The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-05-23


was absurd to imagine it hadany weight
in the worlds machinery; but 1t was
down, and Daisy kept it there. Tom
was lawyer, and Tom could take
Wharton s cases for the summer months.
There was her farm-a poor place TO De
sure, but at least a house, and with some
furniture in it, and surrounded by beau
tiful scenery, possessing the purest OF air
and water. With six hundred year
they would not starve, and there was
nest-egg in bank in case Of emergency.
Wharton pshawed! Wharton fumed.
All in vain. Resolute little Daisy
packed trunks, arranged her household,
engaged her one half-grown girl to &C
company the party as child's nurse, and
enlisted the entire Trueman family on
her side.
And Wharton, finding those queer
feelings in his head increasing, the
dizzy spells becoming more frequent.
finally submitted to fate, in the person
of Daisy, explained the various points
at issue to Tom Trueman, and, accom-
panied by wife, child ard nurse, took
up his Journey to Corn's Mill. 1t was
early morning when a rickety old wagon
containing the party and baggage en-
tered an Enclosure that had once been
fence, and the family took possession
of Daisy's Farm.
The prospect was not encouraging.
The house had not improved in years Of
emptiness and neglect, and even Daisy's
heart sank at the broken roof, the
tumble-down doors, the shaby windows.
But, as she said, covering her dismay
with brave smile, "there they were,
and they must make the best of it!''
Jennie, the nurse, proved treasure,
and the women were soon busy putting
to rights" while Wharton took Tom on
an exploring expedition over the estate.
There was queer glance in his eyes
as he came back in time for dinner, but
he only said:
81 can't quite trust my own head yet
Daisy, butts there a post-ofice at
Corn's Mill?"
eyes, the mail goes out twice week. ;
"Give me sheet of paper and an en-
velope, that's dear"
"Now, Wharton, that is not resting
''I'll only write Iozen lines, dear"
The dozen lines being written and
posted, Wharton seemed to find an I'M
failing source Of amusement rowing
about the farm, poking holes in the
ground with a short cane, often kneeling
down to examine the earth, so turned
over. Daisy limited at planting some
vegetables, though she said, despond-
emily:
81 don't suppose they will grow If we
do
"Never mind beans and peas. now,
love. Wait till we have an answer to
my letter.
A week later, when June was young,
the answer came in the person of two
mon, one white-haired and absent
minded, the other young and emphati-
cally business-lilze. Wharton gave
them cordial welcome, and after par
taking of substantial luncheon, the
three started out upon the farm.
Little Daisy, intensely happy in the
knowledge that Wharton had not had
one dizzy turn since their arrival on the
farm, that he had the appetite of a
plow-boy, and was cheerful and full Of
animation, was busy baking batch of
pies, when the three gentlemen re-
turned to the house. She could see
them from the kitchen window as they
came over the neglected path, and saw
that Wharton's eyes were full of exul-
tation, his face flushed, his carriage
erect. He looked like some one newly
laden with good tddings, and all three
were talking eagerly and earnestly.
Daisy wondered little, and scorched
one of her pies. While she carefully
pared the burnt edge of crust the kitchen
/ door opened. and Wharton, needless OF
her big calico apron and bare arms,
ushered in the strangers.
"Mrs. HILL" he said, bowling with
great Difference, accept my congratula
tions upon your great good fortune"
"In scorching my pies?" laughed
Daisy.
''In owning fifteen acres Of coal land.
81 don't understand" Daisy faltered
"The farm, my dear, your legacy from
your old nurse, is one solid bed of coal
and there is no mine within nine miles
of it. Nobody knows how much lies be-
yond your fences in the vacant land
about us, but in my minds eyes see
this colony of miners"
care you sure, Wharton?"
81 suspected it the first day we came,
but having no experience, wrote tx
one of my clients in Pottsville to senG
me an experienced hand to test my sus
picions. These gentlemen confirm my
opinion"
'"There is no doubt about the coal
ma'am," said the old gentleman, s'nol
about its lying so near the surface tina
it can soon be available"
1.-THE question u.s." said the younge
stranger, whether you will sell out o.
open the mine yourselves. am author
lied to make you an offer if you wish t,
dispose of the property"
thine enough for that" said Whar
ton. 81 will return with you to Potts
Vile"
"Wharton-no businessr
Don't fear, Daisy; this kind of bust
ness will not injure me. You will le
me decide in the matter?''
certainly"
<AhU WIG UCN1o4Oil, Oh CCI w udIUOu uds
spent month in Pottsville. was to sci
out to company who were already buy
ing up the vacant land surrounding tn
farm. The young lawyer knew nothin,
of mining, and had no desire to learn
but he was no fool, and he made salts
factory terms for the sale Of the ''es
tate" and Daisy returned home
wealthy woman.
A European trip restored the health
OF the young lawyer, and he resumed
practice year afterwards, with every
hope OF one day realizing his vision of
fame, while little Daisy, still rather