Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-05-14
CHAPTER II.

"Hellon' exclaimed the junior. holding out
his hand to the newcomer; whats brought
you here at this time of day?'
Thought ez / had to come to town I'd start
early an bring the children to school, replied
the Client pulling off his mitten to shake hands
Il didn't know you had any children" in af-
fected surprise.
NO need ont" said the other. in his thin.
firm voice; my neighbors haye-enough for us
all"
why don't you let them haul their own
brats?'
''Wal, some on 'em hain't got no team, an
some wouldn't do it eff they had
Pike?''
Better ask them that knows about it," an
swered the other, significantly. But do hate
to see lot of little ones wallowin' through such
a snow as this to school. an won't if can man
age to happen along about the right time. An
on teams mighty handy to haul young ones
with, Mr.. Ruggles-no danger gettin' on an off
or spilled out, you see. Mornin', squire" to
Harmon.
Morning JOEL" replied the lawyer, scarcely
taking his eyes from the ceiling.
Joel Pike took of his other mitten and I'M
buttoned his coat. CHANGING around the stove
his eyes fell upon me. My attention just at
that moment was given more to him than to my
book.
Good mornin', SIR" he said. pleasantly;
''heard You was readin' here; glad ont. How
you gettin' on?'
I'm hardly the one to ask about that" 1
answered, very much surprised at this recogni-
ton.
Didn't think I'd know We. eb?,' he said
sharply. wal, 1t amt surprisin' Joel Pike
don't make friends with everybody I've been
KIND o forced to look after you little Knew
yer mother when she was a gal-good woman
Betsey Holconbe-good woman-an' thinks
mighty well OF her son. too: amt no WAYS anx-
I Sd
good sign
had Taught school in Joel Pixies district
the winter before, but had never spoken with
him beyond the ordinary greetings 1 had no
idea that he still remembered NV existence and
few things could have amazed me more than
that he did so.
'See. here, Mr.. Pike, what's happened to
you: exclaimed Ruggles. loosely, winking AT
me and looking suSgestively at the CLIENT whose
face was now glowing from the effects OF sudden
heat after long exposure to cold
Think I'd turned preacher" was the Quick
reply, With the suggestion of smile
Didn't know what had happened. Don't re-
member TO have herd you speak quite SO well
of any one before
You hain't often heard me speak ill of any
body. have ye?'
Don't know that 1 ever did. Never heard
you say much about people. anyhow"
There's not many l care to talk about" an
swered the other. dryly.
Well. I'm glad you've taken fancy to Hol-
combe. said Ruggles. You can let him have
! your law books when he puts out his shingle
and so give him a start. They tell me you We
got better library than your counsel"
I've got few books" said the old man.
gianeing at the cases around the room as il
comparing their contents with his own store
but amt through with 'em yet. like to
read EN-, you know. And even if / don't read
EN- ITS a deal of company just to look at em,
/ specially III long winter evenin's."
You couldn't spare them to Holcombe.
| them
How long fore he'll want emf"
About three years.
Three years, eh? Likely I'll not need 'em
/ then, said the man seriously. HE shall have
/ EN- II don't; an hope he II make good use OF
en- lie was warming his hands at the stove
as ne spoke, giancing now and then at the
senior, who seemed absorbed in thought. He
c1d not once look in my direction. / smiled al
his words. regarding both the books and his
purpose to bestow them upon me as equally
Not need them? You'll never be without o
lawsuit But sit down, Mr.. Pike" said Rug.
giles. pushing a chair toward him. ssSit down
and tell me what can do for you"
Il want to see Squire Harmon q minute OF
two-ef it's convenient" answered the other
seating himself
I'm afraid he can't attend to you this morn.
ing. He's got an important matter ON his mind
| just now"