The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1921-07-15
An Accusation That
Proved False
By HAROLD SINcLAIRE
9. -. westsrn Newspapsr Unlon- }


When David Barry was elected to
the town board OF Creston, everybody
seemed pleased, except John Ward.
For one reason, Ward "aIso ran"
Twice before he had been elected du-
ring the past four years. but he had
developed a groucny. cross grained
gay of thinking and acting. and even
his friends had become antagonized.
The idea Of that upstart taking my
placer rallied Ward Why, he's hard
~ lived here long ensugh 10 be a cit
izen. I'll drive him from Creston, or
go myself"
The homes Of the enemies. IL such
they may be called. adjoined.
HE has got on his high horse too
late for me-" young Elmer Barry adj
vised his father one day. "Cecille, his
daughter, is the dearest girl in the
world; we have becolpe engaged, and
when we get ready We are going to
marry"
"Yes." assented Mr. Barry, 81 do not
fear. though, that you viii have some
oppOSlIlOn 10 encounter.
What is the m%ter with the man,
anyhow" questioned Elmer 81 have
no patience with him. Last week he
nearly killed our dog for chasing ball
dis 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 CeciIle. Then she
was kept practically a prisoner in the
house
Right on the heels OF this came a
seeret-a secret known only for the
time to Bir. and Mrs. Barry. AT the
rear Of their yard was small, unused
barn. 1t adjoined 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 accuse
tiop against his neighbor concerning
nalf dozen fame. chickens that were
missing. From his own porch Mr..
Barry heard him say:
I've stood it long enough. II those
chickens aren't back in my coop by
tomorrow I'll digrace Barry. I 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 1t
he was somewhat astonished to find
at the door his irascible neighbor and
the town constable.
I'm sorry, Mr.. Barry" said the lat
ter in a tone almost of distress, 'but
the duty is imposed upon me of serv-
ing you with a search warrant"
Il think l understand" rejoined MIR.
Barry, with a smile You are bound
10 insist that I am a chicken thief,
Mr. Ward?"
81 don't know that, but your ac-
lions are very suspicious"
MIR. Ward" he said, almost agitated-
Iy, 81 beg of you not to persist in this
uncalled for action of yours"
'Uncalled for, eh?' snarled Ward.
"We'n soon see about that!"
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 thin. wan-faced
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 ungOyernable
wrath of the hard-hearted father.
"Why, Mr.. Ward" exclaimed the or
ficer. 1T is your son! He is wanted
on an on charge here"
'aThen do your drty!" roared the
heartless parent. HE has made his
oed, now let him lie in it
Mr.. Barry induced the constable To
accept bail for his prisoner, sent Bryce
away to new country and new life,
oaid his forfeited bail bond, and Ward
heard of it.
That was the final breakdows for
the infiexibIe old man. When, month
later, after keeping all his kind deeds
| to himself as far as possible, Mr.. Bar
ry wrote a pleasant note to his con-
| scienee-stricken neighbor, the Gaping
stone was reached.
1t told that he had fine business
| offer in another town and was going
to resign his office He said he would
not go away until he had helped to
| elect his successor. Ward.
Some people learn their lesson late
in life. 1t was so with Ward, a
/ changed man through the patience and
| humane love of a good man. His first
| acknowledgment of his great mistakes
| was when he went out as Elmer was
passing the house. He took his arm,