The Press., 1920-01-22
151e Letter R.
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Copyright, 1919, by the Western ~News-
 paper Union.)
By ALVAH JORDAN GARTH


 Copyright. 1919 by the Western ~News-
 paper Union.) Rudd Block was fast going to decay and it's owner dnplored tie fact, but he was engaged in costly litigation and had decided to let repair and general renovation of the old downtown build- ing wait until he was in less straitened circumstances.
 Bartley Duane was a Wandercr, al most a tramp. Drink had been his fail ing and he had got so far down life's ladder that if he had not taken new grip on it's worn rungs he would have fallen off entirely. He had decided he would try to reform. He was given position in the core making department of Brrge tS Co. He was to go to work the following Monday, and the firm, in accordance with it's regular custom with all employees, had insured life and limb under the employers liability act, as also as to sick benefits. Bartley was putting in Saturday strolling about, when he halted in front of the Rudd building to glance into windOW
 "Hi. there; look out!" suddenly startled him.
 The man at the curb who uttered the warning was pointing upwards. Bart lev glanced in that direction to dis cern a dark object hurting dOWnWards. ! It was the letter "R" of the building name, loosened by time. It was formed of metal; the screws that he'd it in place had ruSted away. and as it weighed nearly four pounds it drove Bartley senseless to the pavement as it struck his head, rebOunded to his arm shattered the wrist, and an ambulance was summoned and the victim of the accident was rushed away.
 For full month Bartley lay on a hospital cot When he was discharged the ward surgeon informed him that his head wound would heal in time. but ! that he would never have the full use ! of his injured forearm as formerly. i The rest care and attention had done : much to reinvigOrate the former nebri- ate. Rartey went at once to Burge < Co. They could not employ a crippled man. but under the terms of his acci- dent policy Bartley was given four hundred dollars and a hint that the owner of Rudd Block might indemnify him handsomely for his permanent in jury. The latter could not afford an other suit. He gave Bartley one thou sand dollars for a final settlement of all claims.
 Bartley bought a new suit and was very presentable person, clean shaven
 ,;,.l,+ al wondering if there was some chance Tn life for him after all.
 "That letter R." he unused. 'Its been a fateful one to me. Somehow can't get it out of my mind. Hello!'
 He was passing small curio store 1 when he noticed the sign in it's win dow, "Fortunes told for fifty cents." The whim seized him to enter. He found shrewd eyed, gipsy-attired woman who mOtiOned him to seat be- fore a great crystal ball.
 eve come to see if you can give me an occult augury as to some possible mysticism in my being hit by big iron R" he prefaced, and told his story. "Um-um," murmured the fortune teller. "A strange story, 'Rs.' It is cryptic Could it refer," and she studied the lines of dissipation in Bartleys face "tO Rum"?
 "T'hat'S right enough"
 "And-Reform?" vaguely intimated the seeresS
 "Im on the road to it." vouchsafed B;rtley. "But that's all clear to me-"
 "Ah. then. bI the way has there been some woman in your 1ife?'
 Hurtlcy started. His brow furrOWed Thcu@llt, memory sent vivid pang throuch his frame.
 "Np4" he acceded with set lips.
 "Non are thinking of a mothor?' ."
 ".h died long since."
 "A sister. thcn?'
 "I never had Onc."
 "'I.' R. and a woman. Could it be Ruth: rr Ruby?" with crafty look of gue%Sin~. "Ah. I have it-Rachael!' p Rar'lry's face writhed. He silently placed the fee upon the stand and with set Fps and a far-aWay expression upon his face left the place.
 Rachael! He had not dared to think of the wife he had deserted after two | years ti Ilf8lttl tllNl tCSlltulltll llS had always felt that he deserved the harsh Iu; just words with which she had hat'n lm leave her and never re turn. Eat now fate seemed to point the way h&rl to his lost love. He had given ur the cruel drink, he had ! money. ln wondered if the change in his; natIIvc would not appeal to the woman NNDSe life he had ,.lOuded.
 Two days later Bartley reached his old home toWn to learn that his wife 1 with her li;tle child was suppOrting both by operating confectionery store, making a bare living. His heart beat fast as he located the place and entered t. He was hopeful for his in dormant had told him that Mrs. Duane was fine business woman and with capital could greatly increase her trade Cnnital? Had he not over a thousand dnllArs!
 A sweot-faced little girl called her mother as Bartley stood at the coun- ter. Comedy. clear eyed, Mrs. Duane greeted the customer with d nod. Then with d scream. The pair faced one an- other after the lapse of five years You have come hack !" she gasp d.. "A rep. nt:nt husband .,nd fAther,' he supplemented ferNently. 'Is tn, re a l place here for the ncN B;lrj.ty Duane?' There was. Restoration. reformation } expressive ks-anh te these, as timt wore on there wa" rdded-Riches.
 Sea Toss.
 |~ Owing to the war the supply of ''Se;. roOS& " of which several hundred