South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1879-06-20
T II A T B 0 Y .

the yard saving wood. Who do you
s'pose 'tis?'
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. I'll see'
The farmers toilet was not one that
required hours to perfect, and before
Mrs. Granger bad concluded tina. it was
time for her TO be stirring the brown
trousers and blue frock or her 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-nosed. haggard-faced old man
met his gaze, but pale-cheeked, bare
looted boy whose low whistle kept ti.pe
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. boyr vas the
farmers salutation, as he neared the
woodpile.
4 thought. aybe, you'd give me some
breakfast il sawed awhile answered
the lad, looking up as if to note how his
proposition would be received.
Break fast! or Counsel We never
turn folks away hungry. Where'd you
come from?'
over east was the indefinite reply.
'Where'd you sleep last night3'
Under the bushes, down the road n
piece the boy answered.
We'll, you're great one / shouldn't
wonder, now, If you'd run awayT-half-
Intercepted the farmer, with pleasant
twinkle in his eye. DO you mind tell
ing your name?'
Jap, sir
Jap, hey?'
That's what they call mc-my real
names Jasper
Who are they-your father & motberr
Il haven't any, sir.
Brothers and sistersp'
Not one was the curt reply.
The farmer looked sharply at the boy
from under lis broad brimmed hat, as
the saw piled to and fro ; and. doubtless
he would have pushed his inquiries still
further had not the impatient lowing Of
Whitley and Doll reminded him that it
WAS milking time.
well, you don't look over and above
stropgish. You'd better let that wood
alone till you get some victuals down.
I'd rather keep on was the only an
swer; aud the work proceeded with no
further interruption till Ethel, the three
year-old pet OF the family, came trotting
around ;he corner of the house. to an
nounce in her baby fashion that be k asst
was really.
Come right in, come right in. You've
earned n good mea! o vic:uals;' and
Farmer Granger led the way, with his
little girl perched upon his shoulder.
The lad silently took the place as
signed him, at one end of the square Ia.
bile opposite Ethel and her father, while
Mrs. Granger and a happy.faced old Ia
dy occupied seats on either side.
The first supply Of broiled ham and
baked potatoes had disappeared from
the boys plate, and the second INSTALL
ment was vanishing bit by bit, when
Mrs. Granger suddenly discovered that
he had no butter.
No, ma'am; don't care for it-this
breads good enough without any was
the reply when the plate was passed.
Mrs. Granger received this complj-
ment with pleased smile, and an ex-
ira large doughhut Immediately found
its way TO accompany the BUTTERFLIES
bread.
I'd like to work awhile longer to pay
| for that breakfast, remarked the boy, as
he followed the farmer through The wood
! house. i haven't tasted anything so
good in a long time and the saw was Ia
ken up without waiting for permission.
We'll. il you're mind to cut and pile
up n spell, you can stay and get your
| dinner. We always mean to have good
victuals and plenty OF EN- here.
Now, where are you bound for? ques-
toned the farmer, as the lad picked up
his bundle after dinner and seemed
ready to take his departure.
i don't know, sir, he replied, digging
his bare toes into the dirt. i s'pose
III stop anywhere I can get work
What's the matter with this placer
with a little twinkle Of the gray eyes.
THAT woods to cut, and it'll take three
or four days, at the least calculation.
| I'll agree TO give you enough 10 cat and
comTtable bed. May be by that time
/ you II want TO run home again
The boys eyes flashed but he Get
his lips firmly together. and made no
answer for a minute. Then be said
You are very kind, sir. I'll stay il
you will let me-
Solomon Granger, you're crazy + ex-
claimed the nervous little woman. when
her husband related the foregoing con
versation. The idea oT having that boy
in the house all night / shan't sleep
single wink. Likely as not he'll kill
US all before morning, and make of with
every thing there is here
oh no guess he's all right, was
the farmers reioinder; while n sweet
voice came from over the knitting:
i never see a boy with such face
that had anything in him but good.
honest blood. Depend on Q. Lowly.