The state herald., 1921-07-29

Barney's Wedding
Suit
(0, ls2i. Western Newspaper Union.)
By WILLIAM FALL

the bride OF year. IF anything
should happen to you"
But nothing is going to happen to
me, little chick" said bluff. happy
Bob, her husband. "See here, you
sensible pet" said Bob. "Once year
the managers at our establishment
meet. Suggestions as to improving
trade, getting acquainted, promotions
awarded-and expect one, mind
you-and real, good jolly fellowship
all around"
Just think, though II they should
tempt you. Bob! !" persisted Mrs. Aims
lee. "A dark night, lonely neigh
borhood, miles away from home. Look
at that man hire to do our chores,
and think what temptation has cost
him."
"Eh! oh, yes" responded Bob,
glancing past the porch at a man pill
ing up kindlins wood In the back
yard. "Your protege, he looks fairly
comfortable, for all these temptations
you tell about"
"Just now, maybe. but he was
wreck, and ] reformed him. He looks
so comfortable" explained Laura
Ainslee proudly, because l give him
nl your old clothes. He's waiting
for the season to pass to get the ones
you're wearing now"
"Oh, he Isl remarked Bob. "Well.
he'll have to wait two full months for
this one"
Hes patient, dear" said Laura.
.'Oh. Bob l feel SO pleased with old
Barney. us they call him. He's
given up drinking and is saving up
money. And what do you think! He
is actually talking of getting married
to widow who owns restaurant
car. l have an Idea he is counting
on that suit Of yours for the we'd
ding"
"weu. good.by," smiled Bob" Home
the earliest can. and clear water,
dear, believe me-"
A fine fellow of his word, honest
tie philanthropist, Laura proceeded to
the yurd.
"That was my husband. Barney"
she said.
"Yes'm: often seen him: often re-
marked how happy he orghter be
with wife like you." bowed and
scraped the polite tramp.
THAT suit he has on told him
you were waiting for IT,"
Barney only grlnned his delight at
the announcement.
"Scc here. num-" said the tramp,
"the fellow who wouldn't try and
make good after being treated like n
man as you have done. is no gentle
man. That suit. !" added Barney gloat-
Ingly. "say. dream about II nights.
I've sort of made II the top stone OF
responsibility. Ny. won't ! shine. I'm
deeply grateful. mum, truly. humbly
grateful"
Barney finished his task. Then
he came around 10 the back door to
report. Mrs. Ainslee handed him
half dollar.
Barney felt quite proud as he
Thought OF the anticipated .prb. He
went to restaurant. and then he
strolled around for an hour. and a.
nally landed at n moving picture show.
II wus eleven o'clock when he fol-
lowed the crowd out 10 the street.
II wa. drIzzllng trltle. As he passed
weil-known hotel, several gentle
men came out, shook hands In part
Ing. and one OF them, turning up his
coat collar. started on at breakneck
pace.
"Hsllow suddenly exclaimed Bar
hey with start md stare, "Why.
thnt's my suit"
II certainly was Bob Ainslee.
"I've got TO catch him." breathed
the ardent pursuer. Its beginning
10 rain harder. Say. he'll spoil my
suit How careless some people are I"
Ahcn; 20 han NJ. ..!as!cc, .ha tramp
broke Into his hest run instead. Pass
ing dark alley. Bob wns halted by
three footpads.
",Innds up, bossl" ordered the
leader.
Bini bang-"Pollce!"- thus f,.r.
ncy. his umbrella swinging like %
iinil. his voice brnyine out In hoarse
war hoop. Al the corner n policeman
appeared. The baiiied hold.up men
daricd back Into the nlley. Bob Aims
lee picked up his watch where It had
fallen when Barney struck up the pill
ferinI arm cf the footpnd.
why. my mnn! You arrived In
the n'ck Of time. didn't your hailed
jolly Bob. .l
"yen sir. Umbrella, please. sir;
you're getting wet" -t.t.
20, never mind That"
"Bu, lists my suit!" explained
Barney desperately.
"Eh' hn! why. IT'S my wifo's pro.
tcge, declare. How came you l,erei"
/ BDrnry explained.
"S"c here. Barney" hc sud In n
friendly wny. "you call nt my house
tomorrow. There will be- something
waiting there Tor you"