The Sedalia weekly bazoo. [volume] (Sedalia, Mo.) 187?-1904, 1889-02-19

which Is always at his heelS. lou
even sold the only horse you had that
was fit for the saddle. And George
was extraordinarily fond of Vixen"
1T seemed pity to keep . horse
that no one but George ever rode. ="
said the farmer, land she was too light
for work. I'm poor man. Hester. and
can't afford playthings for my chill
dren."
'You can better afford to keep an
extra horse than to have your son leave
you, Eli. Whom could you get who
would take the interest in the work
that George does? You have thought
it only right that George should do
his share toward running the farm, and
have considered your duty done in
giving him home. You are disposed
to think him ungrateful because he
wants 10 leave you, now that every year
makes his services more valuable. But
the boy is ambitious and is not salts
fed TO travel in "A circle. He wants to
make some Roadway. And it is only
natural"
The farmer leaned his head on his
hand, look of deep thought on his
grave, weather-beaten face. His gen.
tie sister-in-law's plain speaking had
given rise to thoughts which had new
err before entered his mind.
Il believe you're more'n half right,
Hester" he said at last. I'll think it
all over tonight. and make up my
mind what 10 do. I'd be lost here
without George, and he sha'n't leave
the farm if can help it,
'Force won't keep him. Eli. remember
that" and Mrs. Lucas, feeling that she
had said enough. folded up her work.
and taking a lamp from a shelf by the
stove, went up stairs to her own room.
just at day-break she was reused
from "a sound sleep by the sound of a
horses hOofs in the yard. and looking
out of the window she saw Eli trotting
away on old Roam.
Where can be be going at this
hour?" she thought.
o'clock, George was standing by the
kitchen table. having just come in
with two full pals of milk. His face
wore a disconnected, unhappy look,
and he merely nodded in return for his
aunt's CHEEKY ''GOUd morning"
A few moments later his father en-
tered, but George. who had gone to
one of the windows, and was looking
out dejectedly, did not even glance up.
"You were out early. Eli" said Mrs.
Lucas. Il heard you ride away at
day-break."
Eyes, / went to Pine Ridge on a
matter of business"
That's where yOu sold Vixen. papa,
isn't it?" asked little Harry. and Mrs.
Lucas saw a quIver pass over Georges
face as the child spoke.
'Yes, my boy. / sold Vixen to Law
yer Stanley. George" turning to his
son, 1--WE made up my mind to part
with that fifty-acre lot by the river.
What do you think of that?"
''Of course you are to get a good
price for it, sir" said the young man,
indifferently. Its the best piece Of
land you have"
but l haven't sold it. I'm goir 20
give it away"
''Give it awaym repeated George,
reused out of his Indifference. and star
ing at his father as if ne thought he
had not heard Alright.
YES, deed it over, every inch of it.
to some one think great deal of, and
who deserves it," laying his hand on
his sons shoulder, and his voice break
ing little. II am going to give it to
my son, George Hardwood, to have and
to hold as he sees fit, without question
or advice"
ITO me! You intend to give that
fifty acres TO me, father"
Yes. my boy. and with my whole
heart. You've been good son.
George. and only wish / we're able to
do more for you. But I'm not a rich
man, as you know. and | have your
mother and the three little ones to
provide for, too. Still. want you to
have a start. and this fifty acre lot will
yield you a handsome profit. You can
have days in the week To call your
own. and that will give you chance to
work it. and if you choose to break in
that pair of young oxen bought the
other day from Bagley, you can have
them for your trouble"
''This-this seems too much. sir"
stammered George. Il don't know
how to thank YOU"
Too much! Then | don't know
what you'll say to this" and the
farmer took his son by the arm and led
him out on the porch. There's
another present for you. my boy"
Vixen The word came from
GEORGES Inns with n 1OnU siUh of ioV