The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1916-08-11

that was all there was Tor supper and
not another bite in the house"
"But I'm not at all hungry" insisted
her husband. "If ] was, that poor fell
lows enjoyment of the meal would
make me glad TO deny myself"
"And putting him in the old garrett
where grandfather used TO sleep-not
invaded for years It's a sort Of sacri-
lege"
Nonsense, Nelliel" returned Mr..
Valentine. 1.-The old bed Is ready 10
fall down. Don't worry. dear. Badly
off as we are. it's nothing TO the hx
that poor outcast is in"
They were indeed bad of. The
past year had been a struggle for them.
Things had gone from bad TO worse.
The old house they had been left by
Grandfather Ellis was mortgaged TO
the limit John had lost his position
in the town. Their credit was exhaust
ed, the last cent gone. Unless John
found work they were absolute pau
pers.
They sat thinking over this for some
time In dead silence. They were
startled as the door leading TO the attic
was opened The tramp faced them.
II did not stop TO think" he said.
humbly, "but I'm subject to night
mares. Sometimes l holler out like
mad. sometimes l cavort around like
jumping jack"
Don't let that worry you, friend
directed John. Were not sleeping any
too good ourselves. these days"
THAT is true!" sighed Nellie sadly.
Mr.. Valentine came up to his wife
and kissed her fondly. Then they went
over their prospects and plans. The
first was dubious, the latter vague, but
there was the home village where Nell
lie had lived to go back TO new start
in life, much as IT hurt the pride Of
John.
His courageous spirit buoyed Nellie
UP. She smiled through her tears.
"There may be showers of blessings
in store for us yet" she said brightly.
ooh, john"
In dismay she shrank back and in
alarm John drew her to one side TO
eyade q real shower of splinters and
plaster.
Evidently their tramp visitant had
one of his nightmares. There was q
vast commotion overhead. A body
seemed to bound from the bed with a
yell. The rotted floor of the attic
gave way. Down came plaster, laths,
and, following, a bag, another, third
The fabric that composed them
burst as the bags struck the table,
old-gold-gold!
Eagles and double eagles chinked,
spun and rolled on the floor. Coins,
yellow, cleaning, pirouetted, rolled.
flooded the rag carpet-hundredS OF
| them.
Someone came hurrying down the
rickety stairs The tramp prOtruded
an apologize face beyond the door.
way.
Don't be scared" he spoke with hui
mility. "Its only one of my night
mares. 1 broke thrOugh-thunder J"
He stared at the scattered gold, and
John and Nellie stared, too.
"Oh, can't you understands CRIED
the Quick-witted Nellie, but John only
silently shook his head.
Grandfather Ellis, of course!" pro
nounced Nellie excitedly.
You mean ne hid his gOld?"
Between the floors" declared Mel
lie. Don't you remember how nc
used to hint at a rich reward for those
who cared for him in his declining
years? And when he died he tried tC
tell us something that was on his mind
Oh, John, we won't have to leave the
old home now"
The tramp stood taking in the scene
Understandings
Boss" he spoke at last, IF Iv'
brought you good luck I'm the happies
man in the world!'
He had, indeed, and he shared tbs
glad fortune by giving up the road
and settling down as loyal, faithful
helper about the place TO which hi
fortunate nightmare had brought 10.
and plenty.