Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1909-05-06
WHAT HE DID WITH HIMSELF

day.? he said aloud. Money to burn.
and I'm sick of all it seems to bring
fellow. Oh, it was great in the oe-
ginning to be taken UP, petted, show
cred with invitations. made much OF
| by the society crowd! There's Carl
Forrest. His uncle left him big pile.
Ring him in. | declare, I'd like 20
play por for while-oId clothes and
stick-a wanderer among simple
| folk, just to find some one who would
care for me for myself alone. Why
not?"
He laughed thoughtfully, repeating
why not?" as his steps took him
near closet.
II guess a few of my ancient buds
| were packed in that old trunk" he
said, and opened the door to fall upon
| his knees and eagerly to claw over a
heap of worn garments, not thought
of for five years.
His fingers dwelt affectionately on
wrinkled suit; on shabby
cap. Il had god times in these" he
| uttered to look Put 'em on, Carl, and
| feeel easy"
| An hour later Carl was merrily
| tramping along rural highway The
sun shone for him the birds warbled.
| the rills sparkIed the leaves rustled.
| the breezes fanned-all for him in his
masquerading. He whistled, he sang,
prodding the dust with a stick cut in
| thicket.
In the old clothes the mans limbs
swung easily Little cared he for the
stains of grass and earth when he
drank from wayside springs and roll
ed. boylike, among the ferns.
Time slipped by as on he strolled,
| exploring attractive spots The sun
grew hot 1t must be after noon. Sud
| denly he became aware of sharp de-
sire to eat Now for a house. Would
| they set dog on him?
The girl answering his knock at the
| back door of the farm house stared at
the young man with the amused
| happy face Her gaze wandered over
his poor attire and dwelt upon his
| hands
Then he loked full in the twinkling
| eyes admiring her fresh, youthful
| beauty with no trace of impertinence.
| A deep blush further crimsoned her
round cheeks He, also, began to show
| traces of embarrassment. Carl saw
| that woman's instinct was penetrating
his disguise.
I'm not exactly tramp" he said,
biting his lip, "but I'm hungry. | can
pay
eve don't feed tramps," came her
| reply. my father doesn't allow it..
| And we don't take money from d poor
man who is out of luck and asks for
a bite. There are many such who are
not tramps I'll get you something, |
suppose"
Forrest smiled, interrupting the low,
musical voice.
That's it, young lady. I'm away
out of luck. Lately l haven't known
what to do"
The girl eyed him sympathetically.
81 know" she returned. Times are
hard. At what do you work when
| busy?"
Forrest glanced at his worn shoes.
| Surely this little country maiden used
good language He racked his brain
for an answer. Somehow, he wanted
her good opinion.
1--we been a companion" he re-
| nlied, slowly. 1--WE Travelled with
| other people. It hasn't been much CT
a success. l don't seem to strike the
| right ones"
ooh, yes. Such an occupation must
be full of exactions, particularly for d
"a gentleman. But, I'm forgetting
your lunch. saw you weren't In the
manual labor class. Will you come IN
or sit here?'
eff YOU don't mind, I'll eat under
that apple tree. It's shady there and
the air is fine. I can get enough
of it,
"All right She disappeared and
Carl betook himself to the nearby
| tree.
BLESS my SOUL" he thought, stretch
inc comfortably. 81 need air. My lit
| tle hostess in calico beats the whole
bunch of frills and gossip So sensi-
bile. so innocent, and as sweet as
dew kissed rosebud. Thinks I'm a
gentleman. Ell? Well, Pm glad
washed my face and hands at that
brook. I'll try to see more of her.
| Into the kitchen Hilda Brentwood
| hurried.
Going out to Forrest she made
picture. The man closed his eyes TOT
a moment It would deepen the i'm
nression. A thrill stirred his pulses
when she seated herself, her eyes
| bright with quiet excitement and an
| ticipation.
Yes. Carl could talk and eat at the
same time. Oh, yes, Rome, Paris, Lon
don the Yellowstone-he was familiar
with them. Was Miss - Ell? an :
| brentwood thanks-in HIS
name was Forrest. Well, now at Ma
ples two years ago
The girl sat entranced, olasping her
hands, drinking in every word as ne
talked. The man lost himself in the
telling, almost forgetting to eat rms
was worth while, When had ne en-
loved such a listener?
Finally he rose. Hilda's eyes held
him. They were dreamy and sweet
Her Fps parted like child's.
"My! she uttered, Il should love
to be a companion
Carl steadied his voice, laughing
slightly.
"You have done me a world OF
good" he said 81 thank you for ev.
ervthing. Money I can't offer. II
would seem as an insult But | have
/ 4;ao. ~;oIyad nm abroad These