St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1888-08-11
MY COUSINS COUSIN.
Why zavaaliel Jones' Stay With
Us was Shortened.

Us was Shortened.
was sitting on the porch waiting
for supper, as we call the evening meal
in the country. A man came up the
carriage drive with brisk step and a
travelling sachcl. As soon as he saw
me broad smile lighted up his face
and, rushing forward with extended
hand. he said: Have the pleasure
of seeing Mr.. Oldschool, Mr.. Obadiah
Oldschool?'' Yes, that is my name"
] replied ,somevhat coldly. for !
thought that he was book-agent who
had tined his call so that we would
have to keep him over night.
instead of beginning to talk book
talk he'said: Il was sure that could
not be mistaken. You have the Old
school features. Any one acquainted
with that remarkable family would
recognise you at once. l am not SO
fortunate as to be an OldschoOl by
birth, hut am connected with you by
marriage. My name is Gamaliel
Jones aud my wife is a cousin OF your
cousin, Amaxiah OidschoOl. You have
no doubt heard Of him When told
Cousin Amaziah that was coming out
here, he said; You must be sure to 60
TO X. and call on our mutual cousin,
Obadiah. He is man that all the
Oldschools are proud of. have never
met him, but have read his pieces in
the Interior and am sure that he will
give you a cordial swclcomc, So, in
compliance with the request OF Cousin
Amaziah, have walked out from
town to see you and your home that VIC
have heard SO much about. And what
n beautiful home i Is! How thrifty
the trees .ase!s How well the grain
looks! How bright the flowers, How
splendid the scenery! Truly this is
paradise"
He evidently expected me to gash re-
sponsivcly, but, in the first place, for
one who married a cousin Of my cousin
TO come claiming kinship seemed to me
rather cheeky. The Oldschools are
prolific race, scattered over three or
four States. know at least fifty who
are my cousins-by birth or marriage,
and as each OF these may have fifty who
are his or her cousins yet not mine,
there are thousands Of people who
might come to me with ms much right
to claim a cordial reception and full
entertainment on the scom Of relation
ship As had this Gamalicl Jones. And,
in the second place, as to his having
married my cousins cousin, had only
his word for it. knew that there was
an Amaziah OldschOol somewhere in
Ohio. but did aot know that he had
any Joncses among his kith and kin.
So said to him with formal polite
ness: Sit :dowp. You must be tired
after your long walk"
He took the offered seat, put his
sachcl on the floor and began to tell me
contidentially all about his affairs. He
had come West seeking a new home.
Dur mutual cousin Amaziah had as
sured him that | was the very man to
give him information about the coun-
try and to help him TO find a good
place. Placing his hand affectionately
on my knee. he said: Il shah depend
on you. AS the cousin of my wife's
cousin. 10 60 around with me and give
me your opinion about the farms and
orchards that are for sale; for know
that | can depend on you. A man who
has secured such a location for himself |
ought TO be judicious adviser, and |
consider myself oxtrcmcly fortunate
in finding such a relative TO counsel |
and assist me in 'th far-off land"
lie paused moment, as il expecting
a reply. and remarked. as coldly as l |
could. that this was q very busy season,
and tha: | could not now leave nv
work and go all over the country with |
him.
This. however, did not dampen his
enthusiasm. He fastened to say: 20
there is no htrry. l can wait until |
you are at leisure. / could not have a |
pleas:lntcr place to stay than this. l |
told Cousin Amaziah that it would be |
nice to spend a few weeks with YOU, SO |
that l could study your methods in
farming and fruit-culture, and he
agreed with me- So you see it's all |
right. Take your own time, and when
You are ready will be delighted to |
drive about with you and have your help
In selecting home for myself and my
dear wife. your cousins cousin"
l was dumfounded. What could / |
say to such a gushing suggestion rs |
this? / felt like that modest young man
OF whom | read in a leap-year story.
"As soon as he was introduced to the |
girl she rushed into his arms and asked |
him to marry her." But before 1 |
could answer the supper-bell rang.
In the dining-room Mr. Jones was
introduced to the rest OF the family.
and he told them how psOud and hap
py he was to be connected Nv marriage
with such excellent people. lie saw tho