Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1891-04-03

When she went donn stairs at G
o'clock George was standing by the
kitchen table, having Just come in
with two full pats Of milk. His face
wore : discontented, unhappy look, and
he merely nodded in return for his
aunt's CHEEKY "Good morning"
A few minutes later his father en-
tered. but George. who had gone to
one Of the windows, and wa looking
out d~eiectedly, did not even glance mp.
.You were ont early. Eli" said Mrs.
Lucas. : heard you ride away At day
break
.Yes, 1 went to Pine Ridge on a mat
ter of business"
That's where you sold Vixen, papa,
isn't it?' asked little Harry, and Mrs.
Lucas saw . quiver pass over Georges
face ~ the child spoke.
.Yes. my boy. I sold Vixen to Law
yer Stanley. George turning to his
son, .Ive made up my mind to part
with that fifty-acre lot by the river.
What do you think Of that2"
-Of course you are TO get . good price
for it. sir" said the young man indiffer-
emily. Its the best piece Of land you
have"
.But I haven't sold it. I am going to
give it away"
Give il away" repeated George,
reused ont Of his indifference. and star.
ing ct his father Is if he thought he hsd
not heard Alright.
@Yes, deed il over, every inch Of IL,
10 some one I think . great deal Of, and
who deserves it" laying his hand on
his sons shoulder, and his voice break.
ing . little. Il am going TO give it 10
my son, George Hardwood. to have and
to hold. - he see ft, without question
or advice"
@To mel 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 I only wish I we're able to do more
for you. But I am not . rich man, a.
you know, and l have your mother and
the three little ones to provide for. too.
| Still, I want you to have = start, and
this fifty-acre lot will yield . handsome
profit. You can have three days q week
to call your own. and that will give you
. chance TO work, and II you choose Ia
break that pair Of young oxen I bought
the other day from Bagley. you can
have them for your trouble
.This-this seems too much, sir, "
stammered George. u don't know how
70 thank vou.s
@Too much! Then / don't know
what you'll say TO this. " and the farmer
took his Won by the arm and led him
ont on the porch. "There's anothe,
present for YOU, my boy
.VixenI" The word came from
Georges lips with . long sigh Of JOY,
and with one bound he va ct the side
OF the little black mare he had thought
never to zee sgaip, and had both arml
shout her neck, AOh. father, ia rather
have Vixen than anything else in thil
worldr
And be buried his face In the pretty
creatures name, and in spite Of hi
eighteen years, fairly broken down and
sobbed aloud.
That ended Georges desire TO leave
the farm. He was never again heard
to mention the subject, and he grum'
bled no more about the hard worh and
the monotony OF his lifp, but in every
way tried to show his appreciation o.
bis fathers kindness.
In fact, Eli Hardwood We wont t.
say occasionally in confidence TO BIZ
wife, that he had reason to bless BIZ
sister-in-law for her good advice, and
that he owed il to her that he had 1
stalwart arm TO lean on in advancing
years.
But George never knew to what b.
owed the charge in his fortunes.