Los Angeles herald., 1908-10-12
HOBO PLACED IN
TRYING POSITION
HEARTLESS OFFICERS GIVE
HIM CRUEL CHOICE
MUST EITHER 60 TO JAIL OR
Battle IN RIVER
Latter Alternative is Accepted After
Considerable Hesitation and Pris-
oner ls Allowed to Go His
Regenerated Way

"Come on now, peel off those duds.
II you don't hurry We will take you to
JAIL" The foregoing remarks addressed
to ragged, dirty all unkempt appear
ing nobo oy detectives detailed to clear
tho river bottom OF undesirables
brought lock of dismsy to the coun-
tenance OF the broke beam knight.
He looked for an avenue of escape,
but finding none, reluctantly began 10
take off his soiled clothes. The dis
con.tited tramp was in Il dilemma, He
has just craN led from behind small
pile of gravel where ne bad been sleep
ing, and had been seer by the officers.
A single glance was enough to con-
virce the disciples OF Sherlock Holmes
that the man was of the class they
wanted He was the lone representa-
rive of The tomato can brigade, the
forerunner Of the horde that swoops
down on Southern California during
the winter months.
The officers thought a severe ex-
ample on this advance scout would
have a good effect tn the other mem
bers of the profession. Focusing his
gaze upon the distant hills Detective
Ingram concentrated his thoughts and
plar to Carroll. The latter smiled and
nodded his Eead apprcvingly.
I'VE will give YOU chance. SAID
Ingram to the now frightened tramp.
You will come along with us and risk
the possibility of being sentenced to
six months in the city jail, or you must
pull off your clothes and take a much
needed bath. We will allow you two
minutes In which to decide which
course you wish to take. Get busy"
On the Horns of Dilemma
The hobo was too shocked for words.
rIs opened his mouth as s. to reply, but
the awful proposition was too much
for him and he only could gasp. Then
he began TO think OF appeared to be
Thinking Reaching iii his trousers
pocket he brought out small mirror.
He surveyed his swarthy features,
from which coal dust could be scraped,
and sighed. He replaced the glass and
looked at the officers. He saw they
r. could not remember how long 1t
was since water had touched his per-
son, and he was not d6sirous OF maxi
ing any eriments.
"Iou see have no conveniences
here" he began in hesitating way
"I left me military brushes, me otter
of rose soap and me bat towel In me
grip, and 1t Is at me hotel"
He was cut shor1 and told to decide
at >,nce. "Its either good bath or the
Jail fo- YOURS"
The much dreaded bath was decided
to be the lesser of the two evils, and he
said he woulo enter the water.
''gl.all ] jump in with all me clothes
on or shall take EN- OFF," he asked.
He was told better effect could be
had by his appearing as nature man.
He was slow in removing his garments
and 1t WIS necessary tc urge him on.
The soiled hat was carefully removed
and placed on the ground, and so on
until he took OH his footwear. The
officers stepped back several yards. 1t
was unnecessary to remove the hose.
They simply fell OF. Then the hobo
waded into the water and started to
come out after wetting his ankles. He
was urged to try again. Finally he
YVES made to sit down, roll over. and,
after much persuasion. to wash his
faca and wet his head.
He emerged shive.ing like a wet dog.
He hurr.edly donned mis- clothes and
when he had tied his shoes asked If he
&C uld 60. Ingram replied in the af-
fi7jcative and the luckless tramp made
a grail for his hat. The last the officers
saw of him he was rounding trail,
running as IL life depended on 1t.
Tie officers have another plan which
they refuse to divulge. They say they
will try 1t on the next hobo they cap
tUre.