Jasper County Democrat, Volume 9, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 July 1906 — The World’s Obligation. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

The World’s Obligation.

When I wuz a kid, I remember th' way Hank Jones used f laze through th’ heart o’ th’ day, A-smoktn' his pipe. Jlst a cussed old shirk A-spraddlin’ eround whilst th’ other folks worked! “She owes me a livin’,'’ sez Hank, of th' world, "Fer didn't I fight 'til th’ ’reb’ flag win furled!” When picnics wuz held Hank wuz alius on deck UL-eatin’ his fill t’ th’ very last speck. Dressed up in brass buttons an’ war clothes o' blue, He 'lowed thet he'd rest 'til he seen th’ thing through! “She ow'es me a livin’," sez Hank, gorgin' pie, “I reckon I’ll eat every day 'til I die!" When folks went t’ ‘‘bees,’’ Henry got In th’ game— He never worked none, ’cause his back wuz too lame; Th' sun hurt ids head 'way back thar In th’ field.

An’ now when It struck him, he tainted an' reeled! When dinner wuz called he wuz alius on time— T was fun Jlst V watch how th' bell made him climb! Hank played checkers some nt th' old village store. But sittin' fer long made him feel dre'dful sore. Th’ park knew hint most, whar th’ green gruss wuz thick— He'd sit thar fer hours jlst a-whlttlln' a stick. ”Bhe owes me a livin'," sez Hank, with a wink. 'l’ll git tt you bet. Leastwise that's what 1 think!” 'Twuz twenty odd years ago now In th’ spring, I last seen Hank Jones doin’ not a blamed thing! Inst week I wuz back whar I lived when a lad— •> Thar Hank *ot a-whlttHn’ th' knots frum a gad! "She owes me a livin’,” sez Hank, at my cue—--1 guess, frum reports, he’* a gittln* It, too!