Middletown transcript., 1909-10-09
j O
BY w. r. ROSE

being replaced and q brake rod
bent into shape. Many Of the
passengers we're taking air on
the platform. There would be
a wait Of at least half an hour.
The boy strolled about, keen.
eyed, alert, Watchful. He was a
boy Of perhaps eighteen, 9 well.
built boy, bronzed BY the sun,
tcughened by the prairies. He
had worked on ranch for two
years. Now he was going back
to Chicago.
He wasn't quite sure OF the
way he would getthere. He had
been lettering en- the platform for
two hours waiting for this train.
When it started he meant to slip
onto one Of the trucks and cling
there. He knew it would be
dangerous, and that it might
mean death il his grip relaxed.
And then there was the sitting |
alkali dust. But he had no choice
in his means of transportation
because he had no money.
He had driited out beyond the
Rockies largely through the love
of adventure. He had fallen in
with q ranchman who worked
him hard, fed him sparingly and
promised him little. And their
relationship ended when the
ranchman deserted him and left
him quite penniless
But the life had done a great
deal for the boy. He had come
out on the plains a scrawny, loose
iointed vagabond of the streets.
He was going back a robust
youugster stronger than most
men, and sound as dollar.
He was not q bad looking lad.
Straight as an arrow, clear.eyed
and smiling, his rough cowboy
garb looked well on the fine young
figure.
Al lady carrying child was
slowly pacing the platform. By
her side, clinging to her skirt,
was an older child Of less than
Eve.
The child caught the boys
smiling glance. The boy loved
children and he hadn't seen q
child for more than q year.
The child pushed chubby
finger at the boy.
Joe, he said, and looked up at
his mother.
The mother looked at the boy.
she was handsome lady, taste.
fdlly dressed-al although pale and
careworn.
The boy pulled off his soft hat.
That's funny, ma'an, he said,
because my name really is Joe.
The child let goof his mothers
gown and ran forward.
Hello, Joe, he said
Hullo yourself, cried the boy
nd gave him a playful shake.
Garry me, Joe, said the child.
May !, ma'amG
You'll find him heavy, said the
.dy.
Not for me, ma'am, the boy re-
lied. I haven't seen a child for
lore than a year, and | like the
he feel Of him.
He moved along at the lady's
stde, the child in bis arms prat-
ling and playing. The lady looked
At the boy curiously.
You should feel quite honored,
she said. Eddie picks his friends 1
carefully. He is very shy boy. I
Eddie love Joe, said the child
and softly stroked his cheek.
The lady sighed.
| foresee trouble, she said, Z
when you and Eddie have 10 part.
He will be very hard to manage.
Do you live in this-this neigh
borhood2 And her blue eyes
turned towards the monotonous
prairie. d
I've been living on q ranch :
over to she south, ma'am, but I'm
going east p
On this train?
The boy hesitated.
That's my intention.
She looked from the boy to the
child. The curly head had drop J
ped on the boys shoulder The n
child was asleep.
Have-have you arranged for
your accommodations on the
train?
Not yet, ma'am.
The lady again looked from
the boy to the sleeping child.
And the babe in her arm family !,
walled 3
Would you MUD accepting q
section ia the car | occupy? she p
Suddenly asked. have two. !
will explain later why | ask this,
- I