The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1913-02-04

NiNu a ouNNtbSlOu Vi ullle
erys among the cinder piles; indeed,
IL was almost a feature Of the land
scape, for Joe's family was his chief
est contribution 20 the wealth OF his
country.
There had been periods varying
from few days TO few weeks when
the Montgomerys were sole tenants OF
that row OF slab-sided houses: their
poverty being fixed condition, they
were merely sometimes poorer. No
transient CLEAN of a larger prosper
ity had ever illuminated the horizon
of their lives, and they had never been
tempted 10 move 10 other parts OF the
town where the ground and the rents
were higher.
Residents OF this locality. not being
burdened with any means OF locomo-
ton beyond their own legs, usually
came and went by way OF the high
iron bridge; their legal right-ofway,
however, was by a neglected thorough
| fare that had ambitiously set out TO be
street, but having failed OF its in
tention, presently dwindled to a pleas
ant country road which not far beyond
crossed the river by the old wooden
bridge below the depot
II was the iron bridge which Mrs
Montgomery, escorted by the daring
| Shrimplin, had crossed that fateful
] night OF her interview with Judge
Langham, and IL was toward II that
her glance was turned for mani days
after IN the hope that she might see
Joe's bulk OF bone and muscle as he
slouched in the direction OF the home
and family he had so wantonly for
saken. But veil OF mystery obscured
every fact that bore on the handy
mans disappearance no eye pene-
trated It, no hand lifted IL.
Soon after Montgomery disappear
ance his deserted wife fell upon evil
times indeed. In spite OF her bravest
efforts the rent fell hopelessly in ar
rears. For a time her pride kept her
away from the Shrimplins, who might
have helped her To go TO the little
was to hear bitter truths
about her husband; Mr.. ShrimpAn's
denunciations were especially fierce
and scathing, for here he felt that
was all on his side and
that In abusing the absconding Joe he
was performing a moral act.
But at last Nellie's fortunes reached
q crisis. An obdurate landlord set her
few poor belongings In the gutter.
Even In the most prosperous days
their roof-tree had fourished but pre-.
cariously and now il was down and
level with the dust, seeing which Mrs
placed her youngest In
the ancient vehicle which had trund;
led all that generation OF Montgom-
erys, drew her apron before her eyes
end wept. But quickly rallying to the
need OF her immediate action she
swallowed her pride and sent Arthur
In quest OF his uncle, who was well
fitted by sobriety, industry and thrift,
10 cope with such a crisis.
Shrimplins only weaknesses were
such as spring from an eager child
ike vanity, and a nature as shy as a
awn's of whatever held even a sug
yestion OF danger. To Custer he could
Jrag of crimes he had never commit
ID. but an unpaid butchers bill would
rave robbed him OF his sleep; also he
wore a very tender heart in his mar
ow chest, though he did his best TO
tide II by assuming a bold and hardy |
lir and by garnishing his conversation |
With what he counted the very flower |
# brutal worldly cynicism.
ound his uncle and had stated his |
'ase, Mr.. Shrimplin instantly sum.
noned TO his aid all HIS redoubtable
lowers OF speech and fell TO cursing
ne recreant husband and father Hav-
re eased himself in this manner, anil
not wishing Arthur to be entirely un-
mindful of his vast superiority, he
,alled the boys attention TO the un-
ieniable fact that he, Shrimplin, could
ave been kicked out OF doors and Joe
Montgomery would not have lifted
laId to save him. Yet all this while
he little lamplighter, with the boy at
as heels, was moving rapidly across &
he fats. II
From the town end OF the bridge. I
iouthful eyes hid deserted his coming :
and the word was quickly passed tina
he uncle OF all the little Montgom-
elys was approaching, presumably I
with philanthropic intent. This rumor 1
instantly stimulated an interest on /
,he part OF the adult population. an
interest which had somewhat Ian
smsneo owing to the incapaclty OF |
human nature TO sustain an emotional
climax for any considerable Length 81
time. Untidy women and idle.looLing
men with the rust Of inaction oona,,rn
ing them, quickly appeared ON the
scene, and when the little lamplighter
descended from the railway tracks II
was TO be greeted with something ITto |
an ovation at the hands Of his sister
in-law's neighbors.
bis ears caught the murmur o, an. |
p-oval that passed from I'D 10 lin ana
out OF the very tail OF his bleached
eyes he noted the expression Of satia.
faction that was on every face. Even