The Washington times., 1909-05-08

There" he cried. stepping back from
the busy street into the protecting
shadow OF large building, now per-
haps you'll know I'm through with you;
ungrateful rascal"
The blood trickled from a cut on the
boys head. a cut which extended al
most into the light wavy hair, but the
raising OF his hand was instructive rath-
er than the result Of pain.
80 you're through with me?' he
repeated. Il guess it's just as well for
Us both"
Sure, and now you get out, jim
you with your schooling and gentle
ways-thiaking you can reform your
father-git out, say" The mans an
ger showed no signs of Iessening, but
the other stepped a little closer to him
IN the darkness.
'.TlI git all right-but-Im-"
Another blow aimed at the youths
head was skillfully lodged, and with
one quick glance at the man, Jim dart
ed across the street and into the first
shelter from the rain which opened TO
him. The burly man muttered an inn
precation. turned on his heel and dis
appeared, severed from the only living
thing that cared whittier he went
the great railroad station through the
entrance to which his needless flight
had taken him, and oblivious to his
surroundings, summed up the situation.
His age was aDout %. his face and
body combining a strange mixture OF
naturally gentle lines almost Obscured
by the furtive look constant associations
with the life of a great city always
bring to the poor. But perhaps the
best Characterization OF his appearance
and the impression ne gave TO passers-
by came from a young woman sitting
almost opposite him.
Agnes" she whispered to an elderly
companion. ''look at that boy with the
cut IN his head. lin sorry for him.
He-he IS troubled-and isn't he inter-
esting.
But he's go ragged, Grace" respond
ed her companion
Unconscious OF the kind comments so
near him. Jim sat silent, his mind just
beginning to understand that freedom
had come from the foul restraint he
had long wished to shake of.
-And I have wanted to get away for
so long" he told himself. Now that
IL has come I scarcely know what to
do.s'
Slowly he took from his pocket an old
wallet and absently counted the money
II contained. Ten dollars,
At last, holding the soiled bills in his
hand, Jim approached the ticket win
dow. and, after waiting his turn, ad-
dressed the man behind the brass bars.
I've got nine dollars" he said,
thinking that he would retain one Of
the bills for an emergency. "and
y s- -
as that viii take me. Give me tick
ct anywhere"
~Humr' replied the agent. looking
wonderingly at the youth That's a
strange remark Let's see-country
or city7"
"oh, the country; as country as
possible"
"All right. here's ticket to Chan
ton, nearly 400 miles from here; and
it's country. all right Eight dollars
and eighty-six cents. Wish you luck.
Train leaves at 500"
Jim took the ticket and change and
again sought his seat, noticing that IT
was already nearly time for his train
10 start. His only thought was to get
away from this place so full Of un-
pleasant memories.
'sNo more Bowery for me-" he NUT
LGIea- % AllE tOuAlIE II AS-dLu
may the change be complete"
The women who had taken such an
interest IN the lads looks were in
earnest conversation now, but occa-
sionally tn younger Of the two would
turn her great eyes in his direction
safe in the knowledge that he had
not noticed her.
Jim had Just glanced at the big
clock when he became conscious oi
the two so near him, and it was al
this moment that a young man, evi-
gently a servant, approached tbs
women. Jim could not hear the words
he spoke, but he was momentariIy
aroused from his detection by the
episode that followed them.
Mrs. Gordon began the newcomer
deferentially, this telegram came for
you Just after you had left. I thought
I had best bring IL here"
Thank you, John" replied the young
woman. THAT VIII do. I viii attend
70 the answer n there IS one
At that moment the megaphone mar
called the name Of the train jim was
to board. and he arose from his seat
Some strange instinct, however, i'm
PEELED him 10 wait moment.
Thus he watched the young woman
tsar open the yellow envelope and saw
her lips move as she read the words
at first to herself, then aloud 10 tn,
elderly woman by her side. And h,
also saw the himsy yellow thing fal
10 the floor. and the abject terror ex
pressed IN the great eyes OF the gir
who had just held It.
Slowly. as though unconscious. sh,
turned TO her companion, and stood il
the silence of unbelief Then. Come
aunt" be heard her say distinctly. a,
the two moved away from him, through
the door and out where the train!
waited.
Still Jim stood immovable, overcom,
! BY the vision OF stricken heart, whicl
had come TO him for the first time Il
his sensitive life.
Another glance at the clock recalled
the fact that he. too. must start on hi
journey, and with last look about hin
:. he moved toward the gates. That las
~ look however. had shown him a blacl
= article lying on the floor of the station
near the spot lately occupied by tn
posssssor of the glorious eyes. IL
FASTENED to secure the fine leather hand