New Ulm review., 1921-03-02
A Frowsy Hero
By WILLIAM FALL


rooned. My publishers have ordered
tramp series. I've read you the hrst
chapter. and you say it won't do.'
That's right-won't do at all, as
sented Alvin Darce, poet, critic ana
magazine editor. You don't get the
right touch, you see. You make the
tramp all beer and dirt-no human
interest. Get back to your old forte
the simple villager. Look here, there
II big chance on Japan. Put in year
there and write something worth
while"
I'D do it only for little Paul." said
Philip North, and his big bluff voice
became gentle as that of a Woman's.
"He couldn't stand trip like that"
Little Paul., the crippled brother,
was the tender spot in the heart of
Philip North. Even blase Alvin Darce
had seen something in the wonder
full love between those two that made
his own barren heart ache at times.
"Well," he said, "if you're bound to
immOrtalZe the tramp, do it right,
that's all. Cultivate the genus. Study
him. I've an idea. Come with me-"
Darce was erratic and wilful, and
North never questioned his leadership
The former proceeded to the cheap
lodging house district Of the city and
ploted the way up the stairs of one
of it's cheapest structures. He spoke
to man at desk. The latter called
an assistant, and a minute later the
two friends were halted in front Of
the last of row of narrow sheetiron
rooms with wire netting over the
top.
On wretched cot lay big, good
natured looking fellow, unmistakably
q tramp. He was only half dressed,
and he stared with bleared eyes at
his unexpected visitors.
Remember me, don't you, Frowsy?"
inquired Darce.
"Why, sure" assented the tramp,
that paid me to stand for photo
graph and put me in the paper"
That's right, Frowsy. Well, I've
got you a longer and a better job"
"Sorry, governor, but it can't be
DONE"
"NNhy not?"
"Well, I'm in pawn. You see, my
best partner, Slim Larry, was taken in
yesterday on q ten dollar fine.
"You needn't worry about that"
said Darce. "NIr. North will start you
out with a new suit Of clothes-and
BATH"
sit looks good" remarked Frowsy,
"but couldn't rest easy with Larry
in trouble. Tell you, gents,'. and
FrOwsy grew eloquent "rve had part
ners, but none like him. He's been
failin' lately, and it's the country air
or the buryin' ground for him.
"Give us the details about your
friend, Frowsy," directed Darce, land
We'll fix that end Of the case''
"You will?" questioned the tramp
eagerly. "Then I'm your man."
1t was a transition of splendor for
Frowsy from the slum district to the
apartments Of the story writer. Little
Paul took great fancy to Frowsy
"Well, North, how are you getting
along with your model?" Darce asked
of his friend one evening at their
club.
"Your plan is q failure, Darce,'' he
said.
"Well, there's his hero worship. His
friendship for little Paul is something
pathetic"
"Yes, that is true" acknowledged
North, the old tender gleam coming
into his fine eyes. "What's that!" lie
almost shouted, as q bell man hurried
to his side and repeated into his ear
a telephone message just received.
"Darce, my home is on fire"
The apartment house where North
lived was about six squares from the
club. In wild fever Of suspense and
excitement the two men ran all the
way. A grOan came from North's
lips as they turned corner. They
came in sight of the building. 1t was
mass of flames.
AS burst of flame singed and drove
them back, Darce set up great shout.
"Look, North, look!'' he cried.
Three stories up, hanging from the
sill Of window of the North apart
ments, was man. The flames seemed
to scOrch his head and his clothing
was on fire. 1t was Frowsy, and in
one arm he bore a huddled form
wrapped up in drapery.
"Cateh him !" rang out-in anguished
but Imperative tones from the tramp,
and just then four firemen ran up with
the safety net.
Unsinged, unharmed, little Paul was
extricated from the net just as Frowsy
fell into it, helpless mass.
FroWsy recovered from his burns
and was sent to the farm to join his
partner pensi'oner Of North for life.
The tramp book was published and
was a success. It's author sent copy
to Frowsy.
"Say," said the latter the next time
North and little Paul visited the farm,
"that tramp hero in your book does
some big things, Mr.. North
Nothing to equal what you did for
little Paul. declared North gratefully.
"You risked your life to save him. Do
you think we can ever forget?"