Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1909-02-05
THE BADGE OF
POLKlnAN OROON
BY o. HENRY.

RISKY process, TINS love at first sight
before she has seen him in Bradstreei
or he has seen her in curl papers. But
these things do happen. and one In.
stance must form theme for this sto-
ry, though not thank heaven to the
oyershadowing Of more vital and i'm
portant subjects, such as drink, po-
licemen, horses and earldoms.
During certain war a troop calling
itself the Gentle Riders rode into his
tory and one or two ambuscades. The
Gentle Riders were recruited from the
aristocracy OF the wild men of the
west and the wild men of the arts
tocracy of the east In Khaki there is
little telling them one from another.
so they became good friends and COM
rades all around.
Ellsworth Remsen, whose Old Knick-
erbocker descent atoned for his modest
rating at only ten millions, ate his can
ned beef gayly by the campfires Of the
Gentle Riders. The war was a great
lark to him, so that he scarcely regret
ted polo and planked shad.
One of the troopers was a well set
up, affable, cool young man who called
himself O'Roon. To this young man
Remsen took an especial liking The
two rode side by side during the fa-
nous mooted uphill charge that was
disputed so holly at the time by the
Spaniards and afterward by the Demo
Gratis
After the war Remsen came back to
his polo and shad. One day a well
set up, affable, cool young man dis
turbed him at his club. and he and
O'Roon were soon pounding each other
and exchanging opprobious epithets
after the manner of long lost friends.
O'Roon looked seedy and out of luck
and perfectly contented. But it seem
ed that his content was only apparent.
Get me a job. Remsen," he said.
1--WE just handed a barber my last
shilling"
mo trouble at ALL" said Remsen.
and stores and things downtown. Any
particular line you fancy?"
YES" said O'Roon. with a look of
interest 81 took a walk in your Cen
trail park this morning. I'd like to be
one of those boobies on horseback.
That would be about the ticket. Be-
sides. it's the only thing could do. |
can ride a little. and the fresh air suits
me. Think you could land that for
me?'
Remsen was sure that he could. and
in very short time he did. And they
who were not above looking at mount
ed policemen might have seen well
set up. affable. cool young man on
prancing chestnut steed attending to
his duties along the driveways of the
park
And now, at the extreme risk of wea-
rying old gentlemen who carry leather
fob chains and elderly ladies who-but.
no; grandmother herself yet thrills at
foolish. immortal Romeo-there must
be a hint of love at first sight.
1t came just as Remsen was strolling
into Fifth avenue from his club a few
doors away.
A motor car was creeping along foot (
by foot impeded by a freshet of vehi- |
cles that filed the street. In the car |
were a chauffeur and an old gentleman /
with snowy side whiskers and a Scotch [
plaid cap which could not be worn
while automobiling except by a per
Not even Il wine agent would 4
dare do it. But these two were OF no
consequence except perhaps for the
guiding of the machine and the paying
for it. At the old gentleman's side sat
a young lady more beautiful than
blossoms. more exquisite
than the first quarter moon viewed at
twilight through the tops of oleanders.
Remsen saw her and knew his fate.
He could have flung himself under
he very wheels that conveyed her. but
he knew that would be the last means
If attracting the attention of those
who ride in motor cars. Slowly the
luto passed and. if we place the poets
lbove the autoists. carried the heart of
2emsen with it. Here was a large city
# millions and many women who at a
certain distance appear TO resemble
blossoms. Yet be hoped
o see her again. for each one fancies
hat his romance has its own tutelary
guardian and divinity.
Luckily for Remsen's peace of mind,
here came a diversion in the guise of
reunion of the Gentle Riders of the
ity. There were not many of them.
erhaps a score, and there were wassail ,
nd things to eat and speeches, and
he Spaniard was bearded again in {
And when daylight !
threatened them the survivors prepared ]
D depart. But some remained upon
he battlefield. One of these was {
ROPER O'Roon. who was not seasoned 7
, potent liquids. His legs declined to
nlfill the obligations they had sworn e
!, the police department. /
I'm stewed, Remsen." said O'Roon +
, his friend. "Why do they build ho- Z
lis that go round and round like cath 4
rine wheels? They'll take away my
held and break me. | can think and +
Tx con-con-con sec-sec-secutively. but r
s-s-stammer with my feet. I've got
go on duty in three hours. The jig =.
Al fc M