Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1915-01-01

mo. let him have the fond dream
that we are able to surround him with
the comforts he so appreciates and en-
Joys"
Fond dream, indeed! To Rufuf
Deane there came a period Of ease
and comfort that made life one con,
tinuous round of satisfaction. Never
were more ardent friends than the
bright, happy couple who ministered
to his wants as devotedly. as though
they were really his children. He
told them mysteriously more than
once that they should not lose by
IT," but they paid no further heed to
the remark than to feel that his graft
tude we'll repaid them for their exer
tions.
Then came dark days. Ernest Les
lie lost his position. It had come
about through the firm employing him
learning Of his negotiations for little
store. These fell through because he
could not arrange for the payments
required.
One month, two months, passed by
and Ernest found no work. Bravely
however, the devoted pair saw to II
that their honored guest, the old man
upstairs. never suspected their real
condition. They denied themselves
every luxury. All they had to support
themselves with now was what Rhoda
earned by some fine sewing, and q
baby was coming, too.
The old man never surmised how
hard the shoe Of poverty was pinching
until one morning, and then quite acci
dentally. Under the kind ministra
tions Of Rhoda and her husband, good
food and sanitary surroundings, Mr.
Deane had got 30 that he could move
slowly about the room. AS he nearet
the open doorway that especial morn
ing he was amazed and then startled
at a conversation going on below.
Rhoda was pleading with the land
lord Of the place for respite Of an
other week on rent payment. Hel
hard-hearted creditor twitted her will
keeping lazy burden, not even a rel
ative, upstairs. Amid her tearfu
emotion Rhoda told Of the love ant
duty they felt towards her formeI
benefactor.
THE rent tomorrow, or out into tn,
street you go!" roared the implacabl,
old landlord.
"The coarse scoundrel-my poor
little Rhoda!" raved Deane, and hob
bled to corner Of the room, pulle,
open the top Of his old trunk, and afte
fumbling over its contents, brough
into view a well-worn- tin box. Thel
with this he stumbled to the head o
the stairs.
He could hear Rhoda sobblng bitter
ly, he could catch the rough censur
ing words of the landlord. He starte,
forward. A scream rang from Rhoda'
lips and her creditor gazed agape, a
Mr.. Deane lost his balance and cam,
rolling down the stairs. The tin bo!
came down with slam and he on tol
Of It. Remarkably active was the ol,
man. Excitement seemed to arous
his energy. He sat up. shaking hi
fist at the landlord.
"You insolent ruffian!" he shouted
'Rhoda, my dear. pay this man a.
up. and ahead II he wants 1t, and he
better keep out Of my way. after b
rating you the way he has!"
And Mr.. Deane opened the tin bo
and took out roll Of bills, and beside
these there were dozen valuable
seeming documents.
Yours" he said. rendering Rhod
the box as the landlord retired-"yo
brave, unselfish dear! never su
pected that you were poor. and kel
silent about the little fortune ha
1t is all yours. now"
And Ernest Leslie got his little stor
and Rufus Deane saw to It that thu