Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1891-04-18

at seemed pity to keep horse that
no one but George ever rode" said the
farmer, and she was too light for work.
I'm poor man, Hester, and can't afford
playthings for my children"
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 has? You have thought it only
right that George should do his share
toward running the farm. and have con-
sidered your duty done in giving him a
home. You are disposed to think him
ungrateful because he wants to leave
you now that every year makes his SER
vices more valuable. But the boy is
ambitious, and is not satisfied 70 travel
in 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 gentle
sister-in-law's plain speaking had given
rise to thoughts which had never before
entered his mind.
Il believe you're more than half
right, Hester" he said at last. @Pll
think it all over tonight, and make up
my mind what to do. I'd be lost
here without George, and he shan't
leave the farm if can help it."
Force won't keep him, Eli, remem-
Der that" said Mrs. Lucas, feeling that
she had said enough, folded up her
work, and taking up a lamp from a
shelf by the stove, went upstairs to he'll
own room.
Just at daybreak she was aroused
from sound sleep by the sound of
horses hoofs' in the yard, and looking
out of the widow she saw Eli trotting
away on old Roam.
where can he be going at this
hour?" she though.
When she went down stairs at 6
o'clock George was standing by the
kitchen table, having just come in
with two full pals of milk. His face
wore disconnected, 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 was looking
ont deiectedly, did not even glance up.
You were out early. Eli" said Mrs.
Lucas. II heard you ride away at day
break"
"Yes, I 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 a culver pass over Georges
face as the child spoke.
"Yes, my boy. sold Vixen to Law
yer Stanley. George" turning to his
son, "Tve made up my mind to part
with that fifty-acre lot by the river.
What do you think of that?"
"Of courseyou are to get good price
for it, sir" said the young man indiffer-
emily. "It's the best piece of land you
have"
But haven't sold it. I am going to
give it away"
@Give it away" repeated George,
reused out of his Indifference, and star
ing at his father as if he thought he had
not heard Alright
%Yes, deed it over, every inch of it,
to 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 to
my son, George Hardwood. to have and
to hold, as he sees fit, 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 / only wish were able to do more
for you. But am 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 q start, and !
this ifty-acre lot will yield handsome
profit. You can have three days a week
to call your own, and that will give you
q chance to work, and if you choose to !
break that pair of young oxen bought |
the other day from Bsgley. you can |
have them for your trouble"
%This-this seems too much, SIR"
George. Il don't know how |
to thank you.
"Too much! Then I 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 lips with long sigh Of Joy, |