The Marshall republican., 1910-12-02

But, ignorance or indifference bein,
much in evidence with the newcomer
this gentle tolerance was not prop
erly appreciated.
II reckon that's the way you piou
fellers say prayers on Thanksgivip
mornin', amt it?" the tramp asked
taking a firm stand as though he
might willingly become a piece OF
pasture statuary.
"Try it on yourself" Silas retortec
over his shoulder, you look like yo:
needed some redeemin'."
The tramp emitted a husky chuckle
but showed no signs Of continuing his
Journey. The sound irritated Silas
more than did the familiar name
which the mar exploited, but he re
sumed his work, keeping his eyes or
the crotch, which here began to teeter
and sway in a most promising man
ner. It slipped half way over, Their
down, and down, until 1t pointed
straight to the close-cropped ground
at his feet.
Good" said the tramp observantly.
rubbing his hands in anticipation
after prayers, baptism; and wei
need the water. l can jest about sec
that water comm up bubblin' for my
special benefit"
Silas was all the more angry at
this token of ir~reverence for things
sacred. With an impatient hitch AT
his trousers he paused, still with his
L-zI -. th4 uicifar o-A on-1 l.-i
a caustic:
you'll need a-plenty OF soap, too
to git the bugs off ye,"
At this the tramp subsidized instant.
ly. Silas had no idea that his sharp
thrust would be SO effective on what
was apparently calloused material
He turned in mild wonder only to see
the object Of his scorn sitting fatty
on the cold turf. his old Derby fallen
beside him. thus disclosing a head
well trimmed; and that offending
chuckle was of such stuff that a guf-
faw Of instant growth came out OF IT
"a laugh that set the echoes to clap
ping from the various farm buildings
both near and remote, seeming to re-
bound over and over the nearby hill
side, then to return from the strip
Of forest beyond the bottomlands that
bordered the river. a half mile or SO
away-sounds that trailed to and fro
through the crisp air like the voice
OF hooking gnomes.
Silas regarded the tramp with
vague suspicion. A dread of insanity
obsessed him. Then a shrewd scrutiny
quickly commingled in his mind and
sight. With an inspiration both
strange and irresistible he strobe over
to, the spot, grasping the pick in both
hands. Goaded by the mans ringing
laughter that respected neither he
dignity of religion nor Of landed own.
ership, he deity caught the cold, thin
point Of the pick in the mans red
dish beard, which came away without
resistance, leaving a clean-shaven
clean-cut face most painfully con
vulsed with laughter, in the place
of it.
"Anson. by Jericho!" Silas said,
himself beginning to shake with quick
emotion. The man, still bareheaded,
got to his feet, Strengthened himself
and his face. and held out both hands
as he knew a prodlgal o properly
should do.
Father. 1t was a poor joke, but I
hope to be forgiven. for l trust am
not as bad as I painted myself. How
is Mother" he said. while they
gripped and looked soberly. almost
%reverently, one at the other.
She's got the same old rascal OF
a son that she had as many as twenty
year ago when he was a boy and first
went away from home" he acclaimed,
Cant see as he's improved a mite'as
fur as behavior goes, or looks either,
by links. Wherein the old grey cat
tdid you get yer mass-upf Well. well,
.H"aaa Ia. ..-..- .aHHUNt ~