Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1891-11-05

10 do and think of that Tom anil his
nisdemeanors were quite forgotten.
They were talking of the various plans
for the morrow, when suddenly the
gaunt figure of Rickety Ann appeared
in the doorway.
Mis- Beman, she said, ''Jonas didn't
git me no sugar when he was to the
Corners this mornin', and there amt
enough to finish this cake.
Now therel' exclai med grandmoth-
er. in dismay. ''Jonas gets more forget
full every day. l shall have to go my
self; | can't take him from his work
now, even to harness the horse"
Tom can harness old Jerry, mother;
he's often done it, said the little moth
er, rising hurriedly to find her son and
heir.
So Tom was dispatched to harness old
jerry to the buggy, and grandmother
went for her bonnet
In few minutes Jerry's well-known
step was heard on the gravel, followed
by more unfamiliar sound, as some
thing dragged slowly up the path.
''Come on, grandma; I'm all ready"
Tom called, and the mother glanced
from the window. Only a glance, and
then she hurried to the stairs.
Mother" she said, as Mrs. Beman
came down, you'll have to wait a lit
tie. That naughty Tom has harnessed
Jerry to the boat. and he is wait
ing for you to come out l must send
him back"
Grandmother peeped through the
shutters of the old-fashined door, and
took in the situation at glance. There
sat Tom on old Jerry's back, his face
brimful of laughter, and, in place OF
the buggy, there was the low, broad
'ston boat, sort of sledge made of
planks, which farmers use to haul stone
from a field when they are blowing
''Riclxety Ann" said grandmother,
''bring me kitchen chair, quick"
And, armed with this. she opened
the door. revealing to the expectant
Tom face serene and placid as ever
She stepped up on the stone-boat,
put down the chair, and settled herself
comfortably. Fortunately, it was only
a mile to the Corners.
Drive on, Tom, - she said.
Tom looked crestfallep, and slid
down from Jerry's back.
''Wait a minute, grandma" said he;
"Pll get the buggy"
''Climb right up on that horse again,
my son'-and grandma's mouth made
little straight line on her face. 1--WE
are going just this way"
Then Tom entreated, and pleaded,
and rebeled. Grandma was memorable.
Tom had to climb again to his uncom-
Portable seat, and old Jerry walked
slowly off, while grandma sat heavily
on the kitchen chair, which threatened
TO upset at every bump and jolt of the
dragging stone-boat.
The mother looked from the window
again. and saw them disappear over the
hill in clouds of dust.
Once fairly in sight of the Corners,
Tom, in desperation. stopped Jerry, and
slipped down to run away. Grand
mother made a clutch at his flying
jacket, and held him fast.
81 wasn't going TO Deacon Winslow's,
Tommy. / said TO the Corners, yor
know" and the unhappy little boy, his
cheeks crimson with shame, once more
took his place, aud they went on.
Deacon Winslow came to the fence.
"Why, Mis- Beman," he called
"where be you goin' on stone-boati
Amt that way of ridiu' out somethin
new in these parts?'
"This is Toms idea, deacon" an
swered grandmother For my OWE
part, think it's a shade less handy
than the buggy"
Tom said nothing. He wished the
dusty road would open and take them
all in-Jerry and himself, grandma
kitchen chair. stone-b boat, and all.
When, finally, Jerry was allowed ia
pause before the little store at the Cor.
ners, Tom did not wait to answer ques
tions. He took to his heels and fled
deserving grandmother basely, and
never rested in his flight until, safely
hidden in the characteristics, he cried
out his modification and his repent
ance. and fell asleep.
And there grandma found him at sup
per-time, when Deacon Winslow had
brought her home in his carriage, and
Jonas had gone for Jerry and the stone
boat.
Come, Tom DEAR" she said gently,
kissing his tear-stained face and brush
ing back the yellow curls with her kind
old hand "Come, dear We won't say
any more about it, and grandma has |
made some apple-sauce for supper, just |
the kind you like, and Rickety AIMS |
nice cake is all done. Come, Tom
Grace H. Duffield. in S. S. Times.
EIINNY SAYINGS