The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1921-05-20
Barney's Wedding
Suit
BY WILLIAM FALL

But nothing is going to happen to
me, little chick" said blun happy
Bob, her husband. See here. you
sensible pet" said Bob. "Once a year
the managers at our establishment
meet Suggestions as to improving
trade, getting acquainted, promotions
awarded-and l expect one, mind
you-and real, good jolly fellowship
all around"
"Just think, though if they should
tempt you. Bob p persisted Mrs Aims
lee. "A dark night, lonely neigh
bornood, miles away from home. Look
at that man l hire TO do our chores,
and think what temptation has cost
him."
"Eh oh, yes" responded Boil.
glancing past the porch at man pill
ing up Sindling wood in the back
yard. Your protege, he looks fairly
comfortable, for all these temptations
you tell about"
Just now, maybe. but he was a
wreck, and | reformed him. He looks
so comfortable" explained Laura
Ainslee proudly, because l give him
ali your old clothes. He's waiting
for the season to pass to get the ones
you're wearing now"
"Oh. he is !" remarked Bob. "Well,
he'll have to wait two full months for
this one"
He's patient. dear" said Laura.
"Oh. Bob l feel so pleased with old
Barney. as 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 a widow who owns a restaurant
ear. have an idea he is counting
on that suit of yours for the we'd
ding"
"Wel. good-by," smiled Bob" Home
the earliest / can, and clear water.
dear, believe me-"
A fine fellow of his word, honest
Bob went his way. A big-hearted lit
tie philanthropist, Laura proceeded to
lhe yard.
THAT was my husband, Barney"
she said
"Yes'm: often seen him; often re
marked how happy ne oughter be
with a wife like you" bowed and
scraped the polite tramp.
THAT suit he has OIL told him
you were waiting for it."
Barney only grinhed his delight at
the announcement.
"See here, num-" said the tramp,
'the fellow who wouldn't try and
make good after being treated like
man as you have done, is no gentle
man. That suit - added Barney gloat-
ingly, SAY, l dream about it nights.
I've sort OF made it the top stone OF
responsibility. My. won't l shine. I'm
deeply grateful, mum, truly, humbiy
grateful"
Barney finished his task. Then
he came around to the back door to
report. Mrs. Ainslee handed him a
half dollar.
Barney felt quite proud as he
thought of the anticipated garb. He
went TO a restaurant, and then he
stroIled around for an hour, and fl
naIly landed at a moving picture show.
1t was eleven o'clock when he fol-
lowed the crowd out to the street.
1t was drizzling a trifle. AS he passed
a well-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.
'Hellor" suddenly exclaimed Bar
cta
that's my suit"
It certainly was Bob Ainslee.
1--WE got to catch him." breatheS
the ardent pursuer. ITS beginning
10 rain harder Say, he'll spoil my
suit. How careless some people arei"
About to hail Mr. Ainslee, the tramp
broke into his best run instead. Pass
ng a dark alley, Bob was halted by
hree footpads.
Hands up, bossI" ordered the
eader.
Riff bang-"Police ~ thus Bar |
ney. his umbrella swinging like a
lail, his voice braying out in hoarse
var hoop. At the corner a policeman |
appeared. The baffed hold-up men |
iarted back into the ". Bob Aims |
ee picked up his watch where it had
allen when Barney struck up the pill
ering arm of the footpad.
why. my man You arrived in
he nick OF time, didn't your" hailed
oily Bob.
"Yes sir. Umbrella, please. sir;
-ou're getting wet"
30, never mind that"
But fists my suit" explained
carney desperately.
"Eh? ha why it's my wife's pro-
eye, l declared How came yod herer'
Barney explained.
"See here. Barney" he said in a
friendly way. you call at my house
omorrow. There will be something
Waiting there for you"
Mrs. Ainslee beamed with delight
s her husband walked into the house
alf an hour earlier than she expect
d.
You can pack up this suit for that
ctive protege of yours tomorrow.