Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-03-13
zEKE DRUNrMoND's RETURN.
Back from Florida, Feelin' just Toll
abIe-A Touch of Nature.

FNNt AAr CAsNAsp -icf~es
They were passengers on train going west
from Peoria, one day last week. He had
long. gray beard. covering red face, which
was shaded by the broad brim Of white felt
bat. He WAS attIred in red and black check
sred flannel shirt, with big pearl buttons,
suit OF cheap clothes, and heayy boots. HIS
vest was unbuttoued, showing his "ucking'
euspenuers, the work OF his vie or daughter
lle cheWed tobacco sOlemnly, and seized ms
beard hrmly with hi- left hand every time ne
elected 3 quantity OF Juice toward the car
UcOr. His wife was matruuly. Her race " as
TAT and 'Wrinkied, and she wore spec'G cies.
ON her heH was a litt G straw met, COW
cred with somBre feathers. Her plump-hgure
was covered with one OF those horse blanket
ulsters " hich are for sale in every shop. In
her hands she carried a large oouquet OF
withered flowers, strange looking 70 the
Northern ey e and evidently indigenous TO the
south.
Both were travel worn ana tired. For
some time after leaving Peoria neither spoke.
she shifted at the departing fragrance Of the
bouquet aud gazed out Of the window, He
cheWed his tobacco, and frequently consulted
silver watch, which he drew from his
pocket by thong. IL was evident that they
were nearing home.
The train boy came into the car, aRnounc-
ing: "rhe leading paper of Peoria. All about
Mrs. Msnoy, the preacher, who killed a
NO is that so" exclaimed the traveller,
looking after the boy. Then. plucking his
wife by the arm-"Say. ma, amt that Mrs.
MallOy the woman who converted ST Thomp-
sons oldest boy at Elmwoodgn
sand the wife.
Here, boy, gimme one OF them papers"
cried the man. There, ma, put that in your
sachel, sn' Wen read t when We git home.
Killed woman, ehs Well, by gOsh.; Then
he relapsed into thoughtfulness.
Presently the trainooy entered the car
again. carrying oranges, He rested the basket
on the old mans knee and said: Cant / sell
you SIX OF these nice, sweet Florida oranges
for quartersi'
The traveller looked at his wife and winked.
She regarded the COY with a motherly smile.
Them there amt Florida oranges" said the
9 , man, wisely. why, son, jist come from
Florida myself
Is that so?" said the boy. admiringly.
Yes, sir. ard Eve got some Of the finest
oranges you ever see" He proceeded to oDen
Das<et OF hne oranges, which he showed to
the boy. and they discussed, in a confidential
sone, lorlda and the orange crop, the boy
asking many questions.
Then the old man looked at his watch again.
Inc traln was twenty minutes from Oak Hill.
lie put on his oYeTcoat, taxing the basket Of
oranges IN one hand ana large bundle under
the other arm. Then he stood in the aisle.
cheerily.
Yes" she replied. with a smile, ~ hone
everything Is all right at home.n
ION, 'spOse So said the husband. "Bilrs
Dig enough 10 take care of things. / reckon
that muley heller has Jlst about had her calf
by this tme.n
wen. it's about time, said the wife, sitter
mental calculation.
shell be II great mixer" continued he.
Il hope Bill will look after her. don't bflieve
the calf kin take all her milk, and her bag'u
about cake. ="
Il hope Billy is at the train for us with the
wagon. mused the wife.
Both were silent then until the train drew
up TO the station at Oak Ril.
There's Blly, with the colts" cried the
wife, looking out Of the window
The colts, snorting and cringing in the pres
enee of the engine, were attached 70 a wagon
iull OF hay. Billy sat on the spring seat,
bis Ieet oraeed against the front-bOard, bend
ing sli bis strength to the lines. and yelling
whoa 2"
As the traveller appeared on the car plat
form one OF the many lou1g~rs AT the station
cried cut: There's 'Zeke Drummonds back
again. Hello. 'Zeke!-" grasping HIM By the
hand-"Have We got back from Fiorldys1
Yes, jist got back. - said Zeke. thus estab-
hshlng what was apparently doubtful fact.
well. l reckon you've had a good time.
How air ye, anyhow
,'Oh, list tolable like--jist tolable. How's
all your tnlk>s''
"Oh, jisJ middlin'-jist middlin'-"
And the train pulled out.