The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1912-05-23
Petie's
Apology
Copyright, 1912, by Associated Literary
PreSS)

Copyright 1872 By Associated Literary
How did you hurt your foot?" de-
manded Joel Hicks. as he watched ap.
provingly the glistening az. with
rhythmic strokes, bite into the green
wood.
AN elephant stepped on It," ex-
planned the tramp not pausing In his
work.
The farmer laughed a dry. cackling
laugh. There was q tramp through
here last season." he said. "He was
carrying about an ounce o. buckshot
and he was telling how he rescued .
girl from a gang of robbers"
Well?" There was no interruption
In the steady fall of the az as the
tramp put the question which he saw
was expected of him.
Bert Haskins was over the week
after and he was telling how he caught
the tramp coming out Of his chicken
COOP"
II didn't hear no one asking you to
believe what said," came the nettled
retort. IF I had told you I hurt 1t
falling of freight you would have
believed it and yet it would be ie."
I'm not saying you amt told the
truth" protested Joel hastily. Il was
Just reminded, that's all. How would
you like to stay on here?" he added to
change the subject. II amt az young
as l ulster be and I'll pay $12 a
month"
You're on, for a year." said the
other simply as he dropped the Ak
and came toward the speaker. MY
names Butch Thompson, William Ben
nington Thompson when I've got my
Sunday clothes on-which amt likely
to be soon."
my names Hicks. Joel Hicks"
well, Mr.. Hicks. I'm your new
hired man." responded Butch briskly.
SHAKE on It," he added as he put out
his hand and clasped Hicks gnarled
fingers.
Beyond the mere fact of his name.
nothing developed of his history until
the spring blowing began. Butch and
Hicks were working together, the one
following the other, when Hicks stayed
back by the road to discuss the town
election with Sam Benton. Butch went
right on to the end of the field. turn.
Jed and came back again. He was halt
way across the lot when the two de,
baters hailed voter driving past,
Hey, Rube!" With a whoop Butch
left the pillow In the furrow and came
across the freshly-plowed ground with
giant strides.
Almost before they knew what was
happening he had fallen upon the new.
conner, and It required the united
strength of Hicks and Benton to pull
him off before damage was done.
Are you drunk" demanded Hicks
wrathfully.
Where 1 come from that's call
for help" explained Butch.
II was calling Reuben Sproule."
said Hicks
"Then the laughs on me-" admitted
Butch. 1T did seem like old times for
q minute"
Zone of them circus fellows" COM
mented Sproule as he settled his dis
ordered clothing. II heard 'em yell 1t
once. It's the last thing did hear for
about three hours"
Joel was worried, and that even.
ing he sought out Butch. sitting on
the stone horseback in the front yard
sucking at his pipe.
$50 you used to be with q circusr'
he began as he settled himself on the
other end Of the block.
Where else do they have elephants
to- step on mans foot?" demanded
Butch. You thought l was EARNING;
but 1t was the gospel truth"
II amt ever said 1t wasn't" de-
tended Hicks. II suppose you'll be
going OF with one Of 'em pretty
soon?"
"Let me tell you something" said
Butch. refilling his pipe. Il told you
] was your hired man for a year and
that goes.
81 amt stuck on circuses like was"
he went on. II was with the John:
son & Wells Railroad Shows. was
only a canvas man, but the Flying
Barnards took fancy to me and they
were breaking me In for their cast.
ing act"
whats that?" demanded Hicks.
Where two men hang by their
knees and throw a little fellow be-
tween them," he explained ITS a
pretty show. Well, l was keeping on
at the stakes, until got good enough
to 60 in the act, and-well there was
q girl, rider, pretty as a picture
when she didn't have her makeup on,
and she just could ride.
"The performers don't mix with. the
canvas men, we're just the day labor.
ers, you know, put up the tent and
stun like that. but through the Bar.
nard / got to know her pretty well.
"She used to come past where was
helping to load the cars and say good
night. That made Dabney mad. He
was stuck on her. too. but he didn't
make much Roadway, though he was
the master Of transportation.
zone night Lottie (that was her
name) had just gone to the sleeper
when Petite, the big elephant, what