The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1918-11-28
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STRAIGHT STREET
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BY MAY NEWcoM8E.

SlnuOuS length, IL assumed, or aD-
sorbed, or was given name: Crook
ed Lane"
When the first small stores began
to find a location on a line with the
depot, the town commissioners cut a
broad line west, condemned curves
and windlngs and laid out a compass
correct thoroughfare. 1t was not a
pretty appelative they bestowed on
the new thoroughfare, but 1t was fully
appropriate as contrast. 1t became
Straight street
To do business on Straight street
was to be quite in the business sphere,
to live farther out in its residential
section was to be acknowledged and
accepted socially. One day stranger
entered the town, a jaunty, fairly we'll
dressed fellow, about twenty-five. He
was straight as an arrow, supple,
swift of gait, bright-eyed, wide awake,
suggesting a person seeking brand
new environment and on the alert to
seize its best opportunities. A whm-
steal smile crossed his expressive face
as he glanced at the sign on lamp
post.
straight street." he read, as though
1t had made a pleasant sound. THAT
suits me and l take 1t as a harbinger
Of fortune. It's the road I've had in
mind"
The young man started looking for
a room, cheap room. Side thorough
fares invited in this direction, but he
maintained his tramp along the street
called Straight" until he finally
found an apartment suited to his thin
purse, and then cast about for work
His brisk, CHEEKY ways and frank, open
personality caught the fancy Of the
bOokkeeper of large factory and Abel
Morse, as he gave his name, was en-
plOyed.
He became a favorite all around,
There was one popularity about him
he took long jaunts, and 1t might have
been remarked that he never left
Straight street. Beyond were the dance
halls, drinking places, tawdry side
shows and rollicking crowds, but in
town or leaving it, Straight street be-
came his beaten path. one moonlit
night he was pacing its middle pave
ment, for the sides were blocked where
new cement was being laid. Abruptly
spirited horse attached to high
trap turned into the street. The AMI.
NAL became frightened at the pres
ence of road roller and made a wild
dash across the rubble stone and fiji.
ng-in debris. A handsome girl held
steadily to the tense, straining reins,
but the horse was frantic. As the We
hicle was all but upsetting, the young
man sprang at the head of the speed
ing animal. He chung to the bride,
was dragged. swung, almost trampled,
hut halted the affrghted steed at last.
ooh, don't let him get hurt, tram
ping among the cinders and glass y
called out Miss Eva Powers, his driver
and Morse led the horse to the center
smooth roadway. you had better let
me drive him home" he said, and that
was how 1t came about that he first
saw ut the sumptuous Powers man
sion modest, petite Mary Lane, seam
stress.
Thereafter when he called to see
Mary at home or to chat with her in
the garden, Miss Powers smiled indul.
gently aad Mary was fattered and
pleased at the attentions of the man
~, good-loohing young fellow. There
came about a rapidly occurring series
Of events. The war came on, Mary
was proud about her lover when he
was the first to enter the service
Miss Powers gave him quite Il pub.
lie reception when he came from en-
campment, first lieutenant. Some
where Abel Morse had learned disc
pine, self-cOntrol and the power ia
lead men. lie and Mary had become
engaged. He was popular with his
comrades, model to the young men
Of the town and in direct line for fur
Their advancement.
He had just left Mary one afternoon
and was crossing the garden TO the
street when hurrylng, flushed and
hard-breathing man almost ran into
him. Then the latter halted, stared
and regarded Morse with certain in
solent, triumphant look.
Double luck Wei, well, Ned Du
rand and blooming lieutenant Nv,
heard of you. | saw you before. And
transformed into Abel Morse, U. S. A.
Some rise in the world, Ell, from con.
Wet 2244? What Is II worth TO shut
my MOUTH
Hold that mani" burst forth sharp
ly, and Miss Powers came rushing into
view. Her direction was TO Morse
Gle has Just entered the house, and
has stolen case OF jewels. There
they are, in his pocket. Bring him tC
my father, and we shall see how fai
his unmanly threat Will carry him"
Todd Brewster, eX-convlct thief
left Groyedale that evening n cowet
skulker, with evidence sufficient be
hind him TO send him back where he
belonged, If he dared even TO menace
Abel Morse again. Within n week
the assumed name OF the latter was
legallzed.
To heartbeat and to drumbeat {
real soldier led his comrades through
the little town In farewell From thC
Powers automobile Mary Lane kissed
her hand to this beloved nance, an(
Eva Powers, who alone with her IA
Their knew Of his buried past, waved
her hand In fervent recognition ant