The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1924-06-20
Johr, Barrett
Proved Truth
Of Old Adage
BY FRANK FILsoN

-
build, but when they were at school
together Rogers was shooting up into
q man while Barrett was still boy.
That enabled Rogers to bully Barrett
to his heart content
"You cowardI" the little boy would
scream, as the big one pounded him.
I'll get even with you some day.
"a bully is always coward" an
swered the other, lodging away.
When Barrett was as big as Rogers
he was the stronger. He could have
taken his revenge then. But he had
already forgotten. Barrett was
slow, easy-going fellow. and Rogers
more popular fellow at college. Their
paths seldom crossed, except on the
athletic field. Il
In one of the test games. the result
Of which was to be the selection of
either Rogers or Barrett for the team,
Rogers bullied Barrett again. Barrett
had Injured tendon of his knee. 1t
was nearly we'll now and not likely to
interfere with his play, unless ne re-
ceived a kick there Rogers knew
about that and. in the scrimmage. he
gave Barrett kick which totally dis
abled him. 49,
Sorry, old man." said Rogers. as
Barrett lay gasping on the ground. Il
didn't mean to hurt you"
"You did. you liar" answered Bar
rett, sand I'll get even with you for
that some day, don't you forget it."
But Rogers, who was elected to the
team, speedily forgot. And Barrett, II
!, ne didn't forget. apparently bore no
malice. though he never played foot
ball again and walked with slight
limp ever after BY the time they went
into the Kingsley bank together they
were apparently the best OF friends
again.
Clifford Kingsley, who owned the
bank, had had a failure with a big
land company recently and there was
good deal of reorganizing work to be
done In connection with the concern
Barrett. as general utility man, d.
vided his time between the defunc,
land company and the bank.
Both Barrett and Rogers had known
Ruth Kingsley at college. where they
were contemporary with her brother.
That was how they got their positions
They called regularly at the fine old
house on Madison avenue. OF course
1t was Rogers who won the girls love.
She had pledged herself to Barrett.
tim sorry, Johnny" said Miss Ruth
everybody called Barrett Johnny
rbut find I was mistaken. don't
love you. but will always be your
friend"
b ssAll right" said Johnny, miserably.
He did not cease going to the house,
even after Rogers engagement was
privately made known. If in his heart
he resolved to get even with the bully,
nobody guessed his resolution, not even
Rogers himself.
.'I'm sorry had to cut you out, old
man." said Rogers, "but just had to.
She's sumner, is Miss Ruth"
Barrett walked out Of the room. He
did not want to hear Miss Ruth dis
cussed by Rogers.
There had been good many cases
Of impoverishment connected with
the failure of the land company, and
at one time Mr.. Kingsley had re-
ceived threats from various sources.
The bank was just closing; inside.
Rogers had stepped out Of the teller's
cage, and then stepped back as a
ragged looking man drew near.
"After closing time" he said. ITO
morrow"
He stood at the door of the cage and
the ragged man, opening the wicket
which led to the ladies' table, walked
up toward the back door OF the cage.
"You've had my money and my
wife's life. you dogs!' he roared, land
I'm going to have your life. You're
Mr.. Kingsley, know you."
Barrett, who was working at desk
near by, raised his head; then, seeing
the revolver which the fellow was
fourishing. he sprang in front OF
Rogers.
I'm not Mr.. Kingsley" babbled Rog-
ers. covering behind Barrett as the
man raised his weapon.
II am" said Barrett. advancing with
SMILE
.Yes," screamed Rogers, thrusting
Barrett forward up to the revolver
barrel.
A woman rushed forward and
kneeled at Barrett's side. It was
Ruth Kingsley. Her tears fell on the
face of the wounded man, and with
her little handkerchief she attempted
TO staunch the blood from his wound.
'It's only my shoulder. Ruth" whis-
pered Barrett. beginning to grow pale.
Rogers had come forward. trembling
and endeavored to assist. But the
s girl forced him back.
Don't you dare to lay your hands
upon Johnny Barrett" she cried indig-
nantly. u saw, all that happened :
Barrett raised his hand deprecating-
". but Rogers had seized his hat and
was already sinking away. The pas
s sage to the door of the bank, under
tho eoornf,,t auoc nf tho omnI0vooc