Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-04-08

IN our new buggy, nltcn0Q 10 OUT Root
horse. At the gatepost stood q rather
weary figure which had, thought, q
rather unpleasant face. I thuoght no
more about him. but 1t seemed that
every place went would see the un-
pleasant faced individual.
Near the turn Of the last road lead
ing into town happened to glance be-
hind me, when to my surprise, I saw
this same figure again. Something up,
I thought. and determined to keep
watch on him. It was dusk by the
time I reached home. The lights had
been put on and the supper was on
the table. I did not tell the girls about
the man for fear Of frightening them.
3 l fully expected to see him visiting
the house that night loaded my
revolver with two bullets before went
to bed, but couldn't sleep. SO I Went
quietly down stairs into the dining
room and sat near the cafe. heard
the clock striking eleven-thirty, then
twelve, and then twelve.thirty. Al
most, as soon as the clock quit strtk-
Ing head slight noise near the win.
dow in the sitting room. However, !
quietly remained seated and soon
there was q noise ever so slight near
the window in the dining room.
/ had my revolver in my hand and
my other hand was on the electric but
ton. soon distinguished a dark form
really In the room. had not heard
the window being raised, so was very
much surprised to see somebody very
near me. determined to act at once.
pressed the button, and Immediately
the room was Illuminated. stood be-
fore the same weary person whom
had seen in the afternoon. He mutt
tered an oath.
"You jes' put that, thing down or III
give you something you won't like" ne
commanded gruffly. ue
But held my ground.
"You just go out the way you came
in or will give you a dose of bullets,
answered.
He sprang forward, and not know
ing what else to do, fred. Immediately
there was cry of pain, and the man
fell backward on the floor. At the
same instant heard a soft knocking
on the door, and voice cried, which
loved SO much.
lis that you, Ralph" 49,
This is father. Open the door
quickly" ~.
unbolted the door Father being a
physician, examined the mans wound
made by the bullet, which luckily was
in the, leg. .s
everything would ave bin all right
If this here youngster hadn't med
died." 41'e
.'But everything wouldn't have been
all right with us" l answered.
II am truly sorry that I hurt you but
l wanted father to know that he could
trust me. Because had promised not
to let the house come to any harm"
"Are you sorry, ktd?". asked the
man.
Eyes. 1 am and here is my hand for
It," answered.
He ciasped my hand and said broken
": BLESS you, kid. I never did such
a thing before; and If the first time
fails why all other attempts will fails. "
II am sure you won't do such a
thing again But why did you attempt
to rob our homer asked.
oval It's jes' this way. / had bin
hard up for long time and i heard
folks say that DR.. Ranger was rich
and 80 thought now's me chance"
IF you promise to be good and lead
q good Christian life ever after this,
we will let you 60 in peace"
What Not take me to ,jail?" he
cried, astonished.
Never" we answered. n,
oval say God bless yer, l will try
and learn about the Good One"
So this is what happened while faith
er was away. although he came just
at the right time.
Your junior friend,
Vida Wahle.
10 e. Court St., Ottumwa, Ia. Gage 49,
HOW NoRwEelANs FEED THE