Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1881-03-04

Aea oe'iit ouU no iohv btlab ttttic tEitti
the change would not come amiss. II
would have seen the pine trees cut dow
without murmur, and perhaps hav
given up his bedroom for the good of tn
farm; but when his old Maggie, that h
had driven for fifteen years, was takel
from him in such heartless manner, h,
rebclled and had now come to the con
clusion that he would destroy the deed
but in order to do it calmly and withou
the appearance of anger, he must slcel
upon it. As
When the seigh-bells announced JIM
return, the old man lifted his head
looked out of the window and saw tn,
family enter the door without moving
from his chair. and seemed quietly asleeI
until tea was ready. Then Jim told the
news that he had learned at the store
ana Eliza told what her sister said about
the dairy she had planned, that Jim had
been looking at some cows to add to his
stock and so on. The man made no re-
ply, but Jim did not notice it, so greatly
was he interested in his own affairs.
After they were alone at night Eliza
said; Jim, did you notice grandpa at
the table? He did not speak one word
not even to the baby. My mind mis-
gives me about him. He looks as if he
might have shock any moment. We
ought not to have taken Maggie this af-
ternoon. Something will come of it; |
feel sure it was not at all right. You
know that deed is neither signed nor re-
corded"
Then Jim had thorn planted in his
pillow for the night, but he replied, with
a mans disdain of woman's wisdom.
"No, | didn't notice him. You arc al
ways on the lookout for something ahead
If he is in danger of a shock he musn't
go driving around the country Alone
Then, the mare is mine he kaoys IL
tool When 60 to the store he can 20
along too"
The hours, as they were tolled off upon
the old, tall clock, that night, crept very
slowly TO both father and son. But little
sleep closed their eyelids, Jim being
thoroughly awakened to the fact that as
yet the farm was not his, and be ought
to have attended to that needful business
before he drove to the Corner" to tell
his friends Of the plans he had made for
its tillage.
When Jim came down stairs the next
morning his father had just kindled a
fire in the sitting room stove, and as soon
MS the fire blazed in the kitchen he called
to him to come in Jim went at once.
and seeing folded paper in the old mans
hand, he said:
What's that, father, Have you had
the deed executed p
"No," replied Mr.. Lamson, "nor do I
intend to do So" The same moment he
stopped down and thrust the folded paper
into the brightest fame, which shrivoled
it to ashes. 4.
There it goes" he continued, land
our bargain will remain as it was, or YOU
may make other arrangements. While
live intend to hold the reins and drive
when please When | am gone hope
gou'will do the same. Don't tempt little
Jimmie as | have tempted you. IL was
wrong, all wrong. Human nature is
very weak, and the old must 90 to the
wall if the young so will it. The Lord
orgive us all. But shake hands and be
friends, Jim. I'll give you some more
'ows. Eliza shall have the dairy, but
lot in my dear old room. The back lot
hall be drained, but the pine trees must
stand"
Jim gave him his hand, or rather the
I'D man took it and pressed it warmly.
J in seemed like one dazed. The farm
lot his The decd burned Could it
&c possible 2
Before he was fully aware of the stu
Ition Eliza came in, the father told her
# the destruction Of the deed aud his
easons for doing IT, Already she knew
hat something was amiss, so tho blow
vas not so crushing in its effect upon her,
nd she walked up to Mr.. Lalnson, kissed
lin on the check and said /: "Of course,
lear father, you will do as you plcase in
he natter" and left the room TO prepare
Then Jim repeated her words
'arrot-like. and went 10 the barn TO chew
he cud OF rem0rsG
Mr. Lamson lived five years longer,
hen died with an apoplectic shock, as
lis daughter-in-law had predicted; but
&c never had occasion TO regret that he |
'urncd the deed His heart had soft |
ned more and more to his children, be |
My boiling the reins. allowing them 10 |
manage tho affairs Of the farm aud dairy |
= they pleased, but when he pleased he
ould be the master.
Some clocks do not strike. You must
ook at them if you would know the time.
lone men do not talk their Christianity |
'ou must look at their lives II you would |
nov what the gospel can do for human