Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1930-09-26
Bobs Was a Good
Beggar
By CLARISSA MAcKIE


UTSIDE the hardware store on
~ Gay street was a low stand piled
with kitchenware. A few mischievous
boys played around, trying TO make
friends with huge mastiff which sat
patiently on the sidewalk, waiting for
some one within the store. ..f
"You don't darel" challenged one
boy to another.
Jimmy Smith elevated freckled
nose, and manuevered his way to the
display stand. In a moment he had a
shining tin pail and was offering the
handle to Bobs, the dog That was
how II happened that people smiled
as they saw the big dog sitting pa
t'ently, holding the pail In his mouth,
Around the corner peered four freck
led faces, eyes ashlne with delight.
An old lady walking slowly along
dropped dime In the pail, and went
on. Bobs moved an appreclative tail.
A young man absorbed in his news
paper saw the outline of the suppl
cant's figure, dropped another dime
in the pail, and to this day believes
that he contributed to the welfare of
hunchbackeG blind man.
Then, at last, came Jerry Lamson.
He was late In getting to his office and
had not moment to spare, but when
he say the shining pail and the great
golden eyes of Bobs. he paused long
enough to pat Bobs on his splendid
head and flick dollar bill into the
pail. mot.
This was too much for the watch
ing boys and they made dash for
the pail. Jerry, suspicious, watched
them and smiled. Bobs growled deep
in his chest and showed his fnngs.
He had something to guard,
IT'S darned queer" thought Jerry
Lamson, and hurried as he went
back to the hardware store and en-.
tered. The proprietor was in the dis
tant background talking to Gus,
toner. ..... ....
rs that your dog out there" asked
Jerry "The one holding a pail for
pennies" ....
"A pail for pennies?" asked rev
voice, and the customer turned around
Jerry watched as she came down the
store, walking with the free stride of
an outdoors girl; her fair hair shone
under bright little felt hat, her face
was charming, her clothes extensively
simple. From one gloved hand dan
gled leash. IT left my dog outside
she said, going to the door.
poor old boy" murmured the girl
Some one played a cruel Joke on u.s.
didn't they: I'll take the pail Bobs.
and we will give the money to the
blind man on the next block" She
emprled the money into her hand. and
replaced the pail.
Jerry barred his head. There isn't
anything amusing about It," he said a
little stiffly. He smiled down at Bobs.
and Bobs thrust friendly Hg1zie into
his hand.
Jerry replaced his hat and went on.
Jean Manners watched him out of
sight. isn't he splendid?" she thought
and FLUSHED In the thinking. "BObs
liked him, and his Judgment OF men
Is infalible."
Not long afterwards Jean and Jerry
met In conventional manner at an
ev'aing party, and mutual attraction
LED to rapid wOolng on the part of
Jerry, very successful lawyer and
within four months the engagement
was announced By this time Bobs
and Jerry were devoted friends
Then, when lovers quarrel came.
and stayed, black and menaclng so
that the tive strong natures clashed.
and parted, then Bobs was lonesome
and depressed.
The young couple we're aching to
make up again, but the same lofty
pride dominated each Of them They
both resolved to forget. ...
Bobs didn't forget, and one morn
ing he ran away from home. Straight
down the shady street, turning into
Center street, down Center TO Main.
trotting along, sure Of his destination
When he reacbed the hardware store
he paused and looked up at Mr.. Poet.
SldnulHS III tHe doorway.
"Iulo, BObs," he said.
BObs barked response and looked
at the display table and wagged his
tail. Mr. peet laughed. want some.
thing to carry, eh?" he asked. Reach
Ing back 'e picked up little broken
bnsket and offered It to the open
mouth. Clamp went the big jaws. and
there was 30bs, the mendcani. once
more.
Mr.. Peet dropped u bright penny In
the basket, and Bobs dashed Off down
the street, the little basket dnnglfng
from his mouth. Two blocks down.
aud up familiar staircase to the first
floor. The door was opened and the
Office boy laughed when Bobs cleared
the railing and went straight toward
Jerry LamsOn's door marked "Pri-
vate." Nothing was private to Bobs
when he was after one he adored He
pushed open the door and walked In,
sitting down beside Jerry's chair, and
looking up with such appeal In his
eyes that Jerry dropped his own sad
face down on the massi ,e head "Why
did you come alone, Bobs?" he asked.
There was the smell Of fresh vlolets.
and there was Jean. little breath
less, wlstful.
Forgive me, dearest" rhey said In
unison and BObs beamed his approval.
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