Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1921-07-28
An Accusation That
Proved False
By HAROLD SfNCLAIRE
d. 1871, Western New spaper Union)

the town board of CreSton, everybody
seemed pleased, except John Ward.
For one reason, Ward also ran,
Twice before he haze been elected du-
ring the past four years, bun he had
developed grOuchy, cross grained
way of thinking and acting, and even
his friends had become antagonized.
"The idea of that upstart taking my
place - rallied Ward Why, he's hard
ly lived here long enough TO be a cit
lzen. I'll drive him from Creston, or
go myself"
The homes Of the enemies. if such
they may be called, adjoined.
"He has got on his high horse too
late for me" young Elmer Barry adj
yised his father one day. "Cecille his
daughter, is the dearest girl in the
world; we have become engaged, and
when we get ready we are going TO
marry" -.
yes" assented Mr.. Barry, 81 do not
know more estimabe young lady.
fear, though, that you will have some
opposition to encounter"
What is the matter with the man,
! anyhow questioned Elmer. Il have
no patience with him. Last week he
nearly killed our dog for chasing ball
his boy was rolling.
Perhaps" said gentle Mrs. Barry,
that strayed son of his has soured his
nature. They say he has got into all
| Kinds of trouble"
"He drove him away, as | get it, ex-
| planned Mr.. Barry. IF it's anything,
It's remorse,"
Ward soon after that found out
about Elmer and Cecille, Then she
was kept practically prisoner in the
| house.
Right on the heels Of this came
secret--a secret known only for the
time to Mr.. and Mrs. Barry. At the
GEAR Of their yard was a small, unused
| barn. 1t adjoned the chicken yard
| For several mornings Mr.. Barry had
| got up early. He made haSty and COW
| ert visits TO the barn, carrying bas-
| ket and padlocking the door strongly.
Ward had been unusually pestifer-
| Gus of late
Two evenings he sat on his front
porch bawling out an indirect accusa-
| tion against his neghbor concerning
haf dozen fancy chickens that were
missing. From his own porch Mr..
Barry heard him say
I've stood it long enough. If those
| chickens aren't back in my coop by
tomorrow III digrace Barry, | vow
will! I'll spring a surprise on him
that will give him startler.'
Mr.. Barry had just left the dinner
table the next day when a ring came
at the door bell, AS he answered it
he was somewhat astonished to find
at the door his lrascible neighbor and
the town constable.
I'm sorry, Mr. Barry" said the lat
ter i'm a tone almost of distress, but
the duty is imposed upon me of serv-
ing you with a search warrant"
IL think / understand" rejoined Mr..
Barry, with a smile. You are bound
to insist that | am chicken thief,
Mr. Ward?"
II don't know that, but your ac-
lions are very suspicious"
"Mr. Ward, +" he said, almost agitated-
ly, 81 beg of you not to persist In this
uncalled for action Of yours
'Uncalled for, eh?" snarled Ward.
"Well soon see about thatW
They made their way to the barn.
with a grave face Mr. Barry unlocked
the door.
Upon cot supplied with clean, com
Portable bedding lay a thin, wanfaced
young man. He struggled to his feet
weakly.
1t was the runway, Bryce Ward. 1t
would be impossible to depict the
amazement and then the ungovernable
wrath of the hard-hearted father.
"Why, Mr.. Ward exclaimed the or
ficer ut is your son He is wanted
on an old charge here"
Then do your dutyW roared the
heartless parent. HE has made his
ued, now let him lie in It,"
afr. Barry induced the constable TO
accept bail for his prisoner sent Bryce
away 10 a new country and new life,
paid his forfeited bail bond and Ward
heard Of t.
That was the final breakdown for
the inflexible old man. When, a month
later, after keeping all his kind deeds
to himself as far as possible, Mr. Bar
ry wrote a pleasant note to his con-
| scienCe-stricken neighbor, the Gaping
stone was reached.
Il told that he had a fine business
offer in another town and was going
to resign his Office He said he would
not 90 away until he had helped to
elect his successor, Ward.
Some people learn their lesson late
in life. II was so with Ward.
changed man through the patience and
| humane love of a good man. His first
acknowledgement Of his great mistakes
was when he went out as Elmer was
passing the house. He took his arm.
led him through the gate, and then
20 the garden seat, where Cecille was
waiting for him,
An Understandable Mistake.
Observation-Disclosures Is nor cnrnu,ov IN