Judge — September 23, 1916 — page 16: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Young America—Oh, golly. pop! you wouldn't hit a feller when he's down, would you? of the loan, only to be met with the an- swer his daughter had predicted. “You see, Uncle,” said the young miner, “a man has to act up to his con- victions. I don’t believe in helping lame ducks. If a man wants what I've got, why, let him take it—if he can. I won't kick. I got it because I was smarter than the next man, and it’s open to him to get it the same way. That's evolution.” he right of the strongest, eh?” Yes, sir! 's Klondike law, and it’s good enough for me!” h—then you cannot help me out?” “Sorry—but it is against my princi- ples,” said the successful man. On the following day after breakfast Jack invited Cousin Jim out to the stock- barn on the pretense that he had some- thing to show him. Once there, it was not a difficult matter to lure him into a strong box-stall, and lock him in. Jack made no explanation at the time, as he preferred to let his prisoner find out that the place was secure. About noon, Madge was sent out to explain the situation. “Jim,” she said, “we need that money for the mortgage, and we have no way of raising it. Now, on this ranch we are as far away from law as you were in the Klondike. So we are going to charge you for your board. We need $5,000. As you may not like to stay long with us, we will say $2,500 for dinner and the same amount for supper. Any time you're ready for dinner, just blow the horn. You'll find it in the fodder rack.” There was a long silence, and then Cousin Say, Madge, what k are you folks, any “Same blood as you, Jim. And we replied through the door: ind of a family rather like your Klondike law! About four o'clock that afternoon the horn sounded, and Madge soon answered the summons bearing a tray full of good things. But first a blank check (taken from Jim’s room) was handed through the window-bars, and returned properly filled out for the $2,500. This done, the dinner was handed in, after Jim had given his parole to attempt no escape as the meal was furnished. Fortified by this provender, Jim did not sound the horn till late that night. But a little after midnight the second meal was blown for, This was promptly furnished; and when it was disposed of, the captive begged for a parley, on the ground that the required amount had been paid over. The head of the ranch was summoned, and came in dr gown and slippers to hold council with the prisoner. “See here,” said Jim, “this joke has been carried about far enough. You've got the cash, and called my bluff. But I don’t care to stay all night in this stall, so let's cry quits, and I'll go up to the house with you. I know when I’m beaten.” “My boy,” said his uncle, “I only wanted to teach you a lesson. And I think you have learned it. I never meant to keep your money, but I wanted you to know that force is a game twocan play at. Here are your checks.”” “Was it Madge who got up this scheme Yes. “T thought so. Now, I tell you what we'll do: You keep the checks, and pay off the mortgage or whatever it is, and give me a fair chance to*win that girl. She’s got the spirit I’m looking for, and——"" “T wish you luck,” said the father, “but this last proceeding will look as if—" “Why, tell her you let me out; that you meant it only as a joke, and then tell her you have got a delay on the payment. Give me a month, and if I can’t things with her in’ that time—” On this understanding the prisoner was released. Before the month had passed Jim and Madge were hand in hand before the stern parent to receive his consent to their union. But Madge had to promise never to starve her husband into submission again. A year later Brother Jack remarked TESTING HIS METAL comicbooks.