The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-09-29

A S Bartlett said, the hill was cut
| ~ through by a railroad. The
deep gully brought Billy and
the Watermelon to a halt when they
had outstripped Bartlett and Henrietta,
leaving them behind at the foot of the
hill. The sides of the gully were over
grown with grass and tangled briers,
but narrow fot path led down to the
tracks and up the incline on the other
side. The Watermelon helped Billy
down one side and dragged her up the
other.
Il would hate to be tramp. painted
Billy as she reached the other side and
paused moment for breath. 81 would
get so cross if I were hungry and knew
| couldn't, get anything to eat for a
long time"
The Watermelon flushed hotIy, bu.
she was not looking. and when he spoke
he spoke carelessly enough. You would
get used to il" said he. You can get
used to anything. Father used to say
that the idea of he'll for all eternity was
an absurdity-you were sure to get
used to it and then it wouldn't count
any more as punishment"
7 suppose that's So" agreed Billy.
But how do you know? You weren't
ever tramp, were you, jerry"
"A tramp, kid, is the only man in |
America to-day, besides the millionaire.
who IS his own master. Do you know
that"
Il would kind of hate that sort of
MASTER said Billy.
"A tramp never has TO worry about
rent"
Il know, but l should think the house
might be worth the worry"
The Watermelon changed the sub
ject.
A grim, elderly woman, thin and
work-worn before her time, listened to
their troubles in the faded, weather
gray farmhouse. Her man. she explain
ed, was out in the fields with the horses,
but when he returned, she would send
him around and he would tow the car
in for them. She never took boarders.
The house was sight. but il they didn't
mind, she did not and they could have
two rooms. She wrapped some bread,
fruit. and cookies up for them in news
papers. and they started back to wait
with the others by the machine until
the farmer came
The still hush of evening was over
everything. creeping with the length
ening shadows across he pasture a
flock of turkeys was making noisy prep
arations for bed in some trees near BY.
The frogs had begun to croak and once
IN while whippoorwill called from
the woods In an adjoining hay field
hurryIng to get in the last load before
dark. the Watermelon saw the farmer.
A pair of sorry looking nags dropped
drearily. attached to the cart with its
high. shaky load OF new-mown hay.
I'm going to speak to him myself"
said the Watermelon, stopping. 1T will
save time You wait here won't be
long"
Give me the food" said Billy. 81
will take it 10 the others. Poor things,
they must be starving"
i won't be long" objected the Wa
termelon. You can't carry it alone
Indeed, I can" protested Billy.
her. You couldn't get up the other
side of the crossing" he leased
"A girl" said Billy sagely. rs a lot
more capable when she is alone than
when she is with a man.
She took the ungainly bundle and he
watched her hurry away across the
fields, slim and graceful. dainty and
sweet. while he was-a tramp! His
eyes darkened with pain and he threw
one hand out after the small figure in
a gesture that was full of mingled long
ing and hopelessness.
Billy. Billy" he whispered. then
turned from the thoughts which were
coming thick and fast and started to-
ward the distant field and the farmer.
The farmer listened with blunt stu
oidity, hot and tired and cross Yes,
ne would come for the car as soon as
le could. but the hay had to be got in
irSt. Ii was late now That train
whistle you could hear was the
clock express. His horses were tired,
90. but, of course. if he were paid. why
hat made a difference He would be
lround as soon as he could get his load
n. 1t was the last load. anyway.
The Watermelon turned and far in
he distance, echoing and reechoing
through the hills. he. heard again the
cream of the approaching train.
CTO BE CONTINUED NEXT sCNDAYJ