Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-03-02

auotad G-aes-s
"Cedars and hazels alike fall before Far
mer Hardaker's rapacious' axe" said her
mother, smiling. Il fancy that he doesn't
skip anything, judging from the looks of the
poor, shorn mountain-side. It's too bad !"
But, day by day, Farmer Hsrdaker's OK
-leds, unheeding the expostulations of the
entire population, climbed the steep, and
came back loaded with the carcasses of
George Washington's" sturdy neighbors.
He was getting very near to " George" him
self.
81 say, boys" said George Farnsworth to
mis- schoolmates, as they were sliding at re-
cess, few days after he had overheard the
conversation between his mother and sister
ii say, amt it pretty mean of old Hard
aker to cut down George Washington"
at is that" said several of the bows,
heartily, and they turned and looked up to
the stately tree, which stood in silent grand
eur, as ever since they could remember, and
appealed speechlessly TO them all.
"He says" continued George, "that he is
going to celebrate Washington's birthday
~ cutting it down with his little Ratchet"
The other boys laughed, but George kept
sober.
:" It's rather funny" he said, slowly
but can't we manage to save it some way 7"
The general opinion seemed to be-bor-
rowed from their friends at home, probably
that it couldn't be done, until at last Tom
Dermot said, speculatively,
Maybe he'd sell it ?"
"Maybe he would" said George bright
ening up, "You know my names George
Washington, boys, and I'm bound to save
the dear old gentleman if can"
" don't see why he couldn't sell it stand
ing as well as cut up" continued Tom,
"only, if he would, it wouldn't do us any
good. We haven't got any money"
"Maybe we could raise some" said George,
bravely. Wonder how he'd sell it 2"
Dear enough, presume; but we might
ask him."
The upshot Of this conversation was that,
after school, George Farnsworth persuaded
his father to let him and Tom Dermot, feel.
ing pretty important, you may be sure, take
his horse and sleigh to 60 over and talk with
MIR. Hardaker upon the subject of selling
George Washington standing.
"Thirty dollars" said the gruff old fellow,
who was very angry at the remarks which
had been made at his expense, and who had
vowed that he would cut the tree down now,
whatever happened.
81 won't leave the plaguey thing up for
cent less than thirty dollars"
Sim afraid We can't raise sum like that
between now and day after tomorrow" said
George, looking at Tom in some dismay.
"Then I'll cut it down." roared Mr.. Har-
daker; and seeing what a rage he was in,
the boys discreetly took their leave. They
amused themselves on the way home by
singing, as loud as they possibly could,
"Woodman, spare that tree,
Touch not single bough."
Father" said George, when they reached
home, abe says thirty dollars-not cent
less"
Mr.. Farnsworth gave a long whistle.
"Pretty dear" he said, smiling, I" but I'm
glad you have shown so much interest. I'd
almost give five dollars myself to save the
old tree"
"Would you father-would your"
But don't want to encourage Hardaker
in such extortion rs that"
But you know he's mad, father-that's
why he sets the price so high. He thinks
now that we can't raise the money, and so
he can cut the tree down"
Eyes, don't see any way TO save it,"
But George would not give him up, and
pleaded his cause so we'll that his father
finally told him that if he and Tom could
'"ioS VIZ oehoi t"ohtg-Hfc uoiidis III tilnet
he would really give HIM five dollars.
The boys started out that evening in fine
spirits to "solicit" for George Washington"
The enthusiasm over the historical "Old
South Church" in Boston never ran higher
Mr.. Prouty gave them one dollar, and Mr..
Steele the schoolmaster, another. Every.
body gave them something. 1t was aston
ishing 70 see how many friends the old tree
had.
When school was out the next day, George
and Tom started again for Farmer Hard
aker's. They were feeling pretty well, for
George had in his pocket deed Of the tree.
drawn up by the village lawyer, and needing
only the signatures OF Farmer Hardaker and
witnesses to make it valid, and thirty dollars
in good current money.
They managed to catch their man Just as
he was starting for the station with load
of chestnut wood for ties.
Mr.. hardaker," said George, politely,
springing from the sleigh, and approaching
the old man, would you mind stepping into