The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1885-07-10

"llusband there's somebody out in
the yard saving wood. Who do yon
spose it is!"
Farmer Granger turned himself in
bed; listening a moment, and then, with
sleepy sigh of one who realizes that
the time for dreamingis over and work
hours are at hand, replied
Its 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 had concluded that it
was time for her to "be stirring" the
brown trousers and blue frock of her
husband could have been seen at the
farther end of the kitchen, while two
keen green-gray eyes peered through
the half open blind.
No red .nosed or haggard faced old
man met his gaze, but pale.cheeked,
barefooted boy, whose low whistle
kept time 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, my boy?" was
the farmers salutation as he neaNd
the wood-pilc.
81 thought, maybe, youd give me
some breakfast if sawed awhile" an.
swered the lad, looking up as if to note
how this proposition would be receiv.
ed.
"Brcakfast OF course We never
turn folks away hungry. Where'd you
come from ?"
"Over east" was the indefinite re
ply.
"Where'd you sleep last night''
"Under the bushes, down the road a
piece, the boy answered.
"Well, you're a great one! | should
not wonder now, if you'd run away!'
half interrogated the farmer, with ;
pleasant twinkle in his eve. "Do yot
mind telling your name!"
"Jap, sir
Jap, hey?"
Chats what they all call me-m!
real names Jasper"
"Who are they-your father ant
mother p
81 haven't any, sir
"Bruthers and sisters?'
"Not one," was the curt reply.
The farmer looked sharply at th
boy from under his broad brimmed hat
as the saw piled to and fro, and doubt
less he would haye pushed his inqui
ries still further had not the impatien
lowing of Whitney and Doll reminded
him that it was milking time,
swell, you don't look over ant
above strongish. You'd better let tha
wood alone till you get some victual
down"
"I'd rather keep on was the onl,
answer; and the work proceeded will
no further interruption till Ethel, tn,
three-years' old pet of the family, cam
trotting around tho corner of the house
to announce in her baby fashion ,ha
SD elk 'ast" vas ready.
"Come right in, come right in
You've Armed a good meal of victuals;
and Farmer Granger led the way
with his little girl perched upon hi
shoulder.
The lad silently took the place as
signed him at one end of the square
table opposite Ethel and her father
while Mrs. Granger and happy-fac
ed old lady occupied seats on eithe
side
The first supply of boiled ham anC
baked potatoes had disappeared from
the boys plate, and the second install
ment was vanishing bit by bit, wner
Mrs. Granger suddenly discovered tina
he had no butter.
''No, ma am | don't care for it
this bread is good enough withou
any," was the reply when the plate wa
passed.
Mrs. Granger received this compli
ment with a pleased smile, and an ex
ira large doughnut Immediately foun'
its way to accompany the batteries
bread.
"Td like to work awhile longer tC
pay for that breakfast remarked tn
boy, as he followed the farmer through
the woodhouse. 81 haven't tastet
anything so good in long time ant
the saw was taken up without permis
sion.
"Well, if you've mind to cut ant
pile up a spell, you can stay and ge
your dinner. We always mean to hav
good victuals and plenty of EN-
here
snow, where are yon bound for I!
questioned the farmer as the lad picke'
up his bundle after dinner and seemed
ready to take his departure,
II don't know, sir" he replied, dig
ging his bare toes IN the dlrt g
s'pose I'll stop anywhere | can &c
work"
whats the matter with this place?
with little twinkle Of the gray eyes
"That woods to cut, and it'll take thre
or four days, at the least calculation
I'll agree to give you enough TO ca
and a comftable bed. Maybe b
that time youth want to run hom
again
The boys eyes, flashed, but he sc
his lips firmly together and made n
answer for minute then he said:
"You are very kind, sir. / will sta
| if you will let me.
"Solomon Granger, you're crazy
exclaimed the nervous little woman
when her husband related the foregt
ing conversation. "The idea of ha,