River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1889-11-21

in the warm, mellow sunshine. n 4Oau
of cornstalks was going in at the farm
gate and row of yellow pumpkins
summed themselves in the open barn
window, while punches Of peppers hung
drying outside. Through the yellow
leaves of the big elms the sky showed
deeply blue, and afar off the river gilt
tered like q silver thread through the
meadows. But Jasper wasn't thinking
Of the beauty of the afternoon, being
very much engaged just now with his
Jack-o'-lantern. He had got quite a be-
witching slant TO the eyes, and what he
regarded as a most fetching" express
sion 70 the mouth, and was proceeding
to elaborate the nose when Rachel came
out.
Another Jack-o'-la lantern, Jasper?" she
called out before she was fairly off the
door steps. what hoy YOU are"'
Eyes, ma'am;" Jasper kept on carv-
ing. And the biggest one of the sea
son, too! Coin to have parade to-
night"
Rachel didn't say any thing to this.
She came along to the bench, leaning
ally against the well-curb, and falling
into brown study Immediately. JAS
per looked at her once or twice, curious
ly, out OF the corner of his eye to see
what was up" for Rachel was never
quiet long. Presently she remarked.
.olemnly, and apropos of nothing:
Jasper, it's almost Thanksgiving"
Jasper laughed. Tell rs something
we don't know, won't you?" he sug-
gested, holding off his Jack and survey
ing it critically with one eye shut.
Rachel laughed little, too, but soon
grew grave again. well. what are you
going to do about it, you know?''
"Do?" Jasper stared at her with both
eyes open. why, let it come, 10 be
sure. What are you driving at?''
Rachel sat down on the bench beside
him to talk comfortably. You know
the Gordons, don't you?" she said. I'm
driving at them"
Dicks folks, yes; what of 'em?"
why, they're in great trouble. Mr..
Gordon broke his leg last week. and
their cows dead"
Il know it," interrupted Jasper.
"They took Dick out of schooi and put
him in the mill. He's a sn art little
chap and s'pose somebody's got to earn
money"
Eyes. And Ellen's in the mill, too.
She was in my class"
Rachel stopped to muse again. How
she would hate working in the mill her
self,
"Well?" prompted Jasper, and she
reused at once. 30, yes! Well. I've
been thinking; and II you'll give some
81 your vegetables and things, I'll give
pair of my chickens and we can send
them Thanksgiving dinner"
'They won't take it, I'll bet" said JAS
per, promptly. They're awful proud.
"Ah, but how can they help it?' said
Rachel. Wen hang it at the door the
night beforehand. and they'll never know
who sent it, They can't send IL back
then. See?'
She hoped that Jasper wasn't going
ito throw cold water" This was such a
nice way of helping the GOrdons, and
needn't have been afraid; Jasper was
only consid ring, and presently he said:
"All right, Rachel. go ahead; and, !
say, put in one of my honey-eOmbs. ton.
for the babies"
"Thatll be Jolly, Rachel besmed on
him. "And if you don't turn all youi
pumpkins into Jack-o'-lanterns before
then. I'll make some pies. It'll be a
famous basket! You'll see
She jumped up lightly and ran of 10
inspect her chickens and decide on the
two TO be sacrificed
THAT wasn't half bad of Ray" said
Jasper to himself as she disappearc1.
''She thinks lot OF those chickens. 200.
Meant TO sell them for her Christmas
money. Won't il help the GOrlons
though? Must be having tough time