The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-03-18

singing that damned song. He had a hoarse voice, and I judge he was stewed most of the time. And he sang that song different from anyone I'd ever heard-or ever have heard since. That song originated down South. And instead of putting it-'When the gals in Memphis heard the news'-he'd in- variably make it the girls in Denver suppose it was his idea of originality. was naturally timid, or would have laid for him. The only thing that kept me there was growing idea that some day, when got better job, would take that sweet little si1i away from that horrible dump.
 'Weli, I was right there waiting when Pearl came out in the hall, looking all ex- cited and dolled up and pfettier than ever. Her ma was with her, and followed us clear out to the corner, telling me to take good care of Pearl. She reminded me that it was . rough neighborhood.
 "Pearl didn't talk much But she did ask me if had gun. She said she didn't like gun toters.
 '1 don't remember much about the movie l saw. Ii didn't interest me, and didn't seem to appeal to her-too muca comedy, suppose. When we got out wanted to go to drug store for soda, but she said no, she must hurry home. We had got down into the district about three blocks from home. She seemed worried about something, but tried to keep up conversation. In fact, she talked more than she ever did before Then a big stiff with a handkerchief over hse fo of gun in my face. Pearl didn't scream, brave little thing, until I tied into the thug. He was twice my size, and maybe that's the reason he didn't shoot me. I heard Pearl scream, Don't hurt him, don't hurt. him. and then the man got one arm free and hit me over the head with the gun. That's the last I knew for minute, although I think kept struggling to keep from going under. When came to, Pearl and the crook were gone.
 ssIt was horrible mess. The police were stupid and didn't care And my belief that Pearl was kidnapped child was confirmed by the attitude of her folks. They said it was the roomer across the hall that got Pearl, and that all they knew about him was that he was a rough-neck railroader. They didn't offer much help in the search and soon after left town, and never found them again. All had to go on was the fact that the man was big and rough, and that he sang just one song, and used the wrong town in that song. For twelve years now have been listening for that song-with the word Denver in it. Some time I will hear it. Then will close out the chapter make good the oath took twelve years ago. will give that stuff just three minutes to tell me what became of the girl-then I'll make use of the gun I've been training. That's why I asked you about penitentiary jobs. It might happen in Kansas, or some of the states where they don't hang the de- fendant by the neck-until he's dead double dead"
 "Call it day, boy. You're too smart to waste a long life in the hoosegow. Think about something good to eat. If you must have fad, think about suffering Armenia. It's no crime to cuss Turk" says I.
 q wish I could get out of it, but I can't" was his answer. So quit pestering him then, figuring to give him some more good advice as soon as he thawed little. I flatter myself I'm a good kidder, being old and experienced. I've saved lot of young bucks from committing matrimony and other offenses by just talking to them like they were humans instead of trying to preach. It takes an old man like me, way past forty-five and going down the other slope, as you might say, to understand them and say the right thing at the right time.