Elmore County Republican. [volume] (Mountain Home, Idaho) 1910-1915, 1911-01-07
The Milk of Human Kindness.
: Story of A Friend in Need.

| Al NNAuNhSO Va
which, the wind howled fiercely
through the canyons and chasms
This together with the fact that
several snow-squalls had already
visited the region, served as a re-
mlnder to the inhabitants of the
Gulch, that Jack Frost had not
forgotten them.
Despite the chilling blast, Bill
Towers was sitting at the door
of his shanty, putting great clouds
OF smoke, while his knitted brows
denoted that he was buried deep
in thought. Occasionly his medi-
tations would break bounds, the
most impressive being confided to
the little black pipe which he
held lovingly between his fingers.
III be darned if it amt the
meanest trick | ever heard on,
fer a man to leave woman an
two kids to shift fer themselves
in a wild place like this; an
winter in sight. If he's in jim
town, why don't the mean Gus
let her know" This last with
a snap Of the powerful jaws,
that betokened logged determin-
alton.
Bill was deeply concerned a
bout the welfare of a woman and
two children, who had been left
to the tender mercies of a cold
world by a shiftless husband !;
one of the kind who sought in
every boom IN opportunity to
get living without work.
During the six months since
her husband had left, Bill Towers
had supplied her needs in most
humble, unpretending manner; ;
seeming to consider it privilege
to be permitted to help.
AT the time our story opens,
Bill was trying to solve the prob
lem of the fuel supply for the
advancing winter. He felt that
upon his shoulders rested the re-
sponsibility of caring for his des-
titute neighbors; in fact he new
err thought of Sinking it.
Suddenly springing to his feet
he started with rapid strides for
where the woman was hanging
out some well worn clothing, and
at once preached the subject Of
his GRAND.
Mrs. Thompson, I've been a
thinkin about how yer goin to
put in the winter, an I've got a
proposition. You had better move
into my shanty, theirs two rooms
besides the kitchen. You an the
kids kin have one, an the other'll
do me. In that way the one wood
pilell do; an we can all keep
warm.
The woman thus addressed,
thought for several minutes; as
any right minded woman would
before accepting such a PROPOSE
ton.
Bill had always been a perfect
gentleman, a brilliant delicacy
seemed to shine through his I'M
couthness, that inspired her with
confidence. SO with tears stream
ing down her cheeks, she said,
Thank you, | don't know how
/ shall ever be able to repay
your kindness to myself and child
rem. | will accept your kindness
and pray that God will reward
you"
II am real glad to be able to
help a bit, it kinder does me good"
was Bills CHEEKY response, add
ing "I'll move yer traps this
afternoon. y
Sure enough, that afternoon he
came around with his two mus
tangs hitched to a shaky wagon.
A couple of small loads sufficed
to transfer the woman's goods
to his own shanty, where she
speedily had things to rights.
The next morning, Bill started
bright and early for Golden, and
did not return until the 5ening
his wagon loaded down nth pro
visions, not forgetting a bag OF
candy for the "kids.
In a few days, the ground was
covered with snow, which fell to
the accompaniment of the wind S
most dismal dirges, as it swept
through the stunted pines.
Christmas time was drawing
near, and Bill had determined in
his own mind that the kids
must have a good time at any
rate. So the mustangs were hitch
ed up again, and Bill made an
other trim generously DrOVidlng