The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1927-09-10
When Joe Bush
Collects
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BY AID ScHUSTER

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THERE was nothing romantic In
Il the appearance of Amos futile
and little, unless an aggressive Gen.
eral Grant beard could be so called,
that was unusual. Sixty years had
slowed his step and living alone had
given to his eyes a dreamy, detached
gaze which, at times, was disconcert-
ing. AS Amos had little to say and
took no part in the life of the town,
he was accepted without comment or
speculation. A passing delivery truck
would have attracted more notice
than an old man who was grieving in
his heart because he was plunging
deeper and deeper into debt. Amos
asked no help or sympathy. He held
his tongue and went his way.
1t was his custom every evening to
play solitaire. There came time
when, the game wearying, he imagined
an opponent and alternated playing
the game for himself and this new
companion. To make it more excit-
ing he kept q record Of the games,
originated a system of scoring in
which points were given as the game
progressed and found himself in eX-
citing competition. 1t was a natural
touch to give his imagined friend a
name and after that the score card
was marked amos futile VS.. Joe
Bush"
Through the winter the games went
on, Amos exulting over Joe in victory
and threatening revenge in defeat.
There was some pleasure in this sort
of contest, the old man thought. Joe
was a friend in need, as agreeable
companion as could be found.
In time Amos could picture Joe sit
ting opposite him and he let the
vision grow. There were some mighty
arguments and hilarious laughter in
the little room and it is fortunate for
the reputation Of Amos there were no
neighbors who would look in upon him
or listen at the door,
"Joey," he said one night, "I'll just
bet you a dollar beat you"
That was when the wagering start
de and when the luck Of Amos futile
turned Try as he would, Joe Bush
beat him. Amos plunged heavier,
raising the bet in the hope of retriev-
ing his losses but Joe continued to
win. Amos kept the accounts in lit
tie book and as the total grew he hid
it away lest some one weuid come
upon 1t and discover his guilt.
Against the record in the little book
the old man balanced his savings &C
count of $4,000. So long as there was
a cent left he would plays that, Joe
Bush and play him to finish.F What
did Joe know about solitaire? he
asked himself. A little luck was MAX
ing Joe conceited, but Amos knew, as
the whole world knew, that luck
would turn, and then would come re-
venge. AS good sport he smiled.
"Just wait, Joey" he said. I'm get
you yet" And the game went on.
One night when Amos light burned
late and to the whole town he was an
old man sitting up alone, the total In
the book reached $4,000 and there
came to him a realization Of poverty.
He threw the cards face down on the
table, sat straight In his chair, and
tried to brave it out
THAT'S all, joey" he said q Quav-
ering voice. you've broke me. No,
I'm not whining, you played square
and asked no odds. Only, Joe, I'm
not one who viii play when haven't
the money to pay. We're through
Joey, the games over"
Followed days and nights OF loneli-
ness. Joe was gone and Amos knew
he was ruined. He sought odd jobs,
cut down on his expenses and won
dered how he would live, and all the
time there was no one in Minden who
gave him attention or guessed at his
secret.
And when he died and It was dis
covered that in his restitution he had
been selling his furniture and belong
ings for food, everyone wondered why
he had not used any Of the $4,000 that