The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1903-08-22


when he thought Of leaving his wifi
behind, lonely and anxious, viii
their two sick children. Life seemed
inexpressibly dreary and saGand thu
future hopeless.
TWAS at this point, when gazing il
deep detection at the river, that he
remembered his life insurance. He
had managed always, through some
sacrifice, self-denial or extra effort.
to keep it up. If he were dead, his
wife would be provided for, for some
years to come at least, She would be
Independent of her rich relations,
to whom he knew she would never
willingly appeal. She conld leave
this smoky, unlOyely place, her life
could be made easy, their children
could have proper medical attention.
If he were deadl
Now and then a boat would glide
down the river, and the sound Of
laughter and singing would arise to
where Richard stood on the bridge.
Presently a movement aroused him,
and turning, he saw a man standing
near, leaning on the rail and looking
down at the water. The stranger,
who was small and thin, wore blue
goggles, and carried his arm in a
sling.
II don't suppose" he ventured,
chat a fellow who can't use but one
arm could do much with a boat"
There was a very pleasant quality
to his voice, and Richard looked at
him more closely, His face was small
and weakened, and there were deep
lines, sometimes called Laughing
wrinkles, about his eyes and mouth.
NO." replied Richard, 81 don't
suppose he could, Something wrong
with your arm?"
eyes, l hurt it over at the mills.
Had a pretty good job over there, but
tore my arm all to pieces one day.
Doctor thought sure he would have
to take it off"
"Too bad" Richard. "That
was pretty hard luck"
'0That's right, but it's getting bet
ter now. Trouble is, I won't be able
use it for months, and I can't get
q job. Do you know people don't
like to give work to a crippled man?
Funny, isn't it?"
Pretty hard, | should say.
81 never was one of these left
handed people, but it looks as though
there might be something l could do.
My cousins got a boat he didn't use
much, and as folks seem to like ridin'
around on the river, | was thinking l
might pick up little something that
way, but of course / couldn't do it
one arm" and he laughed with
out bitterness.
give been driving a %peddler's
he went on. easy old horse
need no driving to speak of.
But my eyes gave out and the doc
said | must keep out of the sun.
Eyes always been kinda weak"
ct is a serious thing to have any
:rouble with the eyes" said Richard,
who wore glasses himself.
cit is that, especially when you
want to go to work. But l get along
all right" added the little man.
"It seems to me you have had more
han your share of trouble" said
Richard, alphabetically.
go, l don't know. It's been pretty
lard, but eyerybody's unlucky some
I've got lots to be thankful
or. For one thing'-and he laughed
with some Notwithstanding one
I've got a girl"
well, I suppose that does make
difference" Richard remarked.
"You bet, Makes all the differ
in the world. You wouldn't
hink it nov to look at me, would
ornery, no-account fellow
ike me-but I've got one of the fin
,st girls in the world" His face
zindled as he spoke. 81 hope you've
got one yourself" he said, and there
vas a touch of difidence in his tone.
Richards natural reserve kept him
iilent for a moment, but a glance at
he pleasant, smiling face before him
him.
"Yes," he answered, 81 have been
married to her for five years."
give years." and the stranger
Vhistled softly. Been married to
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