The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-02-05

announced that the rain would have
come anyway, there was 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
a decade ensued.
You see," John went on, "the town
committeeman say that the dynamite
which / have never been able to get
rid of is 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 / 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 it and the door stoutly barri-
caded for over a year. Tomorrow I
think I'll take the stuff, package by
package, down to the rayine and sink
it in deep slough"
do be careful. john" pleaded
Adria it is such dangerous stuff,
you know"
"Oh, 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 to
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
old clothes, was a heap Of the stuff
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 land
it in the ravine slough and started for
the home of his nearest neighbor to
borrow wheelbarrow.
"Hello!" he observed quickly, as,
passing his own house, he saw two
frowsy tramps seated on the steps
what's the occasion of guests. eh?"
Just grub, mister" replied one Of
the men. Sort of straighten US up for
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 go
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 them
picked up a rock.
Bet the next dime | get that l hit
that sign nigh the shed first shot out
of the box!" Dragged one of the
tramps.
Bet you don't"
Here goes'-crash!
That careless throw, landing a mis-.
sile among the dynamite stores, had
settled the fate of the disturbing ex.
plosive. The fearful defamation
brought John rushing back, a crowd
following him in the widest excite
ment
Fired it a,purpose?" painted the
town constable, keeping up with him
ooh, no, and | can't imagine how
the dynamite came to explode" re
piled John.
We'll, it's the last of your rainmak
ing experiment, hey?" submitted the
official.
They passed the two tramps, rush
ing away in vivid alright. They
neared the shed.
Hi! Look there, and here-I say!'
shouted the constable. "Rain-why
there's been a golden rain here!"
John shared his amazement and
halted and stared about them. Near by
were the blasted remains OF q small
iron key and the ground and paths
were spangled with glittering gold
pieces.
The hidden store of the "miser's
gold" had come to light at last. Sc
creted in or near the old shed, 1t had
gone aloft with the explosion to come
down in an opulent shower.
They gathered 1t up and John tool
4 over to Adria's home.
Keep it till we get married-nexi
week." he directed, with a happy
smile.