Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-05-12
DEEDS OF KINDNESS.
Seuuel to IS A Memorial
BERTHE A. WINKLER.

It was sultry day in June when
Harper Argow, exhausted by the heat
and fatigue of the long walk, seated him,
self on q. log in the shady lane leading to
the home of Ashley Grey. Pulling his
hat over his eyes he wearily leaned his
head on his crutch. Midday silence
reigned only at long intervals harm
less locust would break the stiffness or a
grass-hopper disturb the languid air as,
Swapping his wings, he flew from stalk to
stalk on his destructive errand.
In deep thought, he paid no heed to
the youthful figure which approached on
tiptoe, and only turned with a slight
start as he felt his hat removed and the
well-known face of Ashley Grey peering
anxiously into his.
"Sick, Harper, or sleep?" he asked:
taking seat beside him.
"Neither, Ashley" Harper replied,
cheerfully, Il was merely planning
while I was resting"
"Just like you for all the world ever
busy with brain or hand. Some new
game for the boys, eh?"
Well, not exactly I was just on my
way to look for you" he broke off alb
ruptly, "Have you anything to do?''
"No. Pm just ready for some fun,
Come tell me your plan" he urged as he
saw Harper hesitate.
"Well, Ashley, you know widow Brown
whose twenty acres join your fathers
woods? Mother sent me 70 her this
morning, and when asked her about
the crop, she commenced to tell me OF
her troubles; how the only farm hand
she had was suddenly taken sick during
haying, and being unable to hire others
while the farmers were all so busy, she is
in bad way. Her hay is to be gotten
in before the rain which l don't think is
vey far distant "Suppose," here he con-
tinued the conversation in whisper until
his companion interrupted him with a
loud Bravo, Harper! that will be cap
ital fun for us. You ought to have the
first prize as the inventor Of"
"Hush," said Harper quickly, "let's
go, keep your compliments until it's
done"
Arrived, after brisk walk, near Mrs.
Browns premises they concluded that
Ashley should go ahead and see if the
field was clear, in which case he would
signal to Harper. Silently Ashley crossed
the stream and crept cautiously along the
thick underbrush which answered for a
fence about the orchard. Five minutes
elapsed and no sign Of his comrade, Harp
er was growing impatient, when low,
prolonged whistle came across the fields,
and Harper fastened to join his friend
who with proud smile on his face, said
"Good news, Harper, the house is closed
no one in sight She has no doubt gone
to get help. We must hurry or she'll
catch u.s.
This said, Ashley crawled through the
window of the stable and noislessly
To harness the horse and hitch him to a
wagon was the work of few minutes
Fortunately the lane was covered with
soft green sward which efectually muf-
fed the noise of wheels as they drove off,
all the while casting furtive chances be-
mind. Arrived on the bayfield, they be-
gan work in earnest. Ashley conveying
the bundles Of hay TO the wagon, while
Harper was busy with hands, feet, and
crutch in leading.
They had cleared more than half the
field when, pausing to rest, Harper point
ed to the western horizon where thick
black clouds came rolling up. Ashley
understood the mute language of his
friend and with renewed vigor turned to
his work. Neither spoke; every minute
was precious, every muscle was strained
to meet the emergency. Never did boys
work harder, and never did Harper regret
the loss of his leg more than now, as
with q frown Of Impotence he flung his
crutch over the wagon.
The gale blew fercer, the lightning