Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1919-12-02
THE TRAMP
BY FRANCES BRIDGES.

Marjorie GoldwyD, buSily baking mo-
lasses cookies ana singing in a lusty
voice, did not hear step on the porch.
Her work aud solo were interrupted
by slight rap on the door, and on
reaching it she was dumf0unded to be-
hold tramp.
Now, if there was anything or any
body Marjorie disliked, it was tramp,
because she was afraid of them. Yet
this one seemed different; certainly
he had a two weeks growth of beard
and his hair needed to be cut, his
clothes were in a dreadful condition,
and there were almost no shoes. But
he had a wonderful smile and dark
brown eyes which sparkled with laugh
ter. After the first shock she did not
know whether TO shut and bolt the door
or ask him his business.
How do you dor" began the tramp.
"Will you give me q piece Of bread
and glass of water, please? 1 haven't
had mOuthful since last night, and it
is now twelve o'clock
Marjorie hesitated a moment and
then said: YES, yes; but you stay
on the porch"
Certainly" he replied, throwing
his cap upon the porch floor and seat
ing himself on the top step.
she carefully locked the door, not
noticing smile which fitted over her
visitors face, and proceeded to pre-
marc a rathop SuhS+opt;al ,,,aal Ia ,llaa,
of bread and water.
While he ate she remained inside the
door and watched.
THAT tasted mighty good" he said
as he finished eating; land now / win
begin to saw the ever-ready woodpile"
There isn't any woodpile, but you
are perfectly welcome to the lunch"
But | want to pay you in some
way" he persisted. "Can't feed the
chickens or wash dishes or anything?"
mo, no." answered Marjorie rather
sharply and growing perceptibly
nervous.
Il wish / could" he answered smil-
ingly picking up his cap, hut perhaps
will he able to later" 49,
As soon as he had gone, Marjorie
locked all the doors, lowered all the
shades and sat huddled up in a corner
About a mouth after the tramp incl
dent, Marjorie went down to the pas
ture to get some violets. She had
picked big bunch aad started toward
home when she saw wriggling through
the hnrsn oh
She tried to scream but could make nc
sound; her feet seemed glued 10 the
ground; her head began TO whirl as the
reptile crawled nearer, and then she
tainted.
When Marjorie opened her eyes. her
father was bending over her. She was
at home. with strange young man
leaning on the mantel AT the other side
Of the room.
"oh father" she cried. Il was so
afraid"
"Of course you were. dear, but this
young man. Mr.. Tom Pierce, shot that
RATHER just in time"
shot him." queried Marjorie.
Yes" said the young man II had
been cunning and was taking short
cut through the fields TO reach the
main road: and / noticed you appeared
frightened. When came near enough
saw the snake and shot him as YOU
tainted
Marjorie thanked him, wondering ar
the same time where she had seen him
before.
This started a friendship which be-
fore fall took on q deeper meaning.
Marjorie" began Tom one night. 81
have TWO confessions TO make
Yes" urged Marjorie.
First, love you with all my heart,
and have since the nrst day we met.
and Marjorie. do-do you love me just
httlef oh, do say yes" pleaded
Tom
Yea whispered Marjorie, after
hesftating q moment
But you have made only one eonfes-
sion; what Is the otherrr-fearlng il
might be about another girl
-oh, yes. I nearly forgot that. Well.
you see. Marjorie. I was the tramp thar
day last June: had made bet with the
fellows could rough II for a MONTH
Il thought had seen you before the
day ye1 rescued me- cried Marjorie.
And you weys frightened when |
raped On the door. versnt you, deary.
sTsae 49, "a.