Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1903-09-16


the struggle came to him, there was
always the old weakness to combat,
the realization that not twice but
thrice he had played fast and loose
with his chances in the world, and so
he allowed himself to drift. There
was nothing inherently bad in Rossi-
ter's nature; there was no dishonor to
be laid at his door. If he had assumed
something of the uncouth manners
and familiariZed himself with the
low language of the men with whom
he frequently associated, these were
surface matters, things which, if oc-
casion demanded, would be sloughed
as a snake drops it's skin. Weak
though he was, and reckless though
he had been when fortune was his,
back of all was fineness that those
who came into anything like init
mate contact with him could but no
tice. The lack of a mothers love
and guidance, and mistaken gener-
osity and a subsequent obtuse in
sistence on the part of his father,
accounted for much in the wreck
he had made of everything to which
he had put his hand. Born with
keen artistic sense, endowed with
considerable real literary talent, his
ikings had always been made light
of at home, and when it came to the
choice of a career he had that forced
upon him for which he had positive
distaste.
Then his father died; a consider
able amount of money fell to him;
false friends fattered and caioled;
and very soon he was penniless. His
elder brother helped him to a posi-
ton, but though he did his best, his
apparent indifference brought about
his dismissal. His sisters husband
now tried to give him lift, but the
recipient soon discovered that he
was a hindrance rather than an aid,
and SO one night, returning from his
work discouraged and embittered,
and being reproached by his sister
for his general uselessness, he went
to his room, put few traps to-
gether, slung them upon stout cane
over his shoulder, and walked out
into the darkness, from that hour
vagabond, wandering whittier fancy
led, now working at this or that, now
begging, suffering sometimes, but not
without a certain enjoyment in life,
vastly happier than he had been
when he felt himself dependent on,
and a reproach to, those who were
his nearest of kin. Such was the
story of this ne'er-do-well, story
of weakness, of folly, of needless
ness, but not one of crime or of dis
honor.
Having settled himself to his salts
faction under the lofty elm, Ros-
sitter opened the bundle he had cast
by his side-a dilapidated change of
underwear, pair of socks, a vest
and an outing shirt-and extracted
a briar-wOod pipe Of cheap make
and small piece of smoking-plug.
From the tobacco he cut with miser-
ly care enough to fill half the pipe
bowl, and having lighted it leaned
back with a sigh of comfort. 1t was
the first indulgence of the kind he
had allowed himself for several days,
and the fact that he was permitting
himself to enjoy so epicurean a pleas
ure at this morning hour indicated
that something of unusual moment
was occupying his mind.
After having blown. to his intense
satisfaction, two or three fragrant
clouds into the warm. September air,
he took from his pocket a square
envelope, from which he drew let
ter. This he spread out before him
upon one knee. 1t read in this wise:
Dear Philip: 1 have heard from your
former friend, Everson, that you have
again been seen in or near Kalamanti,
and I am sending this enclosed in a
note to him in the hope of reaching you
| For the sake of our dead father and
| mother, for your sake, and for the sake
| of US all, / want you to come back for
another trial. Will you not? On the 1st
of October the Evening Star passes into
| the hands of an acquaintance of mine,
George Agnew, who intends making
some sweeping changes in the staff.
Recalling some sketches and skits you
| once wrote which received much pleas
| ant comment and the leanings you
| formerly had towards literature, which
father very unfortunately and injudi-
| ciously, now believe) so insistently dis
| couraged, spoke of you to Mr.. Agnew,
who has very generously offered to give
! you chance on the paper. October. /,
as i said above, is the date when the
| change in mana cement takes place and
| II, by good fortune, you receive this let
ter, I beg that you will not allow this
| (perhaps lasD opportunity to retrieve
| yourself to slip from you. hope that
| you will believe me still your affection
/ ate brother,
| ARCHIBALD ROSSITER.
Its mighty good of Archie" com
| mented the wanderer, "a blamed