Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1886-12-30
IN THE MIDDLE WEST.
A Story Of Life in the Great
Mississippi Valley.
BY ALvA MILTON KERR.
ICorYRIoHT 1ss6, ny THE A. N. KELLOGG
NEWSPAPER CONPANY.1
CHAPTER v.-coxrrSuro.

CHAPTER V.-CoSrINuED.
That the hearty Joel took account Oft
was scarcely probable. and the easy
naturcd Harry, sinco any discrimina-
tion in ones own favor is seldom pain
fully vivid. only now and then mildly
protested against his mothers too
obvious unfairness. But beyond this
John Earling had no kinder friend or
one more loved than Harry Whitney.
Every thing that they possessed
was shared in common, though
this DIVISION, with an eve TO its
perpetuity. was much guarded from
the ferret-like eyes of Mrs Whitney.
That lady, in the presence Of the mas
ter of the house, was ever patronizing-
ly pleasant to their youthful pensioner,
but lest John Earling should pass her
idol on the path of life, or out of selfish
hatred that this hapless child should
live upon their substance, she laid upon
him many grievous rules. One per-
haps more kecnly like lash than any
other. since John Earrings thirst for
reading seemed boundless from the
first, was that he should not share his
comrades books beyond the common
lesson of the day. This deprivation,
too, was doubled by the fact that Mrs
Whitney purchased for her son books
in season and out of season, books
suited TO his years and books beyond
his comprehension. books that he liked
and books he would not read. which, in
the end, swervcd from her evident
ambition TO fatten her own son
mentally while leaving his COM
radc lean; for the generous Harry
would not have II so. and in this one
regard, feeling so acutely its injustice,
John Earling accepted them at his in
sistence, and fed upon their contents
while others slept, or in the wood
land under some protecting tree had
many an enchanted hour. But how
ever little others took cognizance OF
this condition Of affairs, Absalom and
Ether were not so numbed OF love and
its absorbing dreams as TO be obliv-
ious. Very much alive they were;
softly directing Mrs. Whitney's mar.
rowness of action to her own confu-
sion oft, and sedulously Oifsetting her
niegardliness by secret kindness Ia
John Earling. Yet as the seasons
passed Che lad finched more and more
under the thorny burden of his depend.
ence; often casting about in his mind
for some feasible means of saifting il.
But turn which way he would his honor
would not let him be ungrateful to his
benctactor. Thus il transpired that al
the age of twelve John Earling went
ono day TO Joel Whitncy's office and
told him gravely that he wished TO 60
90 work
''Pshawl' said that blunt persons
''keep TO school, boy; keep to school. -
NO." returned John Earling. ear
nestly, II want TO earn my living. sir;
i can study in the evenings"
Joel turned his large person about
upon his revolving stool and looked al
the boy In astonishment. Then he
ierked a sort Of laughing chuck; "Why,
what's the matter? Don't | furnish
you enough 10 eat? Think you could
earn more. ehgn
mo. sir; that is notIt y said the boy,
looking down. II only want TO pay
you for your kindness, Sir"
'.Pshaw" burst out Joel; keep 10
school, boy. Better not lot Harry gel
ahead OF you" and he turned TO his
desk. After waiting a moment he
looked around. The boy was standing
there. ''Woll. you're not going to give
Il up, ch?"
Il would rather not, sir"
Joel looked at him curiously mo.
rlent, and with another chuck deeper
down in his great neck he murmured
''lt's got the sand a true chip; / cx-
pceted It," Then regarding the boy
q little longer with misty sort OF stare
he aroused himself. Come in when
you come from school this afternoon, 4"
he said; an think il over
When John Earling entered that
afternoon he had all his school-books
IN a package under his arm. Joel
noticed this and laughed; "Well.
spnnk, he said, you're bound TO do
q, eh?"
Il want TO, sir" said the boy with a
smile.
"Wcll. I've concluded TO compro-
misc with you. said Joel, with twink
ling eyes. "You keep ON with your
school until you're fifteen. then You
can work in the store. How will that
suit youP'
AH1 gVl tNihtN n hillc ana eioOu De-
side the window looking obiquely into
the street. but evidently seeing nothing.
Joel sat with his back against his desk
and watched the boy with quizzical
look. ''Could pay you by working
five yoarsP" said the fad without turn
ing his eyes.
Pay me for what?'
''For what yon have done for me,
SIR.
'Pshaw. 1 have done no moro for
sou than | should. boy. II you ever 10
10 work for mo | shall pay YOU the
ssmc as any one else.
Bur this 10 John Earling did not
neom 10 cancel his obligation IN ans
sense. for without seeming 10 notice i
ha said: a would rathor begin now,
but II 4on bid me. sir, 1 will wait unit
nnl fifteen. Ihonil J commence Al
hftocn and work until ] am twenty
hnd fAu VIII give mo what books
Weed and niy clolhiug' | lwould work 4
oul
10. holhos. ,oo don't ONO me !
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