The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1893-02-17
JOHNSON'S FORTUNE.
He Found Oil, But Not in Paying
Quentltics.


machine won't work, and ef am to
save my hay, I'll have to take that in
terest money and buy new machine. "
81 think you'd better not, father"
Mrs Hobbs answered, in mild alarm
81 don't know where you're goin to
get any more, and johnson is powerful
clost about gettin' the money on time.
I'd be afeard to let it run over min
ute"
well, but, Lucindy, the hays with
more'n the intrust, and you know
they's 10 tskin' the stock through the
winter without it. The cattle might
kinder rub along, but the horses is list
plum ableeged to have their timothy,
and my timothy is as fine a piece as
you ever sot eyes on"
suppose you try again" Mrs Hobbs
suggested. helping her husband to a
luscious quarter Of raspberry pie
''1'll go out with You and help onch ole
her, and wen use plenty of lie, and
mebbe you can rub through Jest this
oncet."
We'll, I'll try, Lucindy; I haint no
hopes, but | would like to save that in
trust money"
Mrs. Hobbs stayed in the field till
five o'clock, and the hay was cut with
few delays. The girls brought out the
supper, which was eaten with much
relish in the bayfield,. The horses
being watered and fed, the work went
on by the big harvest moon, and at ten
o'clock the hay from the "big medder"
was in the stacks.
few days after Jim Johnson came
out to see if the interest money was
ready. He tied his horse under tree
and started through the meadow to see
Mr.. Hobbs, who was fencing his ricks
at the other side.
Moses and the bullrushesl What's
that?' he asked, gazing at glinty blue
reflections floating on pools of water
standing everywhere, for it had rained
heavily the night before. "Oil, and no
mistaken he went on, after dipping
his finger into puddle and testing it
carefully with his nose.
1t was only the day before that the
papers had containe d an account of
some new oil fields found not above
twenty miles away; an old partner of
Jim had been the first to invest, and
was consequently fabulously rich.
johnson carefully rubbed his finger
on his pocket handkerchief, slowed the
latter in a deep pocket and FASTENED
across the field, his face pale and his
eyes glittering very unpleasantly. He
tried to greet the farmer with his ac-
customed familiarity, but his words
came by jerks and in gusts, and his
throat became SO dry that he could
scarcely articulate.
whats the matter? Hain't you well?"
Mr.. Hobbs asked, suspending his work
to gaze curiously at his visitor you
look taller-colored as the dead, an
your eyes is like burnt holes in
blanket"
mo, thank Jo1, not at az" johnson
replied at random. I'm quite well,
except husky sore throat-are you
well? And the family?'
Pretty fair-we've got a good deal
of health mixed up amongst us-you
know they's twelve all told"
Yes, large, interesting family
want to sell the farln?"
He tried to make the question less
eager, but he could not quiet the
tremor in his voice, and he was in
mortal dread lest Mr. Hobbs should
have some reason to cross the field and
see the oil, when his cake would be
dough, as he mentally expressed it.
mo" Mr.. Hobbs replied, shortly, and
went on with his work.
I'm give you a good price for i'll
want it for a combination shoe factory.
Set figger"
'Well, twelve thousand-a thousand
apiece, said Mr.. Hobbs, jol1ingly; the
farm was not worth more than a third
of that sum.
I'm take it." with a gasp. Here's
fifty to bind the bargain, and III fill
out d check for the balance right
here"
He did so, and handed the paper to
Mr., Hobbs, who kept his countenance
and received it with perfect gravity.
Privately he was convinced that John
son was crazy.
Come to the house and sign the con-
tract for the deed"
"All right"
Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs accompanied
johnson to town, and were thunder
struck when they learned that the sale
was real, and that they had twelve
thousand dollars in the bank.
Sense that johnson hain't crazy
Hobbs began as soon as he was clear of
the town, why they's somethin' in the
wind. 1t may be a shoe factory, but |
don't believe it. wonder eff they've
found gold?"
at don't make no sort o. difference
to us, father" Mrs. Hobbs answered.
She was afraid that her husband might
take alarm and want to rue back, as
she expressed it. mo, it don't make a
grain O. difference to us, an we've got
enough for the place eff they find
dimints l never did like it, an / don't