, while
the baron played merry little love
ditty on his either.
One evening, Feathers left us at five
O'Clock and had not returned by bed
time. But, when l awoke in the morn
ing, he was beside me under the rug
and on the table was money. A silver
dollar and a twenty.five-cent coin held
down a piece of paper on which Feath-
ers had scrubbed instructions not to
wake him.
l aroused Anders and the baron, and
showed them the money. In whispers
we discussed the marvel of it. How
had Feathers obtained It? Had lie
earned it? The Grasshoppers were
irrevocably opposed to all money that
was begged. borrowed, or stolen. In
order to pass current, it must be hon
eitly earned. We knew nothing Of
Feathers! Could 1t be-?
We'll take the chance" Anders de-
cided. "A man is innocent until he is
proved guilty. In the meantime the
Grasshoppers will eat"
He went forth to market, and,-well.
we breakfasted that morning! All!
think Of it! Soft, fresh white bread,
and butter. real coffee, and two smoked
herrings to give It a taste! Anders
had become a thrifty housekeeper and
other days were to come. We left the
coffee pot on the stove for Feathers,
and went forth upon the usual profit
less quest for work. When we re-
turned at night, Feathers was gone;
but, when l awoke the next morning,
he was by my side again, and there
on the table was the magic money. We
breakfasted again, and on that day
we lunched also, while the old tobacco
box on the mantel began to assume the
airs Of the big stone national bank
down town that we only knew from
the outside.
The same thing happened every day
until Sunday. but on that day we were
all at home when Feathers awoke.
Hello, Feathers" said Anders,
you're a nice, sociable chap. How do
you suppose we're going to keep your
acquaintance. If we never see you ex-
cept when you're asleep? Answer me
that"
Feathers lay back under the rug,
only smiling for reply.
What we want to KNOW" continued
Anders, lis where you came by all
this wealth"
Feathers continued to smile, but he
shook his head and replied
That is my secret"
Anders did not press him, but
seemed lost in thought for long
while, and | thought there was distrust
in his cold blue eyes. Feathers kept
to his bed. He was pale and weak,
and looked utterly pathetic. | took his
dinner to him. 1t was the best we
had had for many Sunday. 1t con-
sisted of roast beef, potatoes. bread
and pie from the restaurant around
the corner, and some imitation coffee
made by Anders.
At five o'clock, Feathers dressed
himself and put on his long, stringy
overcoat. He shuddered as he looked
out upon the everlasting rain.
"Well, good night, boys!" he said
You'll see me again in the morning. u
We heard him tramp slowly down
| the Suits anu siam the ITOuL uOOT
Then Anders sprang to his feet. I'm
going to follow him." he said, with a
snap of his jaws. Il want to see where
he gets his money. Perhaps he works
but things look fishy. and I'm not sat
isfied."
III go with YOU" volunteered.
$50 will l." said the baron.
We were out of the house in time to
see Feathers cross the patch of light
shed by the street lamp on the corner;
then we took his trail. He led us
through dark and dismal streets in
which ones life. and certainly ones
money, were not safe after dark.
Now where do you suppose thai
chap is going?" muttered Anders
This looks bad, but III follow him te
the end"
We passed through the worst stun
in the town, where often 1t was diff
cult to keep Feathers in view through