The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1903-11-14

Helpl Policel" shouted Thomallins.
Then he recognized IN the two men his
neighbors, Dr.. Pillem and Mr. Hooter.
"What does this outrage meaR?" de-
manded Mr.. HooteR why, ThomplIina,
Il your revolver hadn't missed IRE you
would have been a murdereF!"
Il thought you were footpads," said
Mr.. Thompkins, meekly.
do foOtpads wear silk hats3 Dark
as the night was you should have recog~
nized our hats. Besides the street lights
here give enough light to hare enabled
you to see who we were.
81 wasn't looking" said Mr.. Thomp-
kins. In fact, was sort Of expecting
to be held up and was ready"
@You were a little bit too ready, conn-
mentsd Mr. Hooter. "You can thank
your lucky stars that youdidn't XIII any-
body 90 get killed 70 self
Th two ned fhout saying good
ana IhomnIEina
fap9ea The la % d raised BY
the doctors cane and had a mind to ID
home, but finally decided to carry out
his appointed mission of staying foot-
pads. So he kept on.
4 Two blocks away and a weazened in-
dividual was seen, standing under lamp
post,
Ah, there is one of the o5tcasts oi
great city" thought Mr.. Thompkins.
''Ee hasn't even ten cents to buy a bed IN
a lodging house But III not encourage
mendicancy Drink or gambling has
brought him to 5nis and will reprove
him as he deserves and perhaps point
wholesome moral"
MY lad" said Mr.. Thompkins, "you
should not be abroad at this time OF
night, frightening unoffending citizens.
Why are you not at homer"
II hain't a skeerin' anybody" said the
wanderer, beginning to whimper. my
little brudder he's sick an l can't get him
home"
Where is the childg" inquired Mr.
Thompkins.
Hes up dat alley" said the wanderer
Il will go and look at him immediate
Iy. Lead the way" Mr. Thompkins and
his guide walked up a dark alley until
they were some 50 feet from the street.
Then Mr.. Thompkins suddenly realized
that the cold muzzIe of a revolver was
pressed firmly against his cheek.
Put up your hans, commanded the
wanderer. Mr. Thompkins obeyed with
wonderful celerity.
Now, den, you ole fool, . said the wan-
derer, keep EN- up while / helps myself. -
Mr.. ThOmpkins shook like an aspen leaf
and piteously begged the wanderer to
Z. remove the pistol, but the revolver was
kept pressed against his cheek while he
wanderer, with wonderful dexterity,
took Mr., ThOmpkins' watch, pocketboolz,
gold glasses, revoIvers and everything
else. Then he made the trembling
Thompkins take of his coat, vest and
hat, and hand them over.
Nov. gimme yer shoes"
Mr.. Thompkins hurriedly sat down and
pulled OF his shoes.
Now sit dere, an dom you move fer an
hour" commanded the footpad as he
backed away.
The footpad had reached the end Of the
alley and stood in the light Of the street
lamp, looking up the alley for a anoment.
Then something swatted him over the
head and he went down. He dropped his
pistol, and it was grabbed up and put
against his head Then Mr. Thompkins
heard the voice Of his wife bidding him
come and help tie the footpad up and to
60 for the police while she stood guard
Mr.. Thompkins hurriedly obeyed, and
the robber was soon nicely trussed up.
Il think he ought to be hung right
here, said Mr. Thompkins, who had sud-
denly grown brave. I'VE caught him, all
right"
Where are your shoes?" asked Mrr.
Thompkins, coldly.
Why, why, he has them, my dear"
"And your coat, and vest, and re-
volvers, and the other things"
Why, pet, he-he took them away
7 from me.
, what? That child2 That nttl,
child?"
@He had gun. ventured Mr.. Thomp.
lkins
But you had two. Mr. Thompkins
get your property and we will 60 homy
and leave this footpad to get loose ol
: stay here until morning"
"But shan't we even call the police,
5 asked Mr. ThompIrins.
5 yes, Mr. Thompkins, call the police
This will make fine story for the pa.
! pers."
Mr., Thompkins zneekly gathered his
valuables together and sneaked HON,
behind his wife
q He has gone out cf the footpa5 Staying
] business Chicago Tribune.
Hard to satisfy.