The Republican. [volume] (Mountain Home, Idaho) 1903-1909, 1906-06-05
Johnny Becomes
a Hero
By II. BARRETT SMITH
Copyright, by Joseph b. Bow les. }

freight CleTh ) OIllCe. Dat, having no
help for the moment, was handling the
lighter furniture; but wanting to get
the truck loaded, he seized hcavy
packing case and lifted it to the truck
Look out there" cried voice.
Bat saw a small shoulder bracing the
box. His eyes twinkled rs he looked
down at a ragged little youngster with
big brown eyes.
Hello, pal, who are you?"
I'm your helper"
rs that SO? and what may your
name be-"
Eyer kin call me Johnny"
80" said Bat, placing his box,
you've been taken on for to-day?'
Il guess that's about the size of It,
and Johnny began to jig and beat mis-
sides with his arms to keep warm.
Whats your number, SON."
Thirteen-Oh, youse needn't be
afraid, faint no hoodoo."
Isn't it ow?" said Moriarity, com
ing up, and he winked at Bat Start
in then AMI let's see how smart you
are"
The men went to work with a will
So did Johnny. Bat said 13 was full
of stunts" Moriarity remarked that
some one was like "a live wire"
Bat" called Harris, the freight
clerk, coming to the door, you GO up
to the office and you'll hear what's
what"
Johnnys eyes followed Bat. Present.
ly he saw Bat leave the office and rush
toward Moriarity.
Pop" Bats voice was shaky, I'VE re
goin' to part. They've showed me up
Made me driver for good. They
were goin TO do it anyway the trst
of the year, but they've given II to me
for a Christmas present"
Look at that now" A dead calm
had struck Moriarity turbulent voice.
who's goin to be your helper?'
why" Ba. looked around, john
nys eye caught him, the kid, oil
course! Come on, john"
"Ha, ha! Good luck to vel" cried
Moriarity.
When Bat took up the reins he
turned to Johnny.
"This is 70 be a short trip he said,
''but goodness knows where they ii
send us on the next. It's goin to be
tough, too, it doesn't look as II this
snow will let up for week; out
Jerry is new horse, an | got a
fine helper, an" Bat fell into his
drawl-'I guess we're all right, hey,
kid?"
There was a thoughtful pause on
Bats part, then he said:
John, I'm goin' to give you some
adyice-the same Moriarity gave me
the first day | started out with him.
This wallet here" Bat opened his coat
and displayed a wallet in his inside
pocket. that's where we keep the
money, and we got to look out Tor it
understand" Johnny nodded. UnHer-
tainty was fading from his coln-
tenance, and the light of hope was
dawning in his eyes. always stand
by your driver-don't let any one track
you off on that point" Bat held UP a
warning finger, land never play crap
with your c. o. d. money, see? Hey
what's the matter?
The change that came over Johnny's
face was pitiable.
Nope said Johnny, with a shake
of his head. "Y'see, me old man gam
bled"
Bat looked startled, but he said
blankly:
us that so?" There was pause
then Bat npoke softly: Yer mother
is dead?"
yep, dead
AN where's yer old man now?"
ST don't know" and Johnny shook
his head slowly.
Deserted ye?" asked Bat
.''Nope, dead" said Johnny, serious
ly.
It was terrible night in the city
street. The wind blew furious gale
The snow had ceased falling, put this
was the whitest Christmas eve in the
memory of Old New Workers.
bat, yours is the first wagon that;
showed up in two hours" said Har
ris. 81 don't know what We'll do witt
the undelivered stuff! Maybe 1t i,
only your luck, but you've made more
trips than any three wagons to-day.
Hot coffee was served Bat ant
Johnny, as Harris continued
I'VE don't know how you've done 1t
Bat, but
well, FL tell you" interrupted Bat
"you can just thank that kid tnsre!"
Johnny started from dream
Johnny's eyes were dumb. He wa
standing with his frozen fingers claspet
around the coffee cup. Johnny felt tina
If he sat down he would not De abl'
to rise again. He became conscious
MT. ,xxr,