St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1892-03-31

plain. He has had his food and
lodging and two suits of clothes
year, to be sure. but all he actually
owns is that collie dog which is al
ways at his heels. You even sold
for the saddle, and you know that
George was very fond of Vixen"
1T seemed pity to keep a horse
that no one but George ever rode"
said the farmer, land she was too
light for work. I'm a 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. Who could you
get that 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 consider
ed your duty done in giving him
home You are disposed to think
him ungrateful because he wants to
leave you now that every year
makes his services more valuable.
But the boy is ambitious and is not
satisfied to travel in a circle. He
wants to make some Roadway, and
it seems only natural.
The farmer leaned his head on his
hands, look of deep thought on his
grave, weather-beaten face. His
gentle sister-in-law' plain speaking
had given rise to thoughts which had
never before entered his mind.
II 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 if can help it,
Force won't keep him, Eli, remem-
Der that" said Mrs. Lucas, who,
feeling that she had said enough,
folded up her work, and, taking a
lamp from shelf by the stove, went
upstairs to her own room.
lust at dav-break she was aroused
from a sound sleep by the sound of a
horses hoofs in the yard, and look
ing out of the window she saw
Farmer Hardwood trotting away on
old Roam.
where can he be going at this
hour?" she thought.
When she went down stairs at six
O'Clock George was standing by the
kitchen table, having just come in
with two full pals of milk. His face
wore a disconnected, unhappy look,
and he merely nodded in return for
his aunt's CHEEKY good morning."
A few minutes later his father
entered but George, who had gone
| c
looking out dejectedly, did not even
glance up.
"You were out early, Eli" said
Mrs Lucas II heard you ride away
at dav-break."
Yes; went to Pine Ridge on a
matter of business.
"That's where you sold Vixen
papa, isn't it :" asked little Harry
and Mrs. Lucas saw a culver rur
over Georges face as the child spoke
Eyes, my boy, 1 sold Vixen tc
Lawyer Stanley. George" turning
to his son, owe made up my minc
to part with that 5O-acre lot by the
river. What do you think of that p
"Of course you got a good price
for it, sir" said the young man very
indifferently. Its the best piece o
land you have"
"But l haven't sold it. | am go
ing to give it away"
Give it awav?" repeated George
reused out of his Indifference, anc
staring at his father as if he thought
he had not heard Alright.
Yes, deed it over, every inch of it
to some one think a great deal of
and who deserves it," laying hi
hand on his sons shoulder. and hi:
voice breaking a little. II am go
ing to give it to my son, Georg'
Hardwood, to have and to hold a.
he sees fit, without question O.
advice"
ITO me! You intend to give tina
SO acres to me, father?"
Yes, my boy, and with my who'll
heart. You've been a good son
George, and only wish were abb
to do more for you. But 1 am not {
rich man, as you know, and l hav
your mother and the three little one
to provide for, too. Still, l wan
you to have start, and this SO
acre lot will yield handsome profit
You can have three days week t,
call your own, and that will Civ
you chance to work it, and if yo'
choose to break in that young pal
of oxen l bought the other day from
Bagley. you can have them for you
trouble"
"This-this seems too much, sir,
stammered George. 81 don't know
how to thank you"
"Too much Then 1 don't know
what you'll say to this and the farm
er took his son by the arm aud led hir
out on the porch. There's anothe
present for you, my boy"
"Vixeni" The word came fror
Georges lips with long sigh of JOY
and with one bound he was at til
side of the little black mare he ha
thought never to see again, and ha
both arms about her neck 81