Middletown transcript., 1910-08-27
The Operation
BY ". R. ROSE

| Sdto' 4Ou Oluu PRAISE 10 any
i too highly. He looked around
and caught sight of a woman
standing in the doorway. He
Quickly pulled off his hat. She
was woman past middle age, a
serious woman who looked at
him, he fapcied, in disapprov-
ing way. l beg your pardon,
ma'am, for trespassing, he said,
but the lad here told me / could
have a much wished for drink.
You are welcome to the water,
the woman said.
Without money an without
price, the boy chanted.
| Hush, Wilbur.
The man twisted his hat in his
hands.
I'm little down on my luck,
ma'am, he said, an I'm in need of
work badly. Couldn't you find
somethin' for me to do for few
days?
We do not encourage wander
ers, said the woman. It isn't
safe. Some Of my neighbors
have been sadly imposed upon.
Your appearance is not in your
favor.
l know it, said the man quick
I ly. But you'll find that a basin |
of water and a bit of soap will
bring about great difference in
my looks. I'm sure I can make
myself handy. Just give me a
trial, ma am. He looked around.
You need mans help. worked
on farm when I was a boy. It's
true I haven't any friends about
here. I've come quite a
piece. He suddenly smiled
I have one recommendation, he
said. An don't know of bet.
ter.
What is your recommendation?
the woman asked.
He had moved about until he
brought the figure of the lame
child between them.
Now he pointed to the lad.
Here is my recommendation, he
softly said.
Do you want this man to stay
here, Wilbur the woman asked
the child.
Yes, yes, the boy eagerly an !
sWered. Let him stay, grand
ma. |.
The woman gave the man
quick look.
| will bring you a basin, and
soap and towels, she said. She /
looked back from the doorway. /
You wlll have to sleep in the barn,
she added.
Trust me to sleep soundly, he
called after her.
I'm glad you're going to stay, I
said the child. You an me will /
be fine friends.
] hope SO, said the man.
The wash in the hand basin ef- Z
fected quick change for the bet 5
ter in the mans appearance, a b
change that the woman viewed !,
with approval. q
That's pretty good water,
laughed the child. It's just as v
good outside as it is inside-only IT
on the outside you don't get SO T
thirsty. !
The man laughed. b
You may call me johnson, he 81
said to the woman. That's as v
good a name as any and easy to Il
n
Very well, the woman answer R
d. And now you may look n,
Iround and see what you can plan tt
o do. hi
Yes, said the man. W
! can't promise to pay you u ntil
make up my mind what you
re worth. ri
That suits me, said the man. W
Grandma can't pay you much, "
on know, said the child, cause
he's savin up for the oppyration. sh
The woman looked at the man.
You know about thisP she said.
Yes, he answered. The lad an
Did me.
The woman drew a quick pa
reath. mi
The doctor was sure he could Us
Q helped, she said. Then she eV
uickly added. It seems a pity w
9 should have to go through life los
ke that. nj
Yes, said the man very softly.
The boy smiled up at the q
oman, and she smiled back a an
sautiful smile that seemed to wa
Iaw the seriousness of her care ste
orn face. Then she turned alb
tI1t51tti 1t51tii AID %Fefatt iate the hnnse, wa
I don't know why it is, said the mi
lid rehectively, but it always !
~ 4 \ .