The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1883-10-27
The Squire's Peaches.
A STORY POUNDED ON FACT.

1
Squire Holt always went to the store
and pos.office on that night, getting his y
weeAly supplies of groceries and the
mail for the whole neighborhood.
1t was q way they, had in Jewett
Road, the first one who called at the
postoffice got the mail for that dis
trict and delivered it as he drove
horne. +I{F lti
The sun had just dropped to rest be-
hind pile of gold and crimson clouds,
which lay banked together in the west
err sky. No wonder the squire drops
the reins on Princess back, and pat
ting the dog on the seat beside him,
looks back.
He is Just passing under the noble
elms in front of the Hawthorne place,
having climbed the steep hill from the
village. He sees the cluster of houses,
the two church spires, the plain acad-
envy building and the stone church,
which comprise the village. Beyond |
are farms with their dwellings nestled |
among the trees hillsideho homes that lie |
between him and Kersarge. He takes
it all in at glance, but his eye follows
the range of hills and settles at the foot
Of atiny mountain; though too far away
to discern any dwellings, he soes it all in
his minds eye.
There have been a hundred sunsets
like this, hundred twilights just as
fresh, and the squire has passed this way
times without number; still he always
looks back.
81 never pass this turn in the road
without taking look at the dear old
mountain
He is talking to himself, or to the
dog.
81 like to see it look warm and
pleasant over there. 1t was just such
night as this that l brought my bride
away. We have driven over the road
good many times since then, and we
always speak of that one ride. She had
been my 'angel over the right shoulder
ever since. Iguess she is pretty happy in
Jewett Road, after.all. She is SO sensi-
BILE and so good at planning. won.
der If she can't solve this peach trou-
BILE. The boys are real bother, and
hope she can find a way to manage
them.'
The squire was so busy with his
thoughts and 'those academy boys
that ba laft Tho f,,r,,r;Iya nd ,uao d,;.,; >,
by Blacksmith Porter's without noticing
the little man in his leather apron
who stood leaning against the door O.
his shop.
"Whoa, Prince Here are a coupl,
of letters for your folks. 1 guess on
of them is from your son William; tn
stamp is one of those, outlandish West
ern towns. Strange that he took t
music when the rest of your boys an,
girls can't sing any more than cracks
fiddle. Blacksmithing pretty brisk
Yes, thought so see you at it earl
and late. No, can't stop to go in
I've got some more letters to deliver
much as dozen in the top Of my hat
must hurry along. Wife will hav
supper ready and waiting"
Sure enough, he found it waiting
Pandowdy and pitcher of rich milk
snowy bread and golden butter, an
for stop Off as the husband called i
two richly Drowned cup custards.
The squire was hungry, but in Il
midst of his eating told of his tril
whom he saw, what they said, and a
the little gossip that she depended N
on his telling. They were a mile {
more from the village, and did not g
the news every day.
"You look as though there WI
something on your mind that trouble
YOU. What is it"
Mrs. Holt had finished her supp
and was standing by her husbad IS chat
She drew his head close to her side, al
stroking his gray hair, said
'tCan help you about anything p'
eyes, little woman, think you ca
1 want you to think out one of yo
plans to conquer the rogues from Il
village academy, who they tell me, a
at their pranks again, and are planniI
raid on our peach orchard this We
night"
They talked sometime at last Il
best plan was decided upon. BefO
the squire went to the barn to sh
|. up for the night, he took his plain-fac
little woman into his strong arms, al
kissing her cheek, said, "What could
do without you ? You teach me Ii
son every day" And then he we
out singing, ''The dearest spot on ear
60 me is home, sweet home !"
1t was nearing midnight, and M
Holt was growing very anxiol
Three long hours the squire had be
gone. She said to herself "The be
will do him no harm, | am su
They are little wild on these mig
raids, but at heart they are goodness
ing fellows. 1 hope our plan will VIC
good things. My heart yearns o'
them. Far away from their HON
without a mothers care or fathe
restraint, many of them have nothi
TO hinder their being reckless unless
can inspire a principle within the
Who can tell what good results N
come from a kind wordP Hark
hear his footsteps"
Where are your peachesp Did