The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1888-12-05

has not only taken the last cent, but
left us debt it will take months to pay.
However, the darlings Shan't be dlsap'
pointed if can help it, and if you can
manage the pics and little things Ill see
what can be done about getting some,
thing in the shape OF meat. HelSh no
what a miserable thing it is to be poor
and never have any money when you need
it most"
Eyes, dear, it is hard; but we have
health, strength, and the little ones, and
that is very much to be thankful tor"
"And many a rich man would give
more than the sum necessary to make US
comfortab for our appetites and the
sound sleep we enjoy"
Little knew they of the storm that
rocked their little cottage and drittcd
the snow around it. But with the morn
ing light they saw it and with sinking
of heart. 1t was as death blow to the
plans John Austin had made for their
Thanksgiving dinner. He had INDUCED
in no ianciful dreams of turkey and Il
huge chicken pie, of salad and Jelly.
They were as far beyond his means as
oyster pate, terrapin, canvas. back and
champagne. A practical man. he had
thought out no sumptuous or elaborate
menu, but had resolved to be up early,
take his gun, 60 to the woods and see II
he could not ''knock over" something
for Thanksgiving feast.
Under ordinary circumstances hunting
would have been recreation aud one
seldom indulged in, for necessity com.
PEELED uninterrupted labor. "Whew"
he whistled under his breath as he saw
how deep was the snow, strong the wind
and freezing the air. But it was Thanks
giving and the children must not be dis
appointed. 30, after building ronsing
fire AID bringing in plenty OF wood, he
kissed his wife. promised to be back as
early as possible, took his gun and
started upon the uncertain quest. for
game. like money, has perversa fashion
of being out of the way when most
wanted.
Tramping along over the unbroken
fields and in the full sweep of the ICY
blasts, he was glad to reach little
grove where he could find shelter and
regain his breath. He seated himself
upon stump and to him came the
greatest temptation of his life. In a
tree, within easy shot, roasted numerous
turkeys. Hatch d from the eggs Of
wild ones and with the distinctive
feather marks, it would be the easiest
thing to secure one and pass it of. if
seen, as legitimate game. Great fat,
luscious fowls they were and the vision
of how happy his vile and children
would be in the eating arose before
hm.
Almost before he was aware Of the act
his gun was raised and am taken. Then
conscience whispered: :'They are not
yours, John AUSTIN" and turning his
steps away he answered mentally if not
vocally: "No, and I'm not gong to be q
thief, even for Thanksgiving dinner" !"
Pushing on again over the broad
meadow he struck the road-an unbroken
one now-that led to the forest where
game was likely to be found, and was
passing the log cabin Of family even
poorer than his own, for the husband
was lying very ill., He glanced up at
the chimney-the most natural thing to
do upon such day-and saw no :rnoke.
Either the poor man must be dead or the
supply of wood had given out. In
stantly his own situation was forgotten
and he was not long in finding out that
his latter surmise was correct.
Don't worry" he said t. the anxious
wife, gathering and bringing Ill all the
wood he could find. "I'll run over to
ne ghbor Simpsons and borrow his
team and get you load. There's lots
of dead timber on this land. and he
isn't the mcanest man in the world by q
long shot,
TO accomplish his purpose he was
! forced to rctrace his steps and again look
at the temptation of the turkeys.
Cert;in,y no birds ever looked so large,
and they stretched out their necks and
! gobbled at him in the most provoking
| fashion and as if they knew what was
passing in his mind.
"l es, John" said the farmer in an
swer to his request, ''take the oxen and
get as much wood as you can haul. But
You will have to cut it. Everything
down must be showed under except it
may be some rotten stuff that is OF no
account"
"All right, but you will have o lend
me an axe. Istarted to find some game
| fer dinner, but now the children will nave
to get along with whatever their mother
can manage TO fix up"
swell, here's an axe, ard you had
better leave your gun here till you come
back. Id like to use it if you can tell
me where will find my flock of turkeys
= the tame-wild ones | mean. believe
they know it's Thanksgiving and have
/ run away"
! Austin told h m where the birds were
to e found, thought Of how little there
would lie upon his own table. and
hastened upon his errand of mercy
fastened as fast as an OK team, discon-
tented with being out such 4 cold morn
ing and wading through such dep snow,
could be persuaded to go.
Tramp;ng along after the sled Austin
at last reached the woods and looked
! for a convenient tree to fall" An oak
stood near and a tap of his ak convinced
him it was hollow. That suited him
exactly. He could easily cut OF couple
of logs, roll them upon the sled and re-
duce them to burnable size afterward.
A strong armed and willing hearted
man. he was not long in separating the
trunk, drawing and unloading in front
of the house of his sick friend. The
poor wife thanked him heartily and said
her brother had come and would do the
chopping.
Gail right-nc thanks" he rcpliel in
| I.l