The Little River news., 1921-07-09
Barney's Wedding
 Suit
By WILLIAM FALL
(e, lS21. Western Newspaper Union.)

"You will bs careful, will you not, dearT' pleaded pretty Mrs. Ainslee, 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 a year the managers at our establishment meet Suggestions as to improving trade, getting acquainted, promotions awarded-and I expect ono, mind you--and real. good jolly fellowship all around"
 "Just think, though if 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"
 "Ehl oh, yes," responded Bob, glancing past the porch at . man pill ing up kindlins wood in the back yard. "Your protsge, he looks fairly comfortable, for all these temptations you tell about"
 "Just now, maybe, but hs was wreck. and I reformed him. He looks so comfortable" explained Laura Ainslee proudly. because l give him all 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"
 He's patient. dear," said Laura. "Oh, Bob I 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 widow who owns c 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 I 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 the yard.
 That was my husband, Barney" she said.
 "Yes'm; often seen him; often re- marked how happy he oughter be with a wife like you," bowed and scraped the polite tramp.
 That suit he has on-I told him you were waiting for It."
 Barney only grinned his delight at the announcement.
 "See here, num-" said the tramp, ''the fellow who wouldn't try and mako good after being treated like . man as you have done, is no gentle man. That suit ]" added Barney gloat- ingly, "say, I dream about 1t nights. I've sort of made 1t the top stone of responsibility. My, won't shine. I'm deeply grateful. mum. truly. humbly grateful"
 Barney finished his task. Then he came around to the back door to report. Mrs. Ainslee handed him . half dollar.
 Barney felt quite proud as he thought of the anticipated garb. He went to a restaurant, and then he strolled around for an hour, and n- nally landed at . moving picture show.
 It was eleven o'clock when hs fol- lowed the crowd out to the street. It was driszling a triae. As he passed a well-knewn hotel, several gentle men came out, shook hands in part ing, and one of them, turning up his coat collar, started on at c breakneck pace.
 "Hellow suddenly exclaimed Bar ney with q start and a stare, "Why. that's my suit!"
 It certainly was Bob Ainslee.
 eve got to catch him." breathed the ardent pursuer. "It's beginning to rain harder Say, he'll spoil my suit. How careless some people arel
 About to hail MT. Ainslee, the tramp broke into his best run instead. Pass ing a dark alley. Bob was halted by three footpads.
 Hands up, bossl" ordered the leader.
 Bin banS-"Poltce !"- thus Bar. ney, his umbrella swinging hke .R fail, his voice praying out in hoarse war hoop. At the corner c policeman appeared. The bafIled hold-up men darted back into the alley. Bob Aims lee picked up his watch where 1t had fallen when Barney struck up the pill fering arm of the footpad.
 "Why, my mani You arrived in the nick of time, didn't your hailed jolly Bob.
 "Yes sir. Umbrella, please, sir 1; you're getting wet"
 70, never mind that"
 But it's-it's my suitl" explained Barney desperately.
 "Ehl hal why, it's my wife's pro tege I declare! How came you heref'
 Barney explained.
 "See here, Barney" he said In a friendly way. You call at my house tomorrow. There will be something waiting there for you"
 Mrs. Ainslee beamed with delight as her husband walked into the house half an hour earlier than she expect