Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-14

a ditch, and bandaged up the useless limb in
scarf he had in his pocket
He was eager to. get to the little office
building, being convinced that Nat would be
more comfortable there. The change was
made slowly Nat could just rest on one
foot and that was all, and Sam had to carry
him about all the way
They found the interior of the shanty litter
ed with broken glass and mud and stones;
but this Sam soon cleared up, and the bench
made passable couch for suffering Nat.
Sam went at once toward the city. When
ne returned, he brought hammer, some nails,
food and bottle of liniment that druggist
had given him, after he had explained Mats
condition as well as he could.
The liniment, Nat said took away the pain
like magic; but Sam decided, secretly as he
noticed that the limb was very much swollen
that he would try and get surgeon to see
Nat as soon as he could.
Sam questioned Nat curiously as to his his
tory and his plans. Nat did not say much
purpose; and when Sam suggested that they
cast in their fortunes together Nat answered
that he wanted time to think of it.
Reflection soon decided him. His condition
was more hopeful than it was the evening pre-
vious, but he felt sure that it would be sew
eral weeks before he could use the injured
limb with old-time agility.
While ne was cripple it would be folly to
think OF trying to reach Savannah. 10 Morris
would doubtless get there. He had done all
he could. The circus was vanished dream.
kind fate had sent a sympathetic friend in
his way.
''Tll stick to Sam, if he'll let me-" decided
Nat. won't worry any more about Savan-
right I'm sure. l must think of myself just
now; and here's shelter and chance to
earn enough to eat. Oh. if my leg would only
get well!'
Sam worked far into the afternoon. So far
as he alone was concerned, he was satisfied.
10 his way of thinking, the securing of free
and comfortable shelter was splendid start
in a new career of youthful ambition:
II he could get work in the city, he asked
nothing better than to make his headquarters
here.
Besides the stranger had vaguely hinted at
other work besides the repairing of the signs.
By. four o'clock every sign was mended and
put in place.
ball, but, seeing Sam at work, they did not
trespass on the land, and played their games
on lot near by.
Sam mended the broken lock of the shanty
door, and boarded up one of the broken win
dows.
He was bathing Mats leg, about five o'clock,
when form darkened the doorway.
"Ah!" cried his acquaintance of the morn
ing, cheerily. "Settled in your new home. L
see. Really, you are boy worth having, for
you've fixed those signs exactly to my liking.
I've had talk with my partner, and = oh,
this is the invalid, .eh? Why. his leg is brok-
en-, or badly 5. !spggained. You'd better see
"Its much better this afternoon" said Nat,
family.
''Well, it don't do to let such things rum
replied the man. 'Now, my young friends,
I'd like to make you a proposition
Were ready for it, sir" responded Sam,
Every well. I've talked with my partner,
Mr.; Dean-Vesay 4 Dean, our firm, you know,
real estate. We want this shanty mended
.x~I L. n411
up generally, provided you'll agree to stay
here until the buying rush comes. You boys
are to live here rent free, and keep intruders
off the ground. There's the tree guards to
set out to prune, and the sidewalks and fences
10 mend"
They're nearly all carted away
'We'll furnish new lumber and what mate
rial is needed" said Mr.. Vesay. "We want
to sidewalk two whole blocks, and set out
some more trees. You two boys ought to be
able to do the work. Don't you think so?"
Sam assented promptly. Nat looked little
glum. He had not got over realizing his help
lessness yet.
when that's done we shall advertise some
That will send customers here. We expect
one of you to be here all the time not only
to guard the property and keep boys, away,
plots and tell you all about prices Whenever
a man acts as if he'd like to buy, you are to
send or bring him to the office. That all
looks easy, don't it"
,"SOh, if 1 could only get well enough to
help!' remarked Nat.
you'll be around soon," said Mr. Vesay,
encouragingly. There's the prospect, boys.
As pay, we will give you the office rent free;
you can get other work if you like, and work
here evenings and at odd times. I'll advance
you ten dollars, pay you ten dollars a month
cash, and when the work is done will deed to
any one you say, for your benefit, one of the
lots on the inside streets free and clear, and
valued now at three hundred and fifty dol
lars"
Sam Taylor's eyes sparkled, as delighted az
if the man had laid fortune at their feet.
Nat Davis moved restively, and thought of
the infinite happiness that lay in a rowing
circus experience, of the accident that had
shut out participation in it, and then of the
prospect Of food and shelter.