The log cabin Democrat., 1916-05-04

i ago that false husband and father basely deserted us. Now he wishes
 to take the one person I love away from mel"
 Old Bartlett could not determine the merits of the case, but he was true to Mrs. Rawson. She did not go into the details of her separation from her husband, but he believed she would always be in the right. T noticed man waiting outside while the lawyer was here," continued Mrs. Rawson. That was this morn ing. Ever since, at intervals, this sec ond man has lurked about the neigh borhood. Don't you seer" cried the agitated woman-"they are going to kidnap Benny! Perhaps the lawyer is arranging some legal trick, while his accomplice watches this house to see that l do not escape their clutches with Benny. So you must take Ben ny away" declared the anxious moth- CT. You must hide him until I find out how far these wicked schemers will go"
 Why, I can do that" replied old Bartlett. Benny likes me and will stay with me. There is my old hut. It is isolated, no one ever comes near it. Dear lady, leave it all to mel will carry Benny away in my bag"
 This was done. If any one was watching, they never dreamed that within the accustomed bag, snug and quiet as mouse, Benny reposed. The novelty of the quaint home of the bagman prevented Benny from becom- ing lonely. The plan worked admir- ably, and old Bartlett was delighted to be able to circumvent the designs of wicked plotters against the dear lady whom he so respected. That very evening the bagman chanced to be passing a clump of trees near the Rawson home. He became an caves dropper to the conversation of the lawyer and his assistant.
 It opened his eyes to a wonderful truth. It changed the entire complex ion of the case. Nightly stirred up, old Bartlett decided to act on his own initiative. He hastened to his lonely hut. He took Benny a new journey not in the bag this time. He returned to the town the next morning-alone.
 Benny spoke Mrs. Rawson anx- iously, as Bartlett appeared at her home.
 He is with his father-I took him there and you are to join both of them right away" was the amazing reply of the bagman. Don't get star tied now" he urged soothingly "ev- erything is all right. Only listen, and then be thankful, for all your troubles are over.'
 And then humble, loyal old Bartlett recited a marvellous story. The over- heard conversation of the two strang. CTS had enlightened him. Allan Raw son did not wish to take little Benny away from his mother-only to see him. He dared not hope that his wife might come too, yet her place was by his side.
 That is, if she could forgive. He had not deserted her. Travelling out West on business bent, he had become involved with some swindling scoun- drels, who left him to bear the brunt of prison sentence for their own crimes. He was ashamed to inform his wife that the stain of a convict was upon him. He was helpless for three years to contribute to her SUD- port.
 Now a relative had left him for tune and he had sought her out. He had been very ill., but the sight of lit tie Benny had brought new hope and health. And she, his wife, always loved-old Bartletts eyes regarded her pleadingly.
 ''I will go to him." spoke Edna Raw son, with shining eyes.
 Copyright. 1916. by w. G. Chapman)