Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-23
She Hrgus Daily Short Story
Rodney and the Lady-By Frank Howe
Copyrighted, 1905 by Associated Literary Press.

Archibald Harris, better known to
his one time friends as Rodney" IN
graceful allusion to his brightly colored
thatch of hair, gazed disconsolately
into the shop window while the warm,
enticing odor of freshly baked bread
came through the grating beneath the
window
He was debating whether to buy q
loaf Of bread and make an evening
meal or to save his sole remaining dime
for bed after he should have had a
cup of coffee and thick slice of bread
on the dread line" The bread line
did not open until 1 o'clock, and Red
ney decided in favor of supper imme-
diately. He was used to sleeping in
the open, but he was unused to going
hungry.
He half turned to go inside the bak-
cry when his attention was attracted
to girl who had Joined him before
the plate glass. She was not uncomely,
In spite of certain shabbinesS, and
something seemed to stamp her as one
of the homeless. With quick sympathy
Rodney turned to her.
You hungry, too, sister?" he de-
manded.
The girl sprang back at the sound Of
his voice and made astthough to move
on, but the too was'a common bond
of sympathy, and She nodded silently.
"Ain't had nothin' since last night"
she affirmed. 1.-The landlady threw me
7
and there amt a chance in town for a
job"
"Come on in" he invited, leading the
way to the door. The girl stood silent
| while Rodney purchased a loaf Of
bread and half a dozen cakes, deposit
| ing the last dime. Then he led the
way to one of the small parks and di-
vided the loaf and the cakes with her.
Both devoured the bread ravenously,
of cake had been eaten. Then the girl
turned to her companion.
| You're all to the good" she declared
gratefully. what you goin' t do
nOw?'
"Nothin! There's nothin' to do" he
declared, with light humor. mo one
seems to want me for odd jobs. and
| there's no chance for my regular job
| in these parts"
whats that?' she demanded.
"Ridin' range" he answered, with u
laugh, "tendin' cows"
you are a cowboy" she gasped.
You a real Cowboy"
Rodney nodded his head.
Il guess that's what he assented-
you en- throw lasSo?" she de-
manded. her eyes growing bright.
Rodney nodded again.
Il en- fix you up" she declared.
Got your lassos?''
They're at the place where 1 bunk
ed last night" he assented. Il came
east to try the theaters, but the thea
ter fellows say they're all booked up.
which means that they are some few
shy of Jobs for me. I'd go back west.
but I'm busted"
"I'll show YOU" declared the girl.
you know amateur nights?"
Rodney shook his head
That's a strange brand" he said.
ats Tor the yaps," explained the
girl. ''They have 'em at all the thea
ters. If you're the biggest hit you get
$40. It's cinch if there's girl with
you. I'll let you throw the ropes nj
me. and Wen cop the COIN"
Where do they have 'em?" asked
Rodney. growing interested.
"All over" The girl made a sweep
ing gesture with her hand to indicate
the scope. They're all the go now
They have to have 'em on different
nights because there amt enough anna
tours to go around. We can play ths
lot. Come on and get your things. ant
I'll show YOU
She sprang to her feet. and Rodney
followed after. He was doubtful o.