Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-10-12
The Argus Daily Short Story
WHAT HE DID WITH HIMSELF BY ELLIOT WALKER.
Copyrighted
Copyrighted, 1908 by Associated Literary Press

! Forrest surveyed the luxurious fur
nishiugs Of his apartment with q scowl
and n weary sigh.
what shall I do with myself to-
day." he said aloud. Money to burn,
and I'm sick of all it seems to bring a
fellow. Oh, it was great in the begin
ming to be taken up, petted. showered
with invitations, made much of by the
society crowd. There's Carl Forrest
His uncle left him n big pile Ring
him in. l declare. I'd like TO play poor
for awhlle--old clothes and stick, a
wanderer among simple folk. just 10
find some one who would care for me
for myself alone. Why not?'
He laughed thoughtfully, repeating
I"Why not:" as his steps took him near
a closet.
Il guess few of my ancient buds
We're packed in that old trunk he said
and opened the door to fall upon his
knees and eagerly to claw over heap
of worn garments not thought of for
five years.
His fingers dwelt affectionately on Il
wrinkled suit. on shabby cap. Il had
good times in these" he uttered. enc
harm TO see how I used to look. Put
'em on, Carl, and feel easy"
His handsome eyes lighted as he at
tired his tall. graceful figure in tht
castoff apparel. "Reminiscences was il
him. Inspiration seized him. ''Clothe:
make the man." he smiled. Gracious
I feel like kid going a-ishing"
An hour later Carl was merrill!
tramping along a rural highway. ThC
sun shone for him, the birds warbleti
the rills sparkled. the leaves rustled
| the breezes fanned-all for him in hi
disappearing. He whistled, he sang
prodding the dust with stick cut in
| thicket.
In the old clothes the mans limb
| swung easily. Little cared he for tn
stains of grass and earth when h,
drank from wayside springs and rollet
| boylike among the ferns.
Time slipped by as on he strolled
| exploring attractive spots. The SUI
| grew hot. 1t must be after noon
Suddenly he became aware of shar,
desire to eat Now for o house Woul,
they set Il dog on him?
| The girl answering his knock a
the back foor OF the farmhouse stare,
at the youag man with an amused
happy face. Her gaze wandered owe
his poor attire and dwclt upon BIZ
hands
II Then he looked full in the twinklin:
eyes, admiring her fresh. youthful
beauty with no trace of impertinence
"A deep blush further crimsoned he
round cheeks. He also began to shov
traces of embarrassment. Carl saw
that woman's instinct was penetrating
his disguise.
I'm not exactly a tramp" he said
biting his lip, "but I'm hungry. 1 cal
lipay."
II I'VE don't feed tramps," came he
Iireply. "My father doesn't allow i,
And we don't take money from a poo
man who is out of luck and asks TO
IA bite. There are many such who ar
ilot SCt sOu
suppose
Forrest smiled, interrupting the low
musical voice.
That's it, young lady. I'm ava
out of luckA Lately I haven't know
, lwhat to do
: The girl eyed him sympathetically.
II Il know" she returned. Times al
hard. At what DO you work whe
busy?'
Forrest glanced at his worn shoe
Surely this little country maiden use
good language. He racked his brai
for an answer Somehow he wante
her good opinion.
T-Fve been companion" he r,
piled slowly. live Travelled wit
other people 1t hasn't been much {
ia success. l don't seem to strike Il
right ones''
"Oh. yes. Such an occupation mu,
be full of exactions, particularly for
"a gentleman. But I'm forgettir
lyour lunch. Isaw you weren't in tt
manual labor class. Will you come
or sit here?''