The herald., 1917-03-15
=" and Nellie told her story.

"'''H' Il" Nohuer warren loves YOU
as dearly as l do. will see that the
man is taken safely on his way."
Weary Skies was helped into the
wagon. Nellie pressed bright half
dollar into his hand.
"Oh, miss, couldn't take it, indeed,
/ no." he demonstrated.
You must" insisted Nellie. at
VIII take you on your way TO YOUR
mother. Oh, / do hope you will be In
time TO receive her blessing"
IL don't deserve IT," and Weary
broke down sobbing. "And you. miss,
il seems rs if your kindness has melt
ed all the badness of my poor old
weary heart"
And Nellie, sweet plying angel that
she was, stood waving her hand ~ the
poor old derelict till the wagon was
out of sight.
1t was month later and Nellie
was leaving the house TO make n fare
well visit 10 4 neighbor Her face
was all smiles, filed with a glowing
soul Of happiness. All the arrange
mentS had been made to leave the
town. The horse and wagon had been
sold. purchaser found for the lease
Of the house and its furniture. In
her pocketboOk lying on the table was
$500.
How carefully had the little sum
been saved. Dime by dime, it had
been "a fnl- no
them 10 the Woodworking. ambitious
Warren Leighton in the West. Just
about 10 put on her hat, Nellie drew
back with start and a thrill.
Two men had crowded through the
open rear doorway. Before Nellie
could run or cry out. one had sprung
forward and pressed a handkerchief
over her lips, tied IL into a gag and
forced her back into a 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 II open. Hundreds,
pal; a rich haul" Then he placed II
on the table again, csuckling. 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 n man slouched
down the street. Ha was q prototype
Of Weary Skies in manner and appear
ance. He eyed each home. particular
~ the one where Nellie lived. Then
his glance fell 10 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; ii 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 eOmprehended that some
thing was wrong
what is it," he whispered 10 Mel
lie, as ne 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 q neigh
boris, told her story and two men were
called, who hurried to capture the rob-
bers.
Seems as If I came just in time"
said the tramp. you're Miss Nellie
Wayne; l know now. i promised an
old friend in the city, now dead, TO
bring you q word, and this" and the
speaker produced little brown paper
parcel.
Nellie opened it. Inside was an old
fashioned brooch set in gold.
Weary Skies" further explained
the tramp. "He reached his mother
just before she died. He told her
about you. She sent you the brooch,
with her blessing. and poor Weary
died q week later"
"A blessing, indeed" murmured
Nellie, in tears, ''for 1t brought you TO
my rescue, Just In time"