The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1904-03-12
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ordinary, owing to the scanty attendance
Mr.. Splud, lessee, counted fifty-tw,
with the babies In arms. Reuben stoot
under shady tree, an old blue Scotcl
cap drawn down to his eyebrows, and
waterproof coat turned up to his ears
| Mr.. Splud mixed in friendly way will
the company. He was a tall, lank man
OF melancholy aspect. He finally tool
his stand under the tree where Reuben
was.
This is bad night for our business
sir," he said at last.
$50 should think" answered Reuben
Rain always keeps the people away;
no matter what you offer them in the way
Of attraction-they won't come, sir"
Here the eyes remained so long in the
corners next to Reuben's that Reuben
was afraid that Mr.. Splud's vision had
become permanently fixed.
Il have seen you somewhere, and tn at
Is what bothers me a Bit" said Mr..
Splud, by way of apology.
Reuben did not tell him that he was
lodging next door but two, and that they
had passed each other in the street with
tolerable frequency; but the idea had sug-
gested itself to put few questions on
his own account, when a third person
Joined them. The newcomer was a small.
spare men, in long, seedy great coat
with big horn buttons, extending from
his chin to his heels, and who wore a
dirty yellow handkerchief tied loosely
round his throat He was a man of an
unearthly pallor, and pitted SO deeply
with smallpox that one wondered how he
had ever struggled out of his malady
alive.
"You don't want me tonight, l SUD-
poseT he said to the proprietor.
Yes, | do want you. Because I pay
you," said Mr.. Splud, sharply; "you don't
want your money next Saturday, I sup
pose| he asked, with so much biting
sarcasm.
Yes, do-and I'll take care get it,"
said the other, far from civilly, "along
with last weeks. What's the use of
dressing up and performing In the bless
ed rain before nobody? There's nobody
here, there's nobody coming, and it's a
Oeastly shame on me-"
IF l have the honor of addressing
Signor Vizzobini, may add that I have
come here this evening expressly to wit
ASNS AAS PCA lhuhCe, Sdlu reuben.
Have you, thought" said the acrobat,
surprised in an extraordinary degree.
We'll, If you can't let fellow off, III
20 and DRESS" and he walked away in
ieep thought.
He Is vagabond not up to his work"
Iaid Mr.. Splud. II took him by adver-
on the faith of his Recommended
ions. He has fallen off three times this
week, and If he breaks his neck one of
hese fine days it will be a happy release
o the profession
What Is that mans real name?" max.
ID Reuben.
Il haven't the slightest idea; Jack
sheppard, perhaps"
You know his address, surely?"
"Oh, yes. No. 2 Potter's court, Wal
worth road"
THANK you, Good night"
Reuben knew nothing of Potter's
1ourt; but he muttered, poor Sarah"
a he went down the cavernous entry in
earch Of No. 2. He knocked ct par
Or door with the handle of his stick.
nd grim-looking individual In his shirt
leeYes answered the appeal.
Whats up?" he said, in not too civil a
lyle of address.
DO you know Mr.. VizzobiniT said
teuben. He performs at the Sake
iotha gardens on the slack rope"
Oh! said the parlor floor, disparag-
Ugly; top of the 'ouse-front room"
Reuben went up the dark stairs, reach
d a front room door with his stick. md
apped gently.
Who's thereT said faint. weak
oice, which Reuben did not recognize,
Il come from the xe-Gotha."
From Tom"
Eyes"
The door was cautiously opened, and
lere streamed through the aperture
trough which a woman's face was peer
g-white and wan and pinched-a rush
hot air as from furnace mouth,
"1s he locked up2" said the woman
alphabetically.
mo. He will be back presently, 7
link" |
Come in If you like, then; we don't
large any more" said the woman. with Ia
somber fippancy, and glided back noise
ssly to the side of big fire that was
azlng IN the CRATE, sat down In the
lair she had quilted, and leaned her
lad against the wall like a woman tired
1t.
But 1t was not her at which he sazed
intently as at the figure Of a girl In ,
striped cotton dress, who lay face-fore-
ost on the patchwork counterpaue of
e bed. 1t was a figure of despair that
rilled him; it was surely Second.cousin
arah covering from him in that hour
her discovery.
Il say. what's your messenger" asked
e woman. What have you got to say
'out Tom, and what has Tom to saw"
Are you Toms wifeP
Yes, l am" r
And that's Toms sister," |
Here the woman burst into paroxysm
coughing, for the cessation of which
euben waited patiently, keeping his ewes
ION the figure on the bed, and doubtful S
Ill If it were sleep that kept Sarah 80
lmb and passive. 1t was A violent
ugh, that of Mrs. Easthelrs, which was !,
nding away all the life that was left
the sufferer, who carried CONSUMPTION
her every look and titful breath.
You have come for her." said Mrs
astbell, in husky voice.
Yes, l have come for her, If she'll
lst me-" I
You're just the chap for the likes of