The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1908-07-16

i'm my medal as I'd fought so ard to
gain. E said If e 'ad medal like
that e could earn a living for ITSELF
easier than selling wrinkles. But l said
no. I'd sooner part with life itself.
When e found as e couldn't get it
by fair means, e tried others; for e
were a man as'd stick at nothing. E
put a drop o summat in my drink one
night, and when | woke the medal
was gone and e was gone, and | was
left penniess and destitute"
He drew his sleeve across his eyes to
wipe away the tears of honest emotion.
This" said Mrs. Alvin, with kind.
ling eyes, rs a very strange story. my
man."
Mr.. Cadgitt felt himself that it did
him credit: but he only murmured a
platitude about truth and fiction.
And wot drives me mad is this,
num-" he said. Il could stand being
penniless. / could stand restitution
But when | think of that man as is
somewhere about with my medal i'm
posing on the charity of kind 'eartec
folk. it fair drives me crazy
The old lady drew herself up.
Come with me- she said. "Thi
must be seen to-"
You don't mean to say as you know
him." said Mr.. Cadgitt, with every evi
dence of surprise. You don't mean t,
say as it's ere as 'e's been imposing OF
people,"
HE is certainly here" said Mrs. Al
win. firmly.
well. now, to think of that" sai,
Mr.. Cadgitt. III 90 with you, mum
and expose i'm. Mind you, though,
don't do to let i'm ave too much of
say. II were very persuasive mai
when | knew i'm and 'ad read tina
many books about the Crimea that ;,
knew more about it than us that wa.
there. Don't you let i'm say word, oil
ell persuade you of anything"
II shall inquire into the matter witt
strict impartiality." said Mrs. Alvin
severely.
That's right. num-" said Mr.. Cad
gift, cocealing his disappointment as
best he might. mo man could ash
more than that. You be strictly impair
tial and shut i'm up the moment Z
opens is mouth"
He turned and followed her to the
cottage The veteran in the chair
noted their approach. His heart fail
ed him; and. feeling that perhaps hall
loaf was better than no bread, he
made rapid change in his plan OF
campaign. Summoning smile OF
pleasure and establishment, he held
out his hand TO Mr.. Cadgitt.
Why" he exclaimed, If 1t ain't
my old pal, Henry Cadgitt. wot fought
alongside of me in the Crimea."
Mr.. Cadgitt was so taken aback thai
he responded.
Why" he exclaimed, incautiously
charmed at this apparent solution OF
the difficulty IF it amt Sam Snidel
as was wounded by the Trenches a
the battle of Inkerman."
They shook hands with simulated en-
thusiasm. Into their rejoicings the
voice of Mrs. Alvin broke acidly.
"He said" she remarked, indicating
Mr.. Cadgitt, but addressing Snider
that at the time of the Crimea you
were selling shell-fsh in London"
IL
Jerking away his hand as though ht
had been stung. 1T were i'm that wer,
selling wrinkles"
But you said just now" she retort
ed. that lie fought alongside you
Had Sam been the least bit readie
the catastrophe might have been avert
ed. But for the moment his fluency
deserted him; and that moment was ;
understanding one, in which trutl
appeared so markedly that both the vet
Grams blushed and were silent. N'hel
Mrs. Alvin spoke again there WAS /;
new note in her voice.
II see," she said, slowly, II hay,
been deceived. / have good mind I,
prosecute you both"
-It's very ard" said Sam, 'wher
your 'usband died in my arms"
I'm our arms" said Mr.. Cadgitt, still
hopeful of half the loaf.
She turned upon them wrathfully.
Never soil his name with your liz
again." she cried. IF either of you
is within ten miles of this place to
morrow, I'll give you in charge for en-
deavoring TO obtain money on fals'
pretenses."
She turned and left them.
Left together, Mr.. Snder told Mr.
Cadgitt his opinion OF him with wha
politicians would call mo uncertai,
voice" Mr.. Cadgitt, at a loss for yer
bal retaliation. replied by a blow OIL
the jaw. The ensuing fight was watch
| ed by one or two urchins truant from
school: and from their reports 1t wa
generally conceded in the village tina
the battle Of Inkerman itself coult