Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1906-09-08

street was not, in Balmy's phrase, good
enough.
mot alf," said Balmy. and looked
thonghtfully at Robert Edward. Then
he unfolded the paper roll that had been
his programme of dreams, wherein was
depicted the life for which he had
yearned, the good clean, conquering life
that some men lived, that in DAYS past
he had hoped to share. To another it
would merely have been the red and vel
low posters Of an emigration agency. set
ting forth the rosiest aspect of a colonial
life, but to Balmy it was the chart of
paradise.
Bur when he crept into his bed. it was
with a mind made up, decided that the
days and the opportunity were ripe for
vicarious enjoyment of this real life
across the water.
Balmy approached the subject at
breakfast time with some subtlety.
Had Robert Edward read anything
about bison and prairies?
Yes, he had, and knew a great deal
about scalps and Sioux and sixshooters.
Balmy shook his head and explained
that thest perilous days were over
Balmy had never been there, but he
had read a good deal about it and had
once met a man who came from these
same prairies.
Robert Edward was Interested, and
Balrny enlarged upon the life that this
man and his fortunate comrades were
leading at the moment.
Robert Edward listened open mouthed.
1t all sounded very grand and wonder
full
Baimy pressed another sausage upon
him, and Robert Edward felt the desire
for liberty and action springing up in his
bosom, and when Balmy sketched a ride
across the plains after bunch of cattle,
thumped the table and wished he was
there
At this moment Balmy drew forth his
emigration poster, and spread it before
Robert Edward, watching him with anx-
ious eyes, and pointing out its several at
fractions.
IF I'd got ten quid!!" said Robert Ed
ward. IF I'd only got ten quid."
would yer go?"
"What dyer Think"
Balmy was trembling with excitement.
would yer 80 tomorrer or next
day %
Fright orr" said Rober Edward, "an'
never come back no more.''
"Then yer shall go" cried Balmy. eyer
shall 90, Robert Edward, an yer'll write
an tell me all what 'appens to yer" and
brought forth his treasure
Robert Edward stared at him with
round eyes.
For the second time in the last twenty
fom hours Robert Edward could hardly
believe his ears. Then he stretched out
his hand and reverently touched the ten
rosy soveTeigns. The old life swan be-
hind him, and the new shone in his eyes.
"1er shall go" repeated Balmy, as one
who would brook no denial.
Then Robert Edward spoke in hushed
voice to Balmy, and the two made plans
for the future, discussed the most profit
able outlay for the little capital, and
finally went up together into Leadenhall
street to inquire about a passage.
The office in Leadenhall street added
fuel to the fire, with its pictures of great
ships holding westward to the promised
land, and their inquiries discovered a
vacancy for steerage passenger on a
ship that would leave next evening.
For the rest of The day BalmY and his
representative trod on air
Robert Edward was piling sensation
upon sensation, and if his life in Love
street had been marked by no sort of
distinction, his exit was true dramatic
triumph.
But the real moment came next morn
ing at st. Pancras. Balmy had taken
care that Robert Edward was quite the
first passenger to obtain seat.
The great arch of the station held the
platform in shadow, but the spring day
beyond was brilliant with sunshine And
then at last the time came for the final
parting.
As the great carriages swung slowly
down the platform he put out his head
and waved his hand to Balmy. Already
the first half of the train was flooded in
the outer sunlight, and in a moment Rob.
ert Edward, too, was gloriied before
Balmy's eyes.
Through the dome of dingy glass he
had passed into the triumph beyond, had
already become a child of freedom, and
was even now at the very gates of life
Balmy looked after him with an open
mouth
Then he turned slowly away, and pres.
emily, calling at the hospital, obtained
his next supply of cod liver oil and malt
H. II. Bashford in Temple Bar.
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