Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1921-04-29
A Frowsy Hero
By WILLIAM FALL
20. 1871. Western New.p.per Union =

I'm up stump. Darce, and that's
the truth OF it. I'm freed. at sea, ma
rooncd. My publishers have ordered
tramp series. I've read you the first
chapter, and you say it won't do"
Ihats riSht-won't do at ALL" as
sented Alvin Darce. poet. critic and
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's
a big chance on Japan. Put in wear
there and write something worth
while"
I'D do 1t only for little Paul" said
Philip North, and his big bluff voice
became gentle as that of womanS.
HE couldn't stand trip like that"
Little Paul, the crippled brother,
was the tender spot in the heart of
Philip North. Even blaSc Alvin Darce
had seen Somcthin. i'm the wonder
1ui love between those two that made
his own barren heart ache ut times.
Well.' he said. III you're bound to
immortalize the tramp, do it right,
that's all. Cultivate the genus. Study
him. Eve an idea. Come with me-"
Dnrcc was crratic and wilful. and
North never questioned his leadership.
The former proceeded to the cheap
lodging house district Of the city and
piloted the way up the stairs of one
or Its cheapest structures. He spoke
10 man ut desk. The latter called
an assistant, and n minute later the
two friends were halted in front Of
the last of row Of narrow sheetiron
rooms with a wire netting over the
top.
On u wretched cot lay big, good
natured looking fellow. Enthusiastically
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.
after long stare. You're the gent
that paid me TO stand for a photo
graph and put me in the paper"
That's right, Frowsy. Well. Tvc
got YOU longer and a better job"
Sorry. governor, but it can't be
DONE"
"Why 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 Darcc. Mr.. North will start YOU
out with new suit Of clothes-and a
bath"
1T looks good remarked Frowsy,
but I couldn't rest easy with Larry
in trouble. Tell you, gents" and
Frowsy grew eloquent, eve had part
ncrs. but none like him. He's been
failin' lately, and it's the country air
or the buryiE' ground for him.
Give us The details about your
friend. FrOwSy." directed Darce, land
wc'll fix that end of the case"
"lou will" questioned the tramp
eagerly. ''ThCn I'm your man"
1t was transition of spIendor for
Frowsy from tie slum district to the
apartments Of the story writer. Little
Paul took great fancy to Frowsy.
"Wcll. North. how are You getting
along with your mrdcl?" Darce asked
of his friend one evening at their
club.
Your plan is Il failure Darce," he
said.
"Wcll, there's his hero worship. His
friendship for little Paul is something
pathetic"
yes, that is true acknowledged
North. the old tender CLEAN coming
into his fine eyes. whats that" he
almost shouted. rs a bell man hurried
to his side and repeated into his ear
telephone message Just received
'Darce. my home is on fire ~
The apartment house where North
lived was about six squares from the
club. In a wild fever of suspense and
excitement tie two men ran all the
way. y groan came from North's
lips as they turned Il corner. They
came in sight Of The building. IT was
II mass Of flames.
AS q burst Of flame Singed and drove
them back. Darce set up great shout.
Look, North, look !" ne cried.
Three stories up. hanging from the
sill of window of the North apart
rncnts, was n man. The flames seemed
To scOrch his head and his clothing
was on fire. 1t was TrowSy, and in
one arm he bore huddIcd form,
wrapped up in drapery.
"Catch him" ~ rang out in angushed
but imperative tones from the tramp,
and just then four tireIneu ran up with
the safety net.
Unsinged, unhnrIned, little Paul was
extricatcd from the net just as Frowsy
fell into 1t, Il helpless mass.
Frowsy recovered from his burns
and was sent to the farm to Join his
partner, n pensioner Of North for life
The tramp book was published and
was success. Its author sent copy
TO FrOwsy.