Bozeman avant courier. [volume] (Bozeman, Mont.) 1872-1882, 1879-04-10
Our Selected StOry.
THAT Boy.

|
THAT BOY.
"Hushand there's somebody out in the
yard saving wood. Who do you s'pose
tsp
Farmer Granger turned himself in bed.
listened moment, and then, with the
sleepy sigh Of one who realizes that the
time for dreaming is over and work hours
are at hand. replied:
"It's Old Warner. likely. He's had time
to get over his tantrum. III see,"
The farmers toilet was not one that re-
quired hours to perfect, and before Mrs.
Granger had concluded that it WAS time
for her TO "he stirring" the brown trous-
ers and blue frock of hel husband could
: have been seen at The further end of the
big kitchen, while two keen gray eyes
peered through the half-open blind.
!, No red-nOscd. haggaai-flced old man
met his gaze, but a pale-cheeked. bare
footed boy whose low whistle kept time as
he worked. while the heap of sticks at his
feet gave evidence that his saw had made
quick pace since sunrise.
"What are you about, boy?" was the
farmers s:llutation, us he neared the wood
pile.
IL thought, may be. you'd give me some
breakfast if sawed awhile" answered the
lad. looking up us If to note how his propo-
sition was received.
'Breakflst. OF course. We never turn
folks away hungry. Wlere'd you come
frOm:''
"Over east" was the indefinite reply.
''Wi:ere'd you sleep las night?'
"Under the bushes. down the road a
piece" the boy answered.
well. you're a great one! l shouldn't
wonder. now, if you'd run away ?'-ilalf-
interrogated the farmer, with pleasant
twinkle in his eye.
do you mind telling your namc?'
'Jap. SIR
| "Jap. hey?'
''That's what they call me-lny real
names Jasper.'
"WhO are they-your father and
motIer?'
II haven't any. sir"
brothers and sisters -
mot one" was the curt reply.
The farmer looked sharply at the boy
from under his broad-brinlined hat as the
| saw piled to and fro; and. doubtless. he
would have pushed his inquiries still fIrth-
er had not the impatient lowing OF Whit |
n-v and Doll reminded him that it was
milking time.
We'll. you don't look over and above |
strongish. You'd bette let that wood
alone till you get some vic,uals down.
I'D rather keep on was the only an
swer; and the work proceeded with no
further interruption till Ethel. the three !
year-old pet of the family, came trotting /
around the corner of the house to an
nonnce in her baby fashion that 'b'e'k' asst
was ready.
''Come right income right in. You've
earned good meal O. victuals;' and
Farmer Granger led the way, with his lit
tie girl perclled upon his shoulder.
The lad silently took the place assigned
him. at one end of the square table, oppos-
itc Ethel and her father. while Mrs Gran
ger and happy-faced old lady occupied
seats on either side.
The first supply of broiled ham and
baked potatoes had disappeared from the
boys plate. and the second instAllment
was vanishing bit by bit. when Mrs. Gran
ger suddenly discovered that he had no
butter.
mo. ma'am; l don't care for it-this
hro,I'y roOJ onour, ,,-;tln,t ,nr ,,,o,
the reply when the plate was passed.
Mrs. Granger received this compliment
with pleased smile. and an extra large
doughnut Immediately found its way TO
accompany the BUTTERFLIES bread.
I'D like to work while longer to pay
for that breakfast remarked the boy, as /,
he followed the farmer through the wood
house. II haven't tasted anything so COOL
in long tilne;" and the saw was taken .
without waiting for pernissiO'3.
''Well. if you're mind to cut and pile
up spell. you can stay and get your din. !,
ner. We always mean to have good vic =
t,,als and plenty Of 'em here" =
Mrs. Granger stopped now and then to
ook out OF the buttexy window; and Il ..
wonder who that boy is. anyhow" was ;,
-epeated more than once that morning 10 i
grandma. who sat in the little old rocker, Il
quietly knitting. g
Now. where are you bound for:'' ques-
iOned the farmer. as the lad picked up lis !,
)un'lle after dinner and seemed ready to
axe his departure. y,
IL don't know. SIR" he replied. digging
lis bare toes into the dirt. Il s'pose Ill a,
top anywhere can get work" .,
''Wn t's the matter with this placer
With little twinkle of the gray eyes. q,
That woods to cut. and it'll take three =,
n four days. at the least calculation. Ill y,
gree to give yOu enough to eat and "A com
table bed. May be by that fine you'll =,
want to run home again. m
The boys eyes flashed, bnt he set his -,
ps ii MY together. and made no answer -,
Or minute. Then he said: -;
You are very kind, sir; LII stay if you a., M
'iil LET me.''
Solomon Granger. you're crazy!" ex- ~
laiined the nervous little woman, when ~ ~
er husband related the foregoing conver- "
,tiob. 1.-The idea OF having that boy in =,
ne house all night! Islla'n't sleep a single ~
ink. Likely as nothe'll kill us all before -.
lorning. and make of with everything
lere is here.''
''Oh no. g,,esshe's all .ight,' was the N"'
rner's rejoindeE while e sweet voice :.
lme from over tie knitting: ~
Il ntver see boy with such face that :"
ad anything II him but good. honest =,
God. Depend on it, Lowly. there amt -. !.
othin' wrong abont that boy.'
But suspicious Mrs. Granger locked her ..
antry door that night, her china closet. -,
e spare ffnt rcoia. the trunk in the at -
G that hell her best linen. and lastly the = ~
,or OF frandma's room-the old iady's W. =,
Il amt mite afeard, Low !.
:" having no effect on her. let
.Wel. I'm thankful we're all here !" was 4
= "a