The Arvada enterprise., 1915-02-11
= good breakfast There's an old suit
of mine that might fit him. too

QrOVe OH. his WlIe tlfnOTOuSIy Wdlteu
on the unexpected, almost unwelcome
guest. There was something in the
forlorn condition of the man, however,
in the ravenous way in which he de-
voured the food she set before him
that excited her pity.
Bless you!' said Luke Barrett
brokenly, as he completed the meal
Then he appeared like being re-
juvenated after a bath and arrayed in
a clean suit OF clothes.
Il want to do something for you,
Mrs. Farwell," he said humbly.
"If you have not lost your vote
by being away" she began.
Il have not. unless you people have
made a criminal charge against me, +"
said Luke.
THAT we have not DONE" assured
Mrs Farwell Your vote will help my
husband"
Then | will go to the polling place
at once said Luke
He came back in about an hour.
Then he set at work cutting some
wood and cleaning up the yard. The
feelings OF Mrs. Farwell began to
soften towards him. He seemed con-
trite and anxious to make amends for
his past misdeeds. At noon she got
him lunch and he pottered around
at various odd jobs until sundown
Il have little business with your
husband. Mrs. Farwell," said Luke,
'and I'll wait till he comes home. If
you don't object"
mot at ALL replied Lucy brightly.
but Ransom probably will not be
home very early, 30 we will have our
supper now"
Lucy could not eat. she was so anx.
ious to learn the result OF the cleo
ton. She sprang up from the table.
all excitement and suspense, as there
was clatter OF horses hoofs In the
yard outside. She rushed to the door.
A CHEEKY whistle rang out.
"Oh, that means good news!" she
cried hopefully.
Who got it?' palpitated the eager
Lucy.
Il am elected" announced her hus
band proudly.
"Oh, l am so glad!"
by one majority"
by one majority" repeated Lucy.
Yes. a narrow shave for me, but
I'm In safe and sound"
He advanced to the table and
brought his hand down with a resound-
tn oil \ nLn DO
And here. Lucy" cried Ransom.
'is the vote that carried the day for
me"
"Oh, 1t can't be true!" cried Luke.
tears OF Joy rising to his eyes.
1T Is. old fellow" declared Ransom
heartily. "Shake!" you've squared all
thepast forgotten and forgiven, Luke
Barrett. this glorious day"
Not quite" dissented Luke. draw
ing something from his pocket. THAT
is yours
In amazement Ransom and Lucy
stared at little pocket book. 1t was
covered with dust. Its edges were
mildewed. Its covers were rat-nib.
bled.
Why" exclaimed Ransom, inspect
Ing It's contents. the whole eight
hundred dollars is here! You didn't
spend any OF IT."
Il never took II away with me"
said Luke. Il was dulled with drink
when | broke into your house and
stole the money. In my dazed condi-
ton must have gone up into the barn
loft went to sleep. In the night I
wandered on. The next morning ten
miles from here. missed the money
and fancied | had lost II along the
road. was ashamed to come back.
and I've led life OF worry and star.
walton. Yesterday. in the city. FUN.
bling In fob pocket. hoping to find
a stray dime to get a bite to eat.
fshed out u pinch OF hay seed. In
fash seemed to vaguely recall
that night in the loft l had put the
money under my head. thinking 1t
was a pillow. came back this morn.
ing and found II. ! was desperate and
had about decided to make OF with
II. when your kindness-the kindness
OF your dear wife broke me all up.
and I'm a changed man"
Luke Barrett spoke Ransom Far
well. grasping the hand OF his wei
come guest. there's an application
for an assistant In the position have
been elected to. l have faith In you
and you are appointed Let the three
OF us start out In this new hopeful
| life-together."
| (Copyr,ght 1914 by w G. Chapman)