The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1913-08-08
CAL CLARk's CHANCE
BY W. CRAWFORD SHERLOCK.

fiYe-foot mark. In addltl0n~fo the mis-.
fortune OF having Legs of uneven
length, Cal possessed a popularity of
yleien that enabled him to get around
during the day. although not permit
ting the luxury of reading or writing.
When the shades of night fell. or when
no was subjected to artificial light. the
Door fellow vas rs blind aa bat.
His situation had once been very
serious indeed. Unable to secure any
work on account of his Affections and
the slender store of money he had IN.
herited from his father having become
exhausted. he was weighing deeply the
adYisability Of seeking 4 home In the
almshouse. lust what steps were Re.
auisite to secure admission to this IN.
stitution was poser to Cal, although
he knew full we'll II must be done. He
made his wish known to his only
friend, Jim Collins. hardworklng me-
ehanlc, but the latter would not listen
10 such plan.
Not much. Cal, my boy" declared
the stalwart Jim. CHANGING kindly at
hIa diminutIYe friend: no poorhousa
for you while I've got \ home TO share
With you. My wife Will be glad 10
have you and you can do lots Of
things around home to help us out
After some hesitation. Cal accepted
me kind offer. resolving to do every
thing he could In return for the home
he would have. Mrs. Collins soon
grew TO be Yery fond Of The little nan.
sho would 10 anything sooner than
eat the bread OF dependence.
Calls chief delight Naa In the eve
ings after Jim returned from work
Tho supper dishes cleared away and
the children tucked snagly into bed
the two men would nII with their
pipes. Jim reading and Cal listening.
10 the evening paper.
Thus they lived until IN event %
CURED thai came near upsettlnE TN
arrangements Of the little home. i'm
Vas taken III hia malady developed
Into a dangerous fever that Frustrated
him for weeks. He va ono OF thosa
eas5-golng men who took life n Il
came and Il 20 happened that there
hid been very little provision made
for n rainy d.. Matters grew serious.
the little stock 81 money bocama II.
hausted and Mrs Collins was At her
wIla' end 10 secure more. She could
not work herself. the cara OF Jim md
The children prevented Lhat. Hos as
help TO Gomez
The answer came from the moat
unexpected source al shrexdIy
guessed thai Affairs xena In q eTIll.
eai state and II once blamed himself
for It Had i not been for tho added
expense he lad caused the family
would have been able u lay asida Haf.
fIeIsnt 10 carr them oYar the period
Of Jlm's Illness lie saa the cause
Of Il all and upon him rested the 70.
HponsibilitY d relieving the situation.
What could 10 do 10 ct money! Al
scratched hi head until the bald pot
grew bigger and the wrinkles on hia
forehead despened. lie would r. %
secure WORK. but where could be Get
II lilo sought employment. but nth.
out success. Some laughed At I'm.
others jeered him. while others offar.
d him such work as b could not DO.
It last h hit upon : plan and una
day returned home With handful Of
money. mostly pennies. but here nd
fhsra n stTaT dime and nickel Tbs
b proudly placed on he table md
called Mira Collins 10 count II
why. G.. where II he world I'D
you got MI his money! she quas.
toned, after finding ent there -
over a dollar n the PIN
! got It honesty. maIam." returned
the little mn. but h would furnish
10 information as 10 The source fnam
which the money came. ArH. Collins
ssa too glad % get Il = worry much
about the matter Each day there
after Cal returned With a supply Of
money, sometimes more and aoHes
times LEES than on The lrst day. ut
never without any.
Slowly in grew stronger and It
length WAS able 20 return TO NerE.
Then Cal disappeared His friend
sought for I'm but for = long the
could find - trace d tho lane.
half-bllnd nan. IIe seemed TO have
LET the face Of the earth One day
IN heard q man. answering hia
friends description though bearing =
different name. who had been So 70
IL almEhouHa. ThltheH i'm went I'd
found Cal Clark registered under IL
name Of Thomas Burma.
What dos this mean. Cal9s DE-
manded jim. somewhat Hfernly WY
did you leave home and come heHszs
: Twasn't ny fault. i'm" pleaded
al. holding his friends hand H II
n did nol intend 10 part with I.
They'll tel i don't. - | viii Xon
see. Jim. when money cot scarce II
home, knew It was al my fault So
started 70 get some The only NY
could do Was To beg Tor 1t and THIS
I did. It's strange people will give
you money Tor charity but they won't
give fellow a chance to earn it.
That's how ! did until the day You
vent back u work when the police
took me up and sent ne here. Nov.
jim. as I'm here, you'd better let me-
stay. will YOU
Not much. Cal" returned Jim. fore.
Ing big lump down his throat and
turning his head away. You'll 90
back with me"
Copyright. BY Daily story Pub. co.1
Pacific Coast Frequently Shaken.
There are I've times b many earth
ahs.saIzz. Il