Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-03-01
Sam and the Villagers

GAM lived in a large house just across
~ the millpond from the village.
In the middle OF the village, in comfort.
able dwellings, lived two powerful domi-
neering chaps who suddenly went crazy.
They attacked several unoffending neigh
bors, burned down houses, ran wild with
firearms and soon the whole community
was in an uproar..
Sam kept on with his work, even though
missiles very soon began to fly his way
and injure some of his family. He had
always been a little suspicious Of the viii
lage, ever since he had moved away from
it years before in order to have more room
to carry on his own affairs. However, he
sent over some sandwiches to help those
who were driven out of their homes.
The villagers, little by little, got together,
banded against the two homicidal lunatics
and tried to restrain them. But they were
getting the worst Of it and the village was
given over to hideous ruin and wreckage.
Sam, who loved the old place, watched
what was going on with horror Finally
sparks began setting his roof on fire and he
saw his former neighbors across the pond
struggling for their lives and calling out
for help.
He hustled across the pond with all the
weapons he could muster and jumped into
the tussle. He came late, but he came
fresh, and he gave all he knew. With his
arrival things began to go better. At last,
though most Of the old town lay in cinders
and misery, they got the maniacs tied
down. Then they sat down to think things
over.
What are we going to do to prevent this
kind of thing happening again?" said one.
Let's form an association for mutual
protection" said another. wen all agree
| that II any one goes crazy in future each
| and all of us will stand together against
| him from the start. And We'll all agree to
| let a committee inspect whatever weapons
| we have on hand, so that no one will be
| able to accumulate bunch of firearms
| and raise cain the way those fellows did"
Lets ask Sam about it," said another.
He's got more wind left than we have,
maybe he can think clearer, For me, I'm
about all in
| you go TO the deuce" said Sam. i've
| sweat DlOOu luc NlIldBc, Dut dOH I
| like that idea OF any one coming over to
my place and looking over my tools. You
| folks have got nothing to fear from me.
| I'm going home and get busy"
| For heavens sake. SAM" said the VIII
| layers, "just because you live across the
pond don't act that way. The only way
we can straighten this business up Is by
all standing together"
| "No," said Sam. y don't like the idea of
an association. 1t might involve me in
some responsibility. or course, IL those fell
lows go off the handle again I suppose !
shall come over once more and lay into
them, but j don't like the idea of any re-
sponsibility. Besides, your COMMITTEES
might vote for some kind of shindy !
wasn't interested in, and I'd have to come
over and take hand"
Goodness gracious. Sam" said the dis.
appointed villagers, its just to preven,
there being any kind OF serious trouble thai
we want every one on that committee"
mo" repeated Sam, II don't mind com.
ing over here when there's trouble and
working my head of to save things, but ]
can't be troubled with committees. hate
responsibility" at
] ITS for your safety as wen as ours" sait