West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1908-07-09
THE BADGE OF
POLICEMAN 0ROON
By .. HENRY.

other for the first time and he
come instantly enamorel. II isa
risky process, this love mt first sight.
before she has seen him In Bradstrcet
or ne has seen her I'm curl papers But
these things do happen. and one In
stance must form theme for this sto-
~. though not, thank heaven. TO the
overshadowing OF more vital aud I'm
portant subjects, such as drink. po-
hcemen. horses and earldoms
During certain war troop calling
Itself the Gentle Riders rode into his
tory and one or two ambuscades. The
Gentle Riders We're recruited from the
nristocracy OF the wild men OF the
west aud the wild men of the arls-
tocracy OF the east. In khaki there is
little telling them one from another.
so they became good friends and com
rades all around
Ellsworth Remsen, whose old Kpick-
erbocker descent atoned for his modest
rating at only ten millions, ate his can
ned beef gayly by the campfres of the
Gentle Riders. The war was a great
lark TO him, so that he scarcely regret
ted polo and planked shad.
One of the troopers was n well set
up, affable, cool young man who called
himself O'Roon. To this young man
Remsen took an especial liking. The
two rode side by side during the IA
nous mooted uphill charge that was
disputed so hotly at the time 10y the
Spaniards and afterward by the Demo
Gratis.
After the war Remsen came back TO
a
set up, affable, cool young man dis
turbed him at his club. and he and
O'Roon were soon pounding each other
and exchanging opprobious cplthets
after the manner of long lost friends.
O'Roon looked seedy and out OF luck
and perfectly contented. But IL SEEM
ed that his content was only apparent
Get me a job, Remsen," he said.
"I've Just handed n barber my last
shilling"
mo trouble at ALL" said Remsen
Il know a lot OF men who have banks
and stores and things downtown. Any
particular line you fancy?"
YES" said O'Roon. with look OF
interest. II took n walk In your Cen
tral park this morning. I'd like to be
one OF those boobies on horseback.
That would be about the ticket. Be
sides. It's the only thing / could do. /
can ride little, and the fresh air suits
me. Think you could land that for
mep
Remsen was sure that he could, and
In very short time he did. And they
who were not above looking at mount
ed policemen might have seen a well
set up, affable, cool young man on
prancing chestnut steed attending TO
his duties along the driveways of the
park.
And now, at the extreme risk OF wea-
rying old gentlemen who carry leather
fob chains and elderly ladies' who-but
no; grandmother herself yet thrills at
foolish. immortal Romeo-there must
be hint of love at first sight.
1t came just as Remsen was strolling
into Fifth avenue from his club n few
doors away.
A motor car was creeping along foot
by foot. impeded by Il freshet OF vchi
cles that filed the street. In the car
were chauffeur and an old gentleman
with snowy side whiskers and n Scotch
plaid cap which could not be worn
while automobiling except by per
sonage. Not even wine agent would
dare do II. But these two were OF no
consequence except perhaps for the
guiding OF the machine and the paying
for 1t. At the old gentleman's side sat
young lady more beautiful than
pomegranate blossoms. more exquisite
than the first quarter moon viewed at
twilight through the tops of oleanders.
Remsen saw her and knew his fate.
He could have flung himself under
the very wheels that conveyed her. but
he knew that would be the last means
of attracting the attention OF those
who ride I'm motor cars Slowly the
auto passed and. IL we place tile poets
above the autoists. carried the heart OF
R9nsen with IL. Here was large city
okfstllions and many women who at q
certain distance appear TO resemble
pomegranate blossoms. Yet he hoped
to see her again, for each one fancies
that his romance has its own tutelary
guardian and divinity.
Luckily for Remsens peace OF mind.
there came n diversion I'm the guise OF
reunion of the Gentle Riders of the
city. There were not many OF them.
perhaps a score, and there were wassail
the Spaniard was bearded again I'm
recapitulation. And when daylight
threatened them the survivors prepared
TO depart But some remained upon
the battlefield. One OF these was
Trooper o'Roon, who was not seasoned
to potent liquids. His legs declined to
fulfill the obligations they had sworn
70 the police department
I'm stewed, Remsen," said O'Roon
to his friend. "Why do they build no
tells that go round and round like cath.
crime wheels7 They'll take away my
shield and break me. I can think and
talk con-con- consec- ec-secutively. but
I s-s-stammer with my feet I've got
TO go on dirty I'm three hours The jlg
Is up. Remsen; the Jig IS up. tell
you"
Look at me-" said Remsen, who was
bis smiling self, pointing to his own
face. Whom do you see hereT"
GOO felloww said O'Roon dizzily.
Goo old Remsen"
mot So" said Remsen. "You see
Mounted Policeman O'Roon Look at
your face. No; you can't do that with
out q glass, but look at mlno and
think OF yours. How much alike arc
we7 As two French table d'hote din
ners. With your badge. ON your horse.
In your uniform, will I charm nurse
maids ond prevent the grass from
growing under peoples feet I'm the
park this day. / viii save your badge
and your honor, besides having the
johiest lark I've been blessed with
since we licked Spain"
Promptly on time the counterfeit