Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1905-09-19
Twenty cents was little enough-but
now he was penniless.

There was nothing left for him to do
rut walk on, perhaps he could find
come kind OF work which would pay
Tor meal and one Job might lead to
another. He would not get discourag-
ed at all events.
Just then tempting looking display
of fruit in push cart attracted his
attention. A man standing in the
rear OF 1t was yelling Bananas, ten
cents a Dozen"
Jack instinctively felt in his pocket
for one of the dimes and then he re-
membered his recent loss and with a
longing look at the fruit, passed slow
ly by.
Perhaps that man could tell me
where could get some work, thought
the boy as the mans face seemed to
follow him. So thinking he went back
to the cart and said timidly, could
you please tell me where could get
some work? haven't a cent and I'm
hungry"
The man looked obviously at Jacks
nice suit of clothes, as much as to say,
How can you afford to dress so
well7" but he replied, you might
watch my stand here few minutes,
while go for bite to eat. When
come back, will give you anything
that have here to satisfy your appe-
tite. How'll that suit your"
Very WELL" said Jack, II thank you
very much
"You must keep hollering,' said the
fruit dealer, "and if you manage to
sell few dozen oranges or bananas,
maybe I'll keep you for good"
AT last Jack felt sure that he had
found a way to support himself, for
the man seemed very kind. AS soon
as he was gone, he summoned all his
courage. His voice sounded very
weak-in fact no one seemed to hear
1t at all, for not more than two peo-
pie turned to see what he had to sell.
Presently man whom he had MOTTO
ed standing against a building walked
across the sidewalk. He was poorly
dressed and had a dark and unpleas-
ant countenance.
Thank you," he said to Jack, s'Now
you may CO. Here, take this orange"
Jack looked surprised as he an
swered. What do you mean? may
not go until the owner Of this cart
returns"
Don't talk back to me-" said the
man. with threatening frown. Move
on. or I'll have you arrested. l own
this cart
He pushed the boy aside and taking
the cart into the middle of the street,
started off, deliberately yelling: Mice
fresh bananas, fifteen cents a doz-
en!"
"Oh! what shall do?" said Jack to
himself. 'The other man will return
presently and he will think that l am
dishonest and that the thief was one
of my friends"
The only escape that suggested it.
self to the miserable boy was to run
away before the fruit vender came
back. But such an act would only
serve to convince the man that he had
stolen his cart. No, he would stay
there and tell the truth He could not
accuse him Of being a coward then.
He did not have long to wait. In
less than five minutes the fruit vend-
ed came out of building and walked
briskly up to Jack to resume his bust
ness.
Where's the cart?' he asked look.
ing about him.
Trembling visibly Jack told his ex-
perience. For minute the man acted
as though he had gone mad. He
stamped his feet and swore loudly.
II am ruined! am ruined! ruined!
ruined!" he kept repeating. MY bust
ness is gone. MY life is gone. Oh
why did you let him do it? l will new
er find him! It's no use! No, will not
try to find him. can not prove that
it was mine. am ruined! ruined!
In his pity for the unfortunate man
Jack forgot his own troubles.
ooh. sir" he said, 81 am so sorry.
l will do whatever 1 can to help you.
will work for you every day until r
pay for what have done"
The man stopped his lamentations,
and looking keenly at the boy said,
"Will you?"
YES said Jack.
Then come on" said the man.
There's no time to lose. We must 20
into the rag business at once. Can YOU
gather rags for me?"
Il will do anything" said Jack, al
though his heart sank at the degrad-
ing work he was agreeing to perform.
The man led Jack through a maze
OF short streets and dark alleys until
they came to dilapidated brick build-I
ing.
They went up one flight Of stairs
after another. Jack had scarcely any
breath left, when they reached the
sixth story. The man opened a door
which squeaked on its hinges and
went into small room.
Sit down." he said Now look
here, before take you into business
want you to tell me who you are,and
Ill about yourself. Remember, moth.
ng but the truth. If you're to work
sor me I've got to know all about YOU.
II find out that anything that YOU tell
ne is not right, there's no telling what
I'll do. How do know but what YOU
ire professional thief?'
Even if Jack had intended to con.
eeal any facts about himself, his re-
solve would have been Immediately