The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1906-09-22
Joe worked hard all that day to I'm

| ISL tnuI hlll-uSIu, ud uTkCu MS lcduA
to their utmost limit: he tramped miles
as he made the Journeys across and
across the field, and when he had I'm
ished the sun had set and the day was
gone: In the gathering gloom he trudg-
ed home weary, dissatisfied and hun
cry, and as he put away the team he
said half aloud:
I'm done with this slavish life after
to-day"
"You are late, joe and you look
tired" said his mother, "eat your sup
per, for you must be hungry"
II am tired and hungry" said joe
land this life is 80 slavish."
Its hard, and father was saying he
would not know how to run the farm
II you were not 50 strong and willing,
doing the work Of the best man he ever
had. You are good boy, Joe, and
father appreciates it very much"
Joe WINGED somewhat at this open ex-
preston of appreciation. blushed and
said:
II know father with his lame back
can't do much, but I'm
. A knock on the side Of the house at
the open door interrupted him, and he
turned and saw a ragged tramp out
lined in the doorway.
Gould you help Teller to some
thing to eat, and let me sleep some
whereT' asked voice in the conf
dence Of one accustomed to begging his
way.
Certainly quickly replied Mrs.
Clinton. Thank God. we always have
enough for ourselves, and some to spare
for others Come In"
} The tramp, not very old, but with all
the marks of wanderer upon him,
boldly entered and took the place Mrs.
Clinton set for him, and ate his sup
per. II appreciation Of the merits Of
cook, and confidence in the hospital
ity Of the host, are in proportion to the
amount one eats then the tramp fully
demonstrated both, for he ate an aston
ishing amount Of everything offered.
Joe finished his meal In silence. He
did not again refer to his hard life, and
when the tramp had eaten all he could
hold Joe took him to the barn and
gave him a bed in the harness room.
Thank you, young feller," said the
tramp as Joe left him. your mothers
a dandy cook, and she don't stop offer,
In till feller's as full as a tick. You're
in clover, here"
Think SOP" was Joe's non-commit-
tai reply as he closed the door and
went to the house.
Joe went directly to his room, quick.
ly packed his clothes, and then went
| down the back way and carried them
to the barn. Long before day, after q
sleepless night, he was up and quietly
slipped out of the house for his clothes
| AS he was leaving the tramp said:
Where are you goin', young fel
ler?'
That's my business" replied Joe
ungracfously.
Look here, boy" and the tramp's
voice was tender, lets sit down a min
ute and talk this over" and he drew
Joe into the harness-room. And some
how Joe told him all.
: II thought SO, for l saw you brins
, that bundle here last night and knew
) by your actions what 1t meant Dom,
do 1t, sonny; stick to your parents 9
l little while longer" advised the tramp
II ran away once, did just as you arr
doing now; went to sea in the navy
l. was gone three years, and when 1 20
: back my mother was dead and the HON,
= broken up, and haven't had a HON,
e since. Don't 60 for a month, anyhow
:, not till you hear from your friend
r Promise"
r Somehow Joe promised, and wen
: back to his room. and when he went Il
the barn to look after the stock tn,
tramp was gone.
The very next Saturday night [
q week. Will came back and hurried t,
find Joe.
Don't 80, Joe, the city isn't wha
y those fellows said 1t was-at least
u didn't find 1t so. had little bacl
room where could scarcely breathe
= worked from till 9 In q dark shop 70
. 81 a week, and 1t took more than tina
. for my board and washing. Got tn
poorest kind Of eating, not as good a
y we give to tramps, and-and-I got 8
y homesick for mothers pies and dough
70 nuts that couldn't stand it. SO
came right home, and I'm going to stay
= too, for l found out that nobody care
u as much for fellow as his own folks.
I'm going to stay, WILL" answere
Joe.
. No one but Will and the tramp an
God knew how near Joe came to run
= ming away, and he and God know b
Advocate