The herald., 1917-12-06


copyright, 1917, Western Newspaper Union
"Tve turned honest, ma'am, ant
| you've given me u big boost on the
way to decent life by fitting me out
so finely"
II trust so, believe So" responded
Mrs. Morley. "You have q good face
and l should feel very sad If l thought
you would think of selling those
clothes for drink"
I'm through with the red stuff,
ma'am, believe me. I'll be only too
glad to feel dressed like real man,
as L once was. I'll do myself proud
ana straight as die, to show that
appreciate your kindness"
With the words, Ben Dorkins went
on his way, carrying a neat parcel I'M
der his arm. 1t contained a suit Of
clothes, hat, shoes, In fact, q COM
plete outfit. Ben had come to the lit
tie Morley home about noon, asking
Tor food, a down-at-the-heel tramp.
He had offered to work for a meal and
had done so, tidying up the back yard
and carrying some ashes to the al
ley, behind the house.
Mrs. Morley gave Ben Dorkins not
only good meal. but half dollar.
Then, noticing his uncouth attire, a
sudden impulse swayed her generous
spirit.
Wait" she said, II just thought Of
a suit of clothes my husband discard
ed only two days ago. He is Just
about your size. Would you like
them! They are not much worn, but
my husband has a new suit Of the
same goods"
"Oh, ma'am! that's too much to
think Of giving an old ragbag like
me-" but as Mrs. Morley after a brief
absence reappeared with the outfit en-
tire, Ben's eyes cleaned with pleas
ure.
You can step into the next room,
II You like, and put them on" suggest
ed Mrs. Morley, but Ben shook his
head vigorously.
Not l." he dissented strenuously.
TIN bound back for the city and work,
which those fine rags will help me get.
I'll stop at your barber shop here and
get shave and a hair cut. Then it's
me for that pretty river running out
side of the village. If you'll put In a
piece Of soap, please, I'll make my
first bath for a month a famous one"
"1'll do that" assented Mrs. Morley.
"and there's some collars and a couple |
Of neckties. Be good. won't you, nowi" |
she finished persuasively.
I'll respect my word, ma'am. You've |
set me on my pegs right and I'll keep
right" pledged Ben Dorkins.
He went on his way rejoicing. He
got the shave and haircut, he reached |
a secluded part of the river course
outside Of the town, where he was free
TO disport In the water unseen by 9TH
ers and undisturbed.
81 feel new all I" jubilated he.
rs he drew himself erect with pride
md satisfaction and kicked his dis
,arded rags into the river. "Now for
fifteen-mile tramp and something
better than carrying in coal or beg
,ng my grub"
The renovation inspired Ben with
distinctly new and worthy aspirations.
lie more than once glanced down at
he trim-fitting suit. He began to
'ractice the erect and manly swing.
bandoned into careless sloughiny
When he fell from the good-breeding
manners Of former days. It was after
lark when Ben reached Faneville. half
he compass of his trip citywards.
He had fifteen cents left of the half
ollar Mrs. Morley had given him and
e invested ten of 1t In q cup of cof-
ee and some rolls. Then he went
own the street, entered q hotel and
at down I'm an arm chair In its lobby.
1t was a truly agreeable situation to
ave the entree to responsibility once ,
fore, for no lynx-eyed porter or Off
ious desk clerk resented his pres- ,
nee. The suit was conspicuous, but |
lsteful, not loud, but IT had GER
II IldU orig 4
lally cost over forty dollars. so its :
resent wearer passed muster as TO :
ersonal appearance.
Coincidence or fate, Hal Morley had q
1T that very hotel as Ben entered Il. '
Iorley had come to Faneville for his a
INK at his home town, where he was '
nployed. His mission was to meet a a
ealthy old invalid against whom the I
ank had disputed claim Of nearly
N thousand dollars. Morley had
zen Mr.. John Archer about the middle
the afternoon and had gone over y
lie business he had been commissioned {
transact. Mr.. Archer was In charge 4
male nurse and after he and
orley had agreed upon compromise,
rected him to come to the hotel at
ght o'clock that evening, when he O
ould adjust the matter finally. n