The Bottineau pioneer. (Bottineau, N.D.) 1885-1895, 1889-12-21

was already blazing, and began to pile on
the long dry sticks OF beech and hickory,
until, in a few moments, a perfect sheet of
flame was roaring up the wide-throated
chimney.
Grandma Botsworth, who sat in her &C
customed corner by the lamb" busy
with her knitting, made no reply; while
Uncle Billy proceeded to remove his coat,
hat and boots, and. having filled and
lighted his pipe, sat down to enjoy him
self. Outside, a furious snow-storm was
raging, and already the earth was heavily
carpeted with white. Presently his two
sons, Jacob and Milton, came in from
doing up the chores, and, like their father,
were soon Invested Of caps, coats and
boots, and seated before the rousing fire
talking over the vents of the day. A little
later Mrs. Botsworth joined them, and then
the family circle was complete. No, not
complete, either; a daughter was missing.
Three years ago this Christmas eve she had
gone out from The parental roof to marry
the man she loved. but whom her father
had forbidden some time before to enter
his doors. But Mary had gone; and she
and her husband, a poor mechanic, went
out West to build up for themselves q home
and fortune. After they were married,
a day or W before they were to start for
Dakota. Mary and her husband drove to
tue old home. whelc she sot out of the buggy
and started to 80 into the house to say
good-by. She did not ask nor expect for
giveness from her father for what she had
done: but she knew her mother and her
brothers still loved her, and would gladly
have her come to see them. So she Just
bad her hand on the gate latch, and, with
tear:tlled eyes, was taking in the dear and
familiar surroundings, when her father,
coming round the corner of the house, saw
her.
Don't yer come in here" he yelled,
hoarsely. Don't step your foot inside O.
that gate, Mary Ellen Botsworth. You're
no darter O. mine. Take yer hatchet-f faced
paint singer, an git"
For a moment she stood as if stunned at
his words; then, without a word, turned
and went to the buggy. Her husband
helped her in. and then standing up ana
shakin. his whip at Uncle Billy, said:
"Bl ellsworth, if you wasn't my wife's
lather Id thrash you till O couldn't walk
for q week. You object to me FOR a SON
'n-law only because I am poor; but IN
see the day I can Luy on sell you 8 If you
was black, darn you."
Here Mary laid her hand on his arm
and said, "Stop, Will; it won't help things
any to quarrel; let's 60"
1t was well that Will needed her advice.
Tor old Uncle Billy had STATED for the
buggy. with murder in his eye; and there is
no telling what might have happened had
not Milton and Jacob, at this iuncture,
made their appearance and urged him to be
quiet.
SO Mary went from home an outcast.
and. as the buggy disappeared around the
bend in the road. Milton turned to his
father. and, with tears in his eyes, said, re-
proachfully:
Pap, you oughtener have done it,"
And Mrs. Botsworth, who had come to
the door just in time to take in the affair.
echoed her sons words:
mo. pap, you was too hasty, she added.
Mary Ellen was allus a mighty good girl;
an though Id rutlIer she'd not a married
Will Kenney. yet I hope the Lord will
prosper 'em BOTH"
"lcu are right, MOTHER" said Jacob, tho