The Minneapolis journal., 1906-07-15


problems he replied: II certainly believe travel and
observation will improve anyone, but, my boy suppose
you go to Colorado. What your pans9'
"Frankly, have definite ones, father. You know
have standing invitation from Ernest Horton visit
him at Silverton, to which point would probably go
from Pueblo. I anxious see some of the famous
Rockies It seems to that who has lived all his
life in fat prairie country might be inspired by the
sight OF those mighty peaks out there - E,--7.--
''But $50 won It last you very long, Paul What will
you 90 when your money is gonef am sorry to say
can't spare any just now.'' -. fse&..- - e.
"Don't you worry about that, dad,'' returned Paul
ahectlonately When last cent is spent may take
notion to turn tramp and keep walking until strike
salt water But just rest easy I'm sure can take care
of myself, III keep you all posted SO that you may
know am safe and in the land Of the living. Only give
me your permission to 60 and help me win mothers
the Adams street viaduct which they, then
passing and laid his hand caressngy the elder
shoulder :" You know what Mr. Wilder's views are,
he continued, by way of clincher, Hand wouldn It
urge it myself if didn't feel certain it was good
thing - =.~s...,.-' 49,. H. "... F.. 1E&5 S&
Five minutes and they had reached the general
offices of the railroad company As Paul turned to
trace his steps his father called from stairway
think it over my son; I'm half inclined to let you 90,
but l must consult with your mother''
Mrs Travers was decidedly to the project at
first, but after long discussion that night with her
husband, during which he told forcibe truths
gardng his early life and it's isolation mother
yielded and reluctantly gave her consent When Paul
outlined his plans and limited of possible extension Of
his Colorado trip to points far beyond both his mother
and the girls thought he was merely joking and Edith
slender purse Paul carried None of them could
believe he really in earnest. --'-..s :
In ms way Paul was something of fatalist, and was
willing to be guided to great extent by
He determined to travel and had planned any
honest work however humble rough in order to
ceed in his object. Hard knocks and buetngs he
Pected to encounter but if he could have forseen
of his later experiences his enthusiasm might have
Two days before the time set starting out what
Madge facetiously termed her brother grand tower
Paul made farewell call his father friend at the
IT have come to say good-by, Nh. Wilder" he said,
around little before joining the Mercury staff.
The editor leaned back in his chair until the springs
groaned. Bless my soul, boy, you surely are not in
earnest dreamed your parents would give their
consent Which way do you CO. and when do you starte
II going to Colorado first and expect leave
Thursday answered Paul IT to see something
Of the mountainous country and will put in month
two at the silver mines; what my route will Be after
that have not determined only know that intend
to keep face to the west and hope that have
to turn my tracks strike Chicago again. =
The Ts n sSd long ,9d h hs ell
expect Cts, such & trip will II lno cost youi"
But mean to make it, tho, live, added the
lad earnestly, noticing the look Of increduliy Mr.
tTell you what I'll do, Paul. said the editor ban
teringly ON give you six weeks to get back three
meals day and clean bed You IL do well you stand
out in that country when your money is exhausted "
This light estimation of his powers nettled Paul,
Mr.. Wilder had purposely intended and his tone was
trae brusque he retorted |Oh no. sir, guess not
and certain you will not back here in less
than year. for will surely 60 clear around the world
But that ism all; hope to get back with money
than have now, if possible. - .. -. J. :.
Paul far from being boaster, and the quiet,
earnest in which he said this to carry
conviction to the quzzical editor, who Immediately
claimed: "Ah Paul. forgive my skepticism haven't
the slightest doubt of your ultimate
that position shall be ready for you on the
Mercury staff for your courage and enterprise
when you return Meanwhile, if you to send in
any letters descriptive of travels will only
publish them but pay you good price if they prove
interesting.
DO you know my boy ne continued, - really am
proud of your spirited resolution, and only wish
twenty years younger that could offer myself
travelling companion But dom forget Paul that wher
you in what company you thrown you have
good to cherish and mother whose heart would
be broken if her boy went wrong. Another thing DON'T