Catoctin clarion., 1917-03-08

It seems as if your kindness has melt
ed all the badness Of my poor old
weary heart"
And Nellie, sweet pityng angel that
she was, stood waving her hand to the
poor old derelict till the wagon was
out Of sight.
It was a month later and Nellie
was leaving the house to make a fare
well visit to neighbor Her face
was all smiles, filed with glowing
soul of happiness. All the arrange
ments had been made to leave the
town. The horse and wagon had been
sold, a purchaser found for the lease
of the house and its furniture. In
her pocketbook lying on the table was
$400
How carefully had the little sum
been saved Dime by dime, it had
been accumuiated-the means to take
them to the Woodworking, ambitious
Warren Leighton in the West. Just
about to put on her hat, Nellie drew
back with start and thrill.
Two men had crowded through the
open rear doorway. Before Nellie
could run or cry out, one had sprung
forward and pressed handkerchief
over her lips, tied it into u gag and
forced her back into chair.
"Tie her till we've looked over the
place." he growled, and Nellie found
herself helpless and beyond the power
of an Outcry.
"Look here, Bill" spoke the other
man. discovering Nellie's purse on the
table and holding it open. Hundreds,
pal; rich haulw Then he placed 1t
on the table again, chuckling. Must
be rich, these folks" he went on.
"Come, we'll investigate for more loot
upstairs"
Nellie could not free herself. She
sat mute, terrified. Her heart felt
like lead as she reflected that all her
hopes of the Golden West" were shat
tered by these cruel, lawless thieves.
At Just that moment man slOuched
down the street. He was prototype
of Weary Skies in manner and appear
ance He eyed each home, particular
ly the one where Nellie lived. Then
his glance fell to the gate post. He
stopped down and scanned closely the
faded red chalk symbols that Weary
Skies had once noted.
ITS the place-girl named Nellie,
last name Wayne" muttered the
tramp. Hope get good meal for
doing this errand for Weary Skies"
He went to the rear door; 1t stood
open. He peered into the room be-
yond, his eyes goggled. He started to
where Nellie sat. Her eyes attracted
him pleadingly. He heard gruff voices
upstairs, he comprehended that some
thing was wrong.
"What is it," he whispered to Mel
lie. as he released her and removed
the gag.
She told him quickly, she seized the
precious money. She bade him run
with her from the house.
81 don't understand, but I reckon
you know what you are about" spoke
the tramp.
Breathless, Nellie arrived at neigh
bor's, told her story and two men were
called, who hurried to capture the rob-
berS.
"Seems as if l came just in time"
said the tramp. you're Miss Nellie
Wayne; know now. l promised an
old friend in the city, now dead, to
bring you word, and this" and the
speaker produced little brown paper
parcel
Nellie opened 1t. Inside was an old
fashioned brooch set in gold.
"Weary Skes," further explained
the tramp. "IIe reached his mother
lust before she died. He told her
about you. She sent you the brooch,
with her blessing; and poor Weary
died week later"
"A blessing, lndeedi' murmured
Nellie, in tears, "for 1t brought you to
my rescue, just in time"