Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 305, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 December 1913 — LEFT THE COLONEL THINKING [ARTICLE]

LEFT THE COLONEL THINKING

Probably After This He Made Some Inquiries Before He Gave Up His Money.

A certain old colonel was noted for his great generosity. He had lost an arm during one of the engagements in which he had seen service, and this made him very sympathetic toward all who had experienced similar losses. J While walking on his estate' one day he met an old one-legged man, evidently in abject poverty. “Ah, you have met with a great misfortune, like myself, I see,” remarked the colonel. “Ah,” replied the old man, “and, like yersel’, colonel, I have spent a great part o’ my life in government’s service, and seen ,a ’ lot o’ hard work.”

“My poor man!” exclaimed the kind hearted colonel, as he pushed a half dollar into the old man’s hand, “I fear you have received but a poor reward for your services.” “Ye may well say that, colonel,” replied the veteran as he hobbled away. “But,” added the colonel, “you didn’t tell me where you served.” “Well, if it comes to that,” the old reprobate answered,, with' a sly chuckle, “I served my time in j-jall, where they gi’ed me 15 years for stealing jewelry!”