South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1893-09-28

made pathetic picture re their little
forms, perched ON the rickety load of
wheat, were outlined against the vest
spread of prairie sky.
Hurry up now. men! Get to
work." were Persons orders, rs he
set the example by doffing his resalia
and the brass-buttoned overcont.
Coats and vests were thrown aside,
sleeves were rolled up; and with M
energy that astonished Joe and Gregg
until they could do nothing but stand
and gaze in wonder at the proceedings,
the farmers and farmers sons, rs we'll
Ms many 'townspecple who had joined
the novel expedition, took forks from
the wagons and began loading the dis
colored shocks of grain.
Load after load was hauled up to the
stacks, and one mound of grain after
another arose, until the years yield
of tho little farm was concentrated in
what looked like mammoth yellow
eggs of straw in the midst of the
prairie.
"Now, young men," broke out
Pierson, in pretended gruffness, COM
ing to the side of the boys wagon
when the last bundle was hoisted
to cap off the final stack, "we've some
thing to say to you. When the town
has Labor Day we want everybody
to attend; and We have decided to
punish you both. as well as your
mother for not doing SO, by making
you ride in the procession"
There was twinkle that removed
any uneasincss his voice might have
caused, and when he repeated his or
ders to Mrs. Hawley ON going to the
house, and showed her q wagon. half
filed with clean straw, in which to
ride, they accepted the decree, one OF
the men having volunteered to stay
with the convalescing neighbor on the
bed inside and to assist the nurse Pier
son had engaged IN removing him tc
his home.
Mrs. Hawley's pale face frightened
as she stepped into the vehicle, and
she impulsively kissed the two boy,
who bashfully chung to her side.
Down at the grove the wives and
children of the settlers were ready,
and on the arrival of the teams the
procession started. The band played,
the horses pranced, the children
laughed and Pierson shouted his or.
ders more vociferously than ever.
The center of attraction was the
Hawley wagon, which led the long line
that wound about the spnrsely settled
streets, and no one enjoyed the parade
more than its occupants.
1t was we'll past noon when the pro.
cession returned to the grove and "a
bounteous picnic dinner WAS spread.%'
Then came singing and speaking.
The orator of the day, n Judge from q
ne1ghboring county, omitted good
deal of the speech he had prepared i'll
order to tell the story of the mornings
doings and the events leading I'D to
them. 'tThe chief duty of labor as
well rs of capital" he said in closing,
lis to help the helpless and lift up
those struggling under burdens OF
trouble and care. The lesson has been
well learned by this community. This
has been the noblest celebration of
Labor Day I ever saw"
"Mother," whispered Joe, rs they
were being driven home after the fire
works that evening, 81 wish Labor
Day would come every week"
Perhaps" she answered, owe can
get along SO well that we shall not
need another day like this. We are
rich In friends now, if in nothing else. "
Her prediction came true, for the
Hawleys entered upon brighter and
moro prosperous life.-Thc Independ.
ant