The Forrest City times. [volume] (Forrest City, Ark.) 1871-1919, 1903-10-30
Il wasn't looking" said Mr.. Thomp-

wasn't LOOKING. said Mr.. Thomp-
kins. I'm fact. was sort of expecting
to be held up and was ready"
You were little bit too ready" COM
mented Mr.. Hooter. You can thank
your lucky stars that you didn't Kill any
body or get killed yourself"
The two men. without saying good
night, walked away, and Mr.. Thompkins
rubbed the lump on his head raised by
the Doctors cane and had a mind to so
home, but finally decided to carry out
his appointed mission of Staying foot
pads. So he kept on.
Two blocks away and a weakened in
dividual was seen standing under lamp
post
All. there is one of the outcasts of a
great city" thought Mr. Thompkins.
He hasn't even ten cents to buy a bed in
lodging house. But I'll not encourage
mendicancy. Drink or gambling has
brought him to this and will reprove
him as he deserves and perhaps point a
wholesome moral"
My lad" said Mr. ThoNpkins, "yeu
should not be abroad atsthis time of
night. frightening unon1Jns citizens.
Why are you not at honey
Il hasn't skeerin' anybody" said the
wanderer, beginning to Ahimper. my
little brudder he's sick an I'can't get him
home
Where is the child?" inquired Mr..
Thompkins.
Hes up dat alley" said the wanderer.
Il will go and look at him Immediate
ly. Lead the way" Mr.. Thompkins and
his guide walked up a dark alley until
they were some so feet from the street.
Then Mr.. Thompkins suddenly realized
that the cold muzZle of revolver was
pressed firmly against his cheek
Put up your hans" commanded the
wanderer. Mr. Thompkins obeyed with
wonderful celebrity.
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
remove the pistol, but the revolver was
Kept pressed against his cheek while the
tWanderer, with wonderful deXterity.
took Mr.. Thompkins' watch pocketbook.
gold glasses, revolvers and everything
| else. Then he made the trembling
Thompkins take off his coat, vest and
hat, and hand them over.
NOW, gimme yer Shoes
Mr.. Thompkins hurriedly sat down and
pulled off his shoes
Now sit dere. an don 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 moment.
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 10
go for the police while she stood guard.
| Mr. Thompkins hurriedly obeyed. ard
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 Mrs.
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
from me-"
What? That child? That little
child?"
He had gun" ventured Mr.. Thomp-
kins
But you had two. Mr.. Thompkins,
get your property and we will go home
and leave this footpad to get loose or
stay here until morning"
But shant we even call the police"
asked Mr.. Thompkins
Eyes, Mr.. Thompkins. call the police.
This will make fine story for the pa
pers.'
Mr.. Thompkins meekly gathered his
valuables together and sneaked home
behind his wife
He has gone out of the footpad Staying
business.-Chicago Tribune.