The Saline County journal. [volume] (Salina, Kan.) 1871-1893, 1888-05-17

several times. leaving her house in the
good care Of Ms Bowen. Each sum
mer brought the family b ''the farm.
which was improving yearly. Il sup
piled the family with vegetables; and
eggs were sent 20 the city BY The crate.
for BcItha made a specially ~ chicken
raising. and found that q paid better
than the garden. She loved chickens.
and possessed the knack u making
them lay well.
Decorative painting was not then =
craze" a. il has since become. aud
the beautiful pieces Of china and fancy
work which she took % town were
novelties. and found ready sale becau~c
Of the exquisite work upon them Her
pictures were more Important. there
fore slower work. and b them she gave
much study. Occasionally she sold
one. for each was a charming hit of
scenery. taken from the region round
about her home. She might never
grow rich or famous in her art. but
that she would derive Intense enjoy
ment. and. # willing ID work hand aud
faithfully. would he aalr 90 gain
simple livelihood from 70. there was no
doubt. She had unIcui1hle talent.
and her simple pieces had been highly
commended by goud authority.
Whatever Beriha's plan WIS proving
financially. her friends could not deny
that physically il was doing much Tor
her Never hal she hloomed ~ she
bloOmed now. Healthy. happy and
busy. her energy was inspiring
One day in April. nearly four years
from the time she came to the COMA
try. A telegram came from her mother.
Il said
I'VE are in trouble. Come"
Fearing all sorts II disasters. Bertha
took the first train 20 the city. When
she reached home her mother met heI
at the door and quietly led her up
stairs.
Bertha. your father has failed
again. after all these years
Failed, and with no Warming
"lie has been little worried lately.
but did not speak 81 anv thing serious
He is completely discouraged and un
like himsclf-sits with his head in his
hands and eats nothing and poor
Mrs Scarles broke down entirely.
"But. mother. has he completely
failed9 in debt. aud ali thst2' asked
Bertha. at a loss Ia account for this
state Of affairs. for her fathers bust
ness had been pruspering finely.
''NO. that's the only bright spot A
sudden misfortune what. I can not
find out yet-came upon him. But IL
took every cent he had 10 meet the de
mand. and now we are penniless H.
can not raise money. or work; but %
is not like him 90 give up So No.
thank Heaven we are not in debt"
Taking of her things. and going
down stairs. Bertha found her father
in the sitting-room.
Good afternoon. father" said she.
eheerfully. touching his arm.
Mr.. Searles looked mp. betrayed no
surprise at seeing her. said Good AZ
teruoon. vacantly. and again cla~prd
his head in his hands.
"But. father. I've come home. said
Bertha, again touching him.
He looked up YEARLY.
''lIomel We have no home. I've
no money 90 pay rentr'
A sudden inspiration seizrd Bertha
Rent! MOI but have humer'
exclaimed she. claSpiug her hands
with a truly tragic gesture. and drop
ping her glasses, while Mr.. S-arleS
looked mp with more natural ~
preston.
That's Just the thing WHY di.iut
you think Of IT, You must pack up
and come home with me- M
Searles smiled frrhlv as the pppr. near
sighted eyes blinked at him. while th.
glasses swung unheeded 90 her side.
All aglpw with the .dra. Bertha
wrote a note to the landlord. asking
him 10 take the house of their hands.
and then sat down 10 tain quietly with
father aud mother.
Il was soon settled. aud the NEXT
morning preparations began. Carpets
we're taken up. packing boVes ordered.
gOOd-byes said. and in few DAYS they
we're on the way 90 the country.
"Now." declared Bertha. as she wei
coined them 10 her home. ''this Is your
home. aud youmust feel il 50. Father.
rest up for few days. you need il sad
". We will furnish the house an
thruugh-we have more than enough.
but il will keep until You get on your
feet again. aud relieved in body and
mind. Mr. Searles sat down with his
family TO the hot supper Mrs. Bowen
had ready for them.
A few days Of quiet and rest. then
Mr.. Searles left for the city. Now that
his loved ones were safe he could go
cheerfully on his search. After long
days Of working aud waiting be sue
coed in lindinga moneyel partner. wbo
was glad Of the name and credit Of |
Thomas Searles to work with.
Thus he entered business again For
the present. the family wpuld STAY with /
Bertha until he could give them a home
a. good as the one they had lost; bat
he must run mp 90 ''the farm with the |
good news. OF course there WIS gen
eral rejoicing. and Bertha seves iille,I |
with tears as her father said. with un-
usual tenderness in his voice. Bertha. |
dear. I want 10 beg your pardon for
every uubelieving word Il mine in re-
gard % this home Of Yours. Cod only |
knows what ! should have done with
out this retreat say. Three cheers
for Bertha and for Bertha's farm.
Thank you. dear" aud he kissed her
ienderly. Ma5si D. Bsar,islcy. o. n. y.
ELaailiiler
The remains Of a prehistoric ami
NAL which bears some resemblance 10
a gigantic hippotamus have been un-
earthed near Bowie. Tex