The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

ginger c0OkleS, cOOklnS Oullt, nldlcHsS, were all on Williams back.
 They dropped down on some barrels lying along the cafe wall. The apathy of despair settled upon them.
 But presently Private Bill had what he considered an inspiration. Let's so into the hotel, n tell 'em we ain't got nothin' to eat, m ask em fer some thin" he suggested brightly.
 The captain turned, startled. You dare, n I'll put it all over you" he hlssed wrathfully. Want to get us in the cooler, huh? N' I guess we ain't no hoboes, neith her-a-b -beggin'!'
 By this time Private Bill was quak- ing with something besides fear. The night was chilly, his trousers were soaked from his baptism in the creek.
 "Tll have pneuSaony sure's I'm a. livin," he shivered
 Have what?"
 "Pneumony. It comes from microbes. You get 'em when you're wet. I'll just have to change my pants" he declared.
 This unrea condolences greatly irri- tp ted the Aid de Camp-whose maimed shoulder was still stiff and sore. "Weii, change em, why don't you?" he in- quired sarcastically.
 This crushed the Private to speech : lessness for quite a space; but pres ently, Seems to me if we're goin' to he desp' radoes we ought to begin right now when we need it." he opined "Fhere's some bananas out there We could reach just as easy"
 What ais you?" demanded the Cap tain. exasperated. What you take Us fsr-thiefs?"
 Well" returned Private Bill resent fully, Six Shooter Sams-
 You make me sick interrupted the Captain disgustedly; that's diffrunt."
 Above one barrel was a window n the cafe. A narrow space of light shone from under its curtain. The Ca D. tain climbed up on the barrel and ven tured to peer within. The Aid de Camp did likewise There was no ore inside but the proprietor, who sat reading.
 q 'xpect he would give us some thin if we'd ask" the Captain finally remarked to the Aid de Camp with the manner of one who advances a casual comment, inoncent of any ul- terior motive. He don't look stingy. "I 'xpect he would the Aid de Camp encouraged
 But neither acted upon the supposi- tion. They wanted to, but somethin stayed them. Who has not at some time been hampered by the respecta- : bility of his ancevtors? The Capta Il knew what his hero would have done. He pictured the waiting steed outside the door the hero at one of the tables. six sh ooter in hand, while the terror stricken waiter laid before him tl e most tempting viands the caravansary afforded. He was lost in enjoyment of this, when suddenly he gripped the window sill and gazed transfixed at something within. Down between tn Q tables went Private Bill. He had given hs preoccupied companions the slip. His cap was pulled down over his eyes. He shuffled up to the counter. He be- gan to speak-in the jerky fashion ol one who has committed speech and nastens to declaim it before it forsakes him. He was q Junior Endeavoror, put this is what he said:
 Pm from Kansas City. My folks is dead. I'm on my way to Guthrie. I'd like something to eat.'
 The man stared Starting out pretty young. ain't you?'
 Yes, sir" agreed Private Bill.
 "Who you going to ,see at Guthrie?'
 Private Bills eyes bulged. He had not prepared for this 'My-my paw he answered faintly.
 The man had taken up a tray. He paused with 1t uplifted. Thought you said he was dead.'
 Private Bills orbs bulged further. He looked wildly about. "N-no. maw, she's dead" then, with a flash of inspiration. Tn paws mother. she's dead''-he gained confidence as he proceeded-"'n' maw' s mother she's dead, too. We're all dead but me n paw" he finished cheerfully
 "Oh, Who've you been staying with in K. C.?'
 Who indeed! Verify, the path of the liar is honeycomber with pitfalls!
 ''My-my gran'maw.'
 The man was arranging something on the tray He paused again. Thought your granma was dead-both of 'em?''
 Private Bill paled. He rolled his eyes weakly. He rolled them again. He gulped.
 By some mercifu providence his inter- locutor misinterpreted these demonstra- tons of emotion. oh he asked kindly. ''the gran'ma you've been staying with is just dead, is she, and you're going to you pa? He must be a rum one,' he re- marked sotto voce.
 'Yes, yes, that's it." eagerly assented Private Bill, she's just dead, she's just dead"
 The man came out with the tray on which were a sandwich, two pickled eggs. a plate of beans and a fat piece of pie. He pulled out chair at one of the tables. He motioned Private Bill into it axd set