Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1893-11-25
CHAPTER III
NY FAIRY PRINCE

tale, bearing to me bright promise for
the future. Now. when long years
have passed. with all the full. strange
record with which this narrative deals.
can think of the hour and the man in
no other way. 1t was my hour of
promise-he was my fairy prince
"Bostocls!" said my father. holding
out his hand. Little Pierce Bostock?
Why, it don't seem possible"
"Yes. that reminds me. Amos. OF
how we used to wrestle. side hold. You
used to throw me.
II don't think could do it now."
said my father.
II reckon OF. Amos. Well. my old
chum. I'm mighty glad to see YOU Will
Won believe it. Amos?-being in Bos-
ton for the very first time since went
south. the thought struck me to come
up here. and hunt up old friends and
schoolmatcs. There's few of them left;
and I'm right glad I've found you"
IL feel flattered by your remem-
brance and your kindness. Pierce. It's
but poor hospitality ! have to Offer
you: but you're welcome to it. Come
to the house. and well sit down and
talk over old days"
We'll hnva ~ tall; fast. Amos I've
mortgaged my time at the north, and
must leave Boston tomorrow. can
give you two hours only. This is your
boy, eh?-ine manly fellow. What's
his name?-Dorr? Why. is it posi-
BILE you called him after my father?"
Indeed | did. Pierce. You remem-
Der how kind he was to me- The boys
name is Dorr Bostock Jewett."
Now like that: III not forget it.
Come along to the house as you said"
His beaming smile captivated me: rs
we walked along, while he busily
talked with my father. he playfully
shouldered my hoe. and took hold of
my hand. Arrived at the house, my
mother was introduced.
It was the first exhibition of high
bred politcness had ever seen. and ii
impressed me. In the life that had
been living, duty and labor went for
everything. courtesy was scant
enough. Mr.. Bostock removed his hat.
gently took my mothers hand. and
bowed very low.
Extremely glad to meet you,
madam. Your husband is my oldest
and dearest friend, though I've seen
nothing of him since we were mere
lads"
'Sit down, sir. and make yourself
comfortable" said my mother. ''Will
you stay to tea?"
THANK you'll shall not have time"
he replied. looking at a massive-cased
gold watch. THE train leaves the
village at seven; it's almost five now"
IF you were raised in New Hamp-
shire. perhaps you haven't forgotten
how to eat mush and milk"
"Why, bless me, madam, can you
give me bowl of it? My old niger
cooks get up corn bread, corn cake and
al, kinds of corn fixings, but they can't
make mush. I'd like it above all
things"
With q napkin under his fat chin,
our jolly guest sat at the table, partak-
ing with evident relish of the simple
entertainment that was set before him.
He was keen observer. notwithstand-
ing his easy. careless way, and think
that nothing had escaped his notice.
Never had the house and its furnish
ings seemed as shabby to me as now.
BEG pardon, Amos; but You know
everything is permitted between old
friends. You don't thrive well here"
"No," said my father, land I fear
never shall. You remember something
about this old place; twenty acres out
of the thirty no better than stone
quarry. Bad luck has followed me;
I've had bad seasons, slim crops, sick.
ness and debt. It's hard struggle,
almost hopeless one"
I'm sorry for you, Amos; from the
bottom of my soul am. don't know
Of q fellow who deserved good fortune
ahead of you. If you'd struck out
when did. you'd have succeeded any
where. New England is good place
to rear men, but no place at all for
them to spread, You know. ! don't
brag, but I've got right to point with
some pride to what I've done since |
saw these hills last"
"You are at the south, infer" said
nv father.