Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1874-01-29
MISSING.

THOSE are hard things to throw in q
mans teeth, uncle, and | shouldn't like tC
think that you meant them ALL"
So said John Birch, the carpenter, as he
stood up before the old bird-fancier-tall
sinewy, and strong, with his handsome
face in a hot glow, and fash of temper
in his eyeS-a specimen Of fine physical
type, showing in marked contrast with
a pUny, pale young man about his own
age, who sat ia a corner apparently read
ing, but IN reality watching what was
going on.
''The harder the better, so that they hit
the mark; but what | have said tonight !
am ready to say again-aye, and mean
Them too"
John Birch had never won much favor
from the little, hard featured old man who
kept the bird shop, and lived there with
his pretty granddaughter But tonight
ne had been insulted, and before witness,
between whom and himself there was an
omen feuG, for it was as rivals that they
met. Tom Bartlett, the sOftspOken school
master, had managed to insinuate himself
in the favor of David Birch, and was also
striving to supplant the young carpenter
ia regard to his cousin Polly. The OLD
man was first to speak.
''You need not glare at me like that,
because I have found out what brings you
sneaking round here"
81 never sneak, uncle; that does not be-
long to the Birches."
mo, 1t does not, nv lad" the old man
replied, in a slightly Modified tone; add
ing, land I'm sorry you don't take
after them. There's spice of your moth
John Birch interrupted him, saying
passionately, "Silence, Uncle David,
YOU must not dare to say a word against
her"
This to my face! Get out of the
house, and never dare to cross my door
step again till you are sent for, which will
be long enough, for | tell you once for al
that, if I can hinder it, Polly Carson
shall never marry an idle, beggarly fellow
always out of work, who can find nothing
better to do than live on his sisters earn
ings."
This was the stab that cut keenest o.
all. The young mans voice quivered AZ
he said, "That is too bad, Uncle David
you don't know what feelings you stir IL
me-" and in his excitement he laid hi:
hand on the old mans arm.
ct that moment the sly, watChful read
er in the corner came forward, and, will
fully misunderstanding his intention
thrust himself between them, saying
@Come, no violence, it would be pity
and | should be so sorry; you ought tC
remember Mr.. Birch is your uncle, and
an old man."
In an instant he found himself pat back
with Just the amount of force which 8
strong man would feel needful to use in
dealing with some puny obstruction which
he held IN contempt
Mind your own business, Tom Bart
lett, and don't NEEDLE with mine; i
doesn't need your sly tongue TO teach mt
what ought TO remember. My uncle i!
in no danger of violence from me, anC
YOU know it." Then turning to the ole
man, he added: "Uncle, shall not wan
telling twice to go. | know your bear mt
llI-will, but didn't think it was in you
to upbraid man for what is no fault o
his; for defy any one that knows me t.
say that ever shirked work when coulC
get it to do. / am sorry for what ha
passed tonight, and perhaps you will b
before you are many days older" and
snatching up his cap, he strobe angril
through the shop into the street, withou
deigning another look at Tom Bartlett
who had skunk back into his corner, an
was once more taking mental note C
everything that he saw and heard.