The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-06-22

tant relative In New York, OF whose
existence they had been ignorant. And
Mrs. Patrick, the widow, who had such
task trying to make both ends meet,
and was afraid she would have to
marry Old Man Green. She was. left
$4,000 by a cousin in Alabama, of
whom she used to speak vaguely and
not affectionately. She at once re-
jected Old Man Green. And he. to
mollify his disappointment. as it were,
received a legacy from a nephew in
Ireland, who had died intestate. worth
$4,000, and said he was glad now that
he could afford to get a housekeeper,
instead OF having to think of getting
married.
Then gifts began to flow in to the
Cripples' Home. and the Society for
the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,
and the Job Nimble Home for Incura-
bles. In short. after FIVE years Joel
had only $4,000 Of his capita, left.
And Maudie was growing up and GO
ing to college. And Dolly had mar
ried the finest man In the world. a
lawyer. who often came over to Joel's
to sit and chat of an evening, and
ask disconcerting questions. Joel be-
gan to be afraid that folks would find
out the truth. But presently the ques-
tons ceased, and the lawyer became
still more kind and friendly.
How wonderful II was, at thirty, to
have done so much good to others, In
stead OF having spent ones money on
oneself. Joel began to forget the
heartache that he felt whenever he
saw Maudie back from college, always
with the same kind word for Joel. He
had really had more out of life than
he deserved, even though he was still
the butt OF the young folks.
But when Maudie came back for
good and went to live with Dolly and
her husband, and their little boy, Joel
knew that nature was stronger than
he was. He was shyer than ever when
he called, and at last he gave up call
ing altogether. Only the lawyer, and
perhaps Maudie, understood. But
what could they do? II Joel had seen
himself as others began to see him
now, when sorrow had dignified him,
and self-forgetfulness had stamped 1t.
self on his insignificant face.
But Joel only knew that he was des.
perately unhappy, and that he must
go away. He advertised his farm.
Then it was that the lawyer be.
trayed the secret he had wormed out
Of the little man.
For one morning a. strange deputa-
ton approached Joels house. He
came to the door and stared in amaze
ment at the neighbors-all Fouracres,
that had come to do honor, no more
to the village butt, in pleasantly, but
to the most popular man in town.
Joel found himself hoisted, struggling,
upon the neighbors' shoulders and car.
ried to the council hall. And there,
to his amazement, the mayor himself.
and all the council were assembled.
Someone was making a speech, too.
Joel caught vaguely the words, Our
next mayor" Then, somehow, he had
broken from the cheering throng and
found himself outside, alone.
No. Observation-Disclosures at
his side, looking into his face with
tear-dimmed. radiant eyes. And she
was asking him IL 1t was true he was
going away, if>he would not stay.
At that moment Joel caught at his
destiny. For he saw only the lit
tie trapped bird, not the college wom-
an, and he took her by the hand.
I will stay II you tell me to-" he
said.
Stay, then" whispered Maudie
shyly.
Copyright, 1916. by W. G. chapman.)