Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1881-12-07

browsing ground, and volunteered 10
get her out. II did not prove an easy
Job, however; and by the time he had
managed 10 overcome her dodges and
man@uYres, and finally got the brute
safely into The barn. yard, he saw the
farmer and his wife drive in, and knew
from her manner that Rachel was tell
ing them all about the fight. AS he
came forward 10 reclaim his mended
coat, Mahlon Stacy met him with a
beaming countenance.
Thee has placed me under obligation
again, friend Paul. be said. i hear
thee was Obliged to resort to force. 1t
Is against the principles Of Friends, but
since thee had to do it,I'm glad to learn
thee did it well. 4 big man too, Tor L
tbiuk the one we met with blood on his
face was the one thee dealth with
'Theie was no trouble II handing
him, sir. Tho matter is not worth
speaking OF. am only too glad TO have
been of service TO the young lady,
With these words he moved of.
Stay. lriend,' cred the farmer. III
there won 'thaYe compensation for Thy
service, thee'll at least grant US another
favor, and take supper with u.s.
The young man hesltated, but glanc-
inc at the women, said. II am not
IN fit condition for the table; l.
IF that's all, eagerly rejoined Nah
lon, we can arrange that. Come
with me- And the young man was
speedily uahered into a chamber, where
his host gave him shaving materials
aud LETT him, to hear moro definite
particulars about The encounter, in
which. like many men Of peaceful
habits, he took a deep interest.
AT the supper table, John Paul. IN
eyading minute inquiry, let them kno"
that be lived in New York when at
home. and gave tbcm some account OF
lhe metropolis, Of which they bad
heard, but never secu, and did it in a
plain and lucid way that showed be
kept lis eyes open during his trampins'
After supper Mahlon Stacy and Johu
Paul sat On the yerauda while tie wo'
men.iolk were clearing the table, and
the former, after Two or three prellmi-
nary hens, spoke his mind.
Thee was looking for work, pelhaps
iricnd?'
No, cau'i say ihat was
The would take a job if thee could
get one, maJ be?
That depends on what it's
Can thee nov?
A smile broke over the young man s
face. Not very we'll he said. 1 did
learn how to swing q scythc once
when | was on farm Tor Il
month in tic has season, bat I'm not
an expert mover
That might come by practice re-
Joined the farmer. You see, my man
was obliged TO leave me before the hay
IS all madc-and wien l met thee l
was gong after some one to take his
place, and did not succeed. Thee
might be OF help if lhee would, and l
" ould give thee fair wages
'Wcll, SIR, it is new business for u'e;
bu. I'll do the best l can FOR you till
you can do better and as for The Wa
ees, we'll not differ on that
Then thce'll stag here, and well
tackle the south field Tomorrow oX'
claimed the farmer, joyously. Naomi,
thee'll get a room ready for friend
Paul. He's going TO help with the hay
So John took service with Mahlon
Stacy. or, as lie put it to himself that
night, I'm hned to Rachers uncle
and he laughed at The same time as
though it were Tie funniest thing posi-
Bile.
The hay making was over IN three
days. but John, as they all called him
now. remained. He evidently knew
very little about farming; bat took
teaching kindly. lie Developed a great
knowledge of horses, their needs and
wants, and altogether Mahlon was
satisfied with his raw hand. The fourth
dav it ralned so that outdoor work
was stopped. The farmer and John
sat in the kitchen, the farmer in rather
downcast mood. John watched RachePs
motions for some TIME, as she moved
about gracefully, and then took a book
which lay upon the shelf, and began
readug. Mahlon smiled grimly.
If thee likes 20 read, be said, There
is 10 Cross, No Croicn, and Barclays
Apoloqy in the sitting room. That is a
foolish book of poetry that Rachel de-
ljcbts in. But il can do no one any
GOOD. Il Is funny in parts, though
It. was Hoods Poems. Some OF
This is by no means funny said John,
the Bridge Of Sishs,' tor instant.
Il don't rcmber. Will thee read 1t
out p
John read the poem, and IN way
That no one there had ever hcard-read
il with feeling and force.
Thee reads remarkably well, john
said Mahlon.
Poor creaturev said Naomi. Sue re-
ferred to the heroine, and not TO John.
Rachel said nothing. but her eyes
l,vo,,'-- ~ II a lei,.s. Alb
M Sunday John got Two hours
+ absence. and returned with a
bunds, which he carried to his room room
-, -, day he came down TO break
"o new light suit. Mahlon made
4 3 .aI u al