Jasper County Democrat, Volume 7, Number 7, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 May 1904 — How Jerry Kept His Promise. [ARTICLE]

How Jerry Kept His Promise.

In a year of bad crops and great distress some of the tenants of my greatgrandfather. Gumbleton, like many of tlieir neighbors, took to running away with stock and crops, leaving empty lands for their landlords. Gumbleton begged one of his tenants, in whom he had some, though perhaps not much, confidence, not to follow such an evil example. "You will solemnly promise me. Jerry,” said he, “that at any rate you will not go without giving me warning.” Jerry solemnly promised. One bleak and stormy winter night Gumbleton. while retiring to bed about midnight, was startled by the noise of gravel flung at bis windows. He looked out into the darkness and called, "Who is there?” “If s Jerry Hagarty, yer honor,” shouted a voice th rough the storm. **Oh, Jerry, is that yourself? What business have you on such a night, man?” "Just to keep my promise of giving warning to your honor. I said, you know, I wouldn’t run away without letting your honor know of it. I am running away now. Good night to your honor and goodby.” So Jerry ran away, stock, crops and all being also en route.—Gael.