Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1904-07-08
ROBINSON'S
CHANCE
By A. M. DAVIES
OGDEN
COPYRIGHT. 1901. bp Il. c. Mcclure


| IN 10 trust them, he added impressive.
ly. The listener nodded Clad as he
was I'm rough corduroy trousers thrust
into long boots. blue flannel shirt and
handkerchief knotted loosely about the
powerful throat he looked a man to In
nuence Others. and the bishop, no
mean reader OF men, was satisfied,
| Il wish that l could have remained
a bit longer" he thought regretfully as
he settled himself comfortably in the
wide seat. -Four days is really too
short for a parochial visit"
| The man left behind heartily echoed
the bishops sentiments. 1t had been
like a breath out Of another world, this
few days intercourse with lofty and
cultivated personality. Under his own
calm blue eyes lay an ardent and en-
thusiastc nature, which had as yet
found hut little to develop It. The
bishops inspiring talk had awakened
an instant response that now made IT.
self felt as an unsatisfied want. His
eyes followed the train like those of q
hungry dog, then drifted back to the
| primitive station. the long, straight
line of tracks and the siding where q
row OF freight cars stood waiting for
the morning. with vague distaste for
| it ALL
Makes fellow sorter want some
tnlng better, he reflected. turning
slowly away. Give some fellow crea-
ture a chance. hey? Well, there's plen-
" out here needs II. Dare say I do
myself"
With a grim chuckle he strobe ON
down the narrow cabin lined street.
where the afternoon sun was now
hinging long shadows across its u0li-
ness Men In groups hung about the
doors or rival saloons. Several hailed
MIN, but Robinson only shook his head
aosently. Then, as his eyes fell on a
man siouching lazily along, his face
| Frightened.
THAT pesky tramp has been hanging
about for week asking for work" he
Thought. Suppose l try him. Here,
you, he called aloud. The man, star
tied. came forward suspiciousIy, his
I eye on Robinson's hip pocket. The lat
ter frowned.
Here, wake up" he growled. "You
say you want work. Go up to my cab
In then, fix ii up and then-then wait
TIL 1 come" his invention giving out.
The man only stared, and Robinson's
wrath overlooked
Don't stand gaping there like n
blasted idiot" he roared. Get alonr
with you and double quick too. SEQ
you have things well cleaned ND by the
time get there. or III make II hot for
you. Here's the key"
Roblnson's methods were convincing.
and the man after one glance to assure
himself OF the speakers sincerity
turned and departed in haste. With n
relieved sigh Robinson crossed TO the
nearest saloon.
ITS on me. boys" he remarked
cheerfully. "What'll you haveY"
When finally Robinson mounted the
hill to his cabin night had fallen. and
the memory OF the tramp had entirely
escaped him. To his establishment the
cabin door stood open, a thing unprec-
edented, and OF the hearth lay the
last embers OF n fire. Recollection
came swiftly, and with hurried fingers
ne lighted candle To gaze about the
tidied room. Everything seemed In or
der. But the man was gone. and. with
an exclamation, Robinson darted to
the cupboard, where were kept his
dearest possessions. Those new boots,
one glance sufiiced - the boots were
gone In their place stood a pair of
rusty high lows, and ut that sight Rob
insons rage found words. In fluent and
picturesque English he cursed emphat-
lcally and categorically himself, his be-
ionginSs, the tramp and all belonging
TO him. He even began on the bishop.
but checked that The bishops theory
might be good.
But out here It's burned poor prac-
tice," thought Robinson ruefully.
where can the skunk have gone? He
must have 'em on"
There was practically only one way
out OF the town-the railroad-and n
sudden remembrance OF the waiting
freight cars flashed across Robinson's
mind. To seize the lantern, light II
and lock the door behind him was but
the work OF minute. In the next he
had started down the hill on a dog
trot. the expression Of his mouth bod
Ing Ill for the tramp We're ne careless
enough 20 be caught.
Into the dark, dirty car, where Law a
few tattered relics, turned out now and
then by irate conductor or busy freight
hand. but always slipping back, came
Robinson with determined mien. lam
tern In one hand. pistol In the other.
Hold up your feet" he said sharply.
The men reused, dazed and protesting
from heavy slumbers. stared bewilder-
ediy as they thrust out feet drawn
from beneath straw or sacking. What
new game was this? Robinson, heed
less OF question or criticism, after n
quick fash OF the lantern. hurried to
the next car. leaving a wake of dis
gusted chaff,
through four cars plodded Robinson,
and then. In the fifth. he received q
shock. From the darkness came \
voice Enthusiastically declining to show
the required foot. Robinsons voice
softened ominously.
think you had better" he began
gently; otherwise shall have to make
you"
'Oh, please" the voice was almost a
wall, "let me alone. l haven't done
you any harm. Go away"
Go away" repeated Robinson, fair
~ stunned. go away. And my
booty
Your boots! ! don't know anything
ABOUT your boots; indeed don't. |
Pleasep'
Feet up now," interrupted Robinson
curtly. Here. let me see you," slip
ping the lantern closer. A tail, slender |
boy In ragged clothing was revealed.
gazing up with white face and implor- |
ing eyes. No one else was In the car.
ana Tor second Robinson hesitated.
but you may be PAL" he decided.
fut EN- up at once. Lord, what a |
russ about nothingT as pair OF small,
uavei stained boots made reluctant
appearance. "You needn't worry about
those. They look more like a woman's
ieet with short laugh. The sound
VI smothered sob reached his ear.
ana RODiQaOn afa rftn.< hook t~w