Telegram-herald. ([Grand Rapids, Mich.) 18??-1892, 1891-03-27

finally decided to paint the back and
front yellow and the two sides brown.
Then Alphonso mixed his paints on the
lawn; slung his ladders and prepared
for work.
This frightful project broke the ar-~ed
neutrality which had been observed
hitherto by his new neighbors. Mr..
Roche-Jones ventured TO call with a re-
monstrance. He said: "Mr. Hopkins,
up to this time we have not troubled
you with any"
BLESS my SOUL" cried Alphonso, $50
that Is why you hung back. Afraid OF
troublin me. Wall now. swan! I've
done you an injustice. Mother" he
called to Mrs. Hopkins. who appeared
In the front hall at this moment
''here's Mr.. Jones come over to see Us
and explain why he amt been more
neighborly. Seems that he thought we'd
be busy, havin' jest moved In. so he
didn't want to trouble u.s."
mo trouble at all, Mr.. Jones, I'm
sure" said Mrs. Hopkins, wiping her
right hand on her apron as she ad-
vanced- WED a-been glad to see you
or Mrs Jones any day. Tell her to
come over and bring her sewin' work
whenever she feels like it."
1t was an unusual situation for Mr..
Roche-Jones, but he endeavored to do
his duty by those whom he represented.
He tried dozen times to introduce the
subject Of paint or to hint at the prac-
tees by which Hopkins had previously
made himself obnoxious, but on every
occasion he was interrupted by excia-
nations Of coriiality, which were evil
IDENTIFY inspired by the notion TINT he
was apologizing for the GOODNESS which
had been shown the Hopkins family.
Hopkins finished his house-painting
without further interruption. he lin
gercd over it, knowing how badly he
would feel when it was done, and he
was forced to be idle again. The work
gave him opportunities for reflection,
and he got an idea which promised a
little steady occupation He resolved
to keep a cow. He could raise almost
enough hay on the lawn TO feed her, and
no doubt his neighbors would be glad to
take little of the milk.
Mrs. Hopkins approved, and the cow
was purchased.
When this was done he lavishcd re-
newei attentions upon his COW. lie did
everything for this mild-eycd beast
which his ingenuity could devise, and at
last when he could think Of nothing else,
he butchered her in the back yard.
This led TO call from Mr.. Van Alpine.
''Mr. Hopkins" said he. II want to
speak Of that unusual spectacle OF your
premises this morning."
Eyes" said Hopkins. calmly; "how
much do you thfnlx the critter weighed7"
II have no desire TO know, but"
'Sho: l was in hopes could sell you
n quarter. Down our way when man
kills critter his neighbors most always
take sone of it off-n his hands"
Mr.. Van Alpine lost his temper. He
threatened legal proceedings. and when
they failed to terrify Hopkins. he
limited at illegal proceedings by .
vigilance committee.
Mother" said Mr.. Hopkins, In re-
porting this interview TO his wife, II
don't think we can live among such
hesthens sny longer. soon's I collect
our Tailk bills and salt down that beef
believe wei pull up stakes"
The milk bills met with almost unani-
nous population. Mr.. Van Alpine said
he'd take the case - the supreme court
before he pay the 81 cents which Hop
kins claimed. Two Of his late customers
sot ruined on Wall street. and another
moved away without leaving his address.
I've tried To be a good neishbor. !"
said Hopkins. addressing the family cir
Gle on the last day before their depart
ure; but +: want no use. This IS ny
last experiment with hi9h-toned com
uunitv" Howard FIELDING.
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