The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-02-03

announced that the rain would have
come anyway, there was a general
change of opinion. And when, four
times in succession later on, John
tested his aerial artillery, it seemed to
weazen up nature and the drought OF
q decade ensued.
you see," John went on, the town
committeeman say that the dynamite
which I have never been able to get
rid of is a menace to the community
at large. I've been ordered to remove
it and destroy it."
why, what can you do with it?'
questioned Adria anxiously.
We'll. you know l have it in the
old shed where uncle used to store
tools, built right into the side of the
hill I've had danger signs up all
around 1t and the door stoutly barri
caded for over year. Tomorrow
think I'll take the stuff, package by
package, down to the ravine and sink
it in deep slough"
do be careful, John!" pleaded
Adria 1T is such dangerous stuff
you know"
ooh, l know how to handle it," de
clared John confidently. Il hate to see
! it wasted, though, when it cost
money"
Next morning John proceeded t.
prepare to get rid of his troublesome
explosives. He went to the little shed
built into the hill and proceeded to re
move its doors. Inside, wrapped in
which he had once fondly hoped would
make him a successful rainmaker. He
uncovered some of it, planned out how
many journeys it would take to lant
it in the ravine slough and started fol
the home of his nearest neighbor t.
borrow a wheelbarrow.
"Hello!" he observed quickly, as
passing his own house, he saw two
frowsy tramps seated on the steps
whats the occasion of guests, eh?"
Just grub. mister" replied one Of
the men. Sort of straighten us up fol
our long tramp ahead, will your"
John was always kind to the needy
He went into the house and brought
out plateful of bread and meat.
Fill yourselves, friends" he spoke
Il say, though, one thing-don't &c
near that open shed yonder. It's dan
/ gerous."
Eyes, we noticed the warning signs
around. boss" replied one Of the men
But after John had gone and the
men had finished their meal, as they
were leaving the yard one of then
picked up a rock
Bet the next dime get that l hi,
that sign nigh the shed first shot Out
of the box!" Dragged one of thu
tramps.
Bet you don't"
Here goes"-crash!
That careless throw, landing mis-
sile among the dynamite stores, hat
settled the fate of the disturbing ex
plosive. The fearful detonatior
brought John rushing back, a Grove
following him in the widest excite
ment.
Fired it apurpose?" painted thu
town constable, keeping up with him
"Oh, no, and | can't imagine how
the dynamite came to explode" re
piled John.
well. it's the last of your rainmak
ing experiment, hey?" submitted tn
official
They passed the two tramps, rush
ing away in vivid alright. The,
neared the shed.
Hi! Look there, and here-I say!
shouted the constable "Rain-wh,
there's been golden rain here!"
John shared his amazement ant
halted and stared about them. Near b,
were the blasted remains of a small
iron key and the ground and path
were spangled with glittering gol,
pieces.
The hidden store of the "miser'
gold" had come to light at last. Sc
creted in or near the old shed, it ha,
gone aloft with the explosion to com
down in an opulent shower.
They gathered it up and John too
1t over to Adria's home.
Keep it till we get married-nex
week." he directed, with happ
smile.