Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1894-08-18
A BUSINESS WOMAN.

Fields gave . croupy chuckle. She
had passed young Paxton without return.
ing his bow. There could be NO doubl
Of II, for Fields had seen the whole pro
cseding from the moment when abe
turned ths corner, the stiff river breeze
blowing about her face certain stray
locks Of the soft. short hair under her
beaver hat.
She had looked very sweet to Fields,
coming In sight against the tall Cumber-
Land cliffs. II seemed 10 him that shs
had been smiling, but he surmised this
from the change which struck across
her face upon passing Paxton's store.
Her very coat collar stood about her
ears aggressively, and though Fields was
not commonly given to humorous per-
ceptions Of things. he saw In his daugh-
teris small human assumption Of AFRO
gance certain incongruity with the
bleak hills hedging the town, their tops
dat, as II they had crouched to keen
their bald heads from striking the hard
autumnal sky.
Look like thar's some things that fell
Ter amt gittin. II trade Is whoopin
his way" considered Fields, staring
toward Paxton's store, which occupied
the river corner just above the landing
at which Nashville boats stopped on
their way to the head Of navigation. II
was new building, that store, which
In Fields old age had risen to place his
r1xx< s<tat A. H..
scorn. Among the weathered cottages
OF the town its yellow walls rose with
great dignity. its clean window gay
with pyramids Of tomato cans festooned
In bright prints and cotton iaces.
With so many odds in his favor II was
natural enough that things should be
going Paxton's way. His way, indeed.
meant radicaiisn and reform, and all
the rash ventures Of young blood and
unlocked ideas. The village at first
blush had fought very shy Of Paxton.
He was from ''up no'th:n he advertised;
he was good looking, yellowish mus
tache barring his face like streak of
sunshine. The town decided against
taking stock In so insidious a combine
ton.
Paxton, however, kept right on. II
was good point for country and river
trade. Fields had made money, appar-
emily by strictly natural methods and
without the vaguest effort.
His store included the postofiice and
stood some forty PAGES above Paxton's.
Time had breathed long and asthmatic-
ally upon the window panes of Fields
store, covering them with veil Of gray
which effectually concealed the fact OF
dust on the commodities behind 1t. In
side were some boxes and barrels, an
odor Of tobacco. q potbellied stove and
Fields himself, q slow man In his fifties.
With these superannuated attractions
Paxton felt that he could scarcely fail of
successful competing. II only he could
hold out long enough 10 win the towns
But confidence is not an
sasy thing to win In q Kentucky town In
which the war IL considered as barely
over and freshly discussable.
1t took Paxton several months 10 down
the native conservatism, but once the
irst WEAKNESS OF the burgers was over
come. they gave way ON . sudden to the
delight Of getting better things for less
money than Fields had charged, and
Paxton found an unexpected victory In
mis- plumes.
Fields took his defeat calmly. He
took everything, even his whisky and
water, In that way. He seemed to lack
of any kind Of action, and Il
uzsna q <~<.sv. .xx<x.x s-,.dz- - A. -. a. -
girl Of his, that Louisa NJ, got her spirit.
For her spirit commanded instant rec
ignition. Fields himself stood i'm awe
,f IL, and ~ Louisa NJ. rushed nm the
store steps he drew back with o sense Of
unpleasantness.
Say, Louisa M.r he broke out IN
tone. Il saw yeh give Pax
lon the 60 by. You're kindeh hard on
aim, amt yehT"
The girl fiung her soft hat ON the coun-
ter and plunged into chair.
.oh, she said. ''pappy--Tve just been
Town TO see the new boat land. They
sent an order 70 him for something
they'd run out Of. can't stand II. l
wont-that man coming down here and
saking everything and doing you out OF
Four rights. and--ohr' She gasped
little. tossing her hair with an excited
hand. her eyes strangely blue in the
darkness Of her vivid little face.
Fields jaw assumed an amiable laxity.
Don't take on 90. he said. II hsin't
got nobody but you. and reckon got
enough laid by TO keep us. I'd kindah
like 10 quit business anyhow and hev
gyarden and raise things. Course |
spise TO see my old friends a-chasin into
Paxton's store, but amt a-complainin.
He keeps ex good grade o. tobaccer ca
ever smoked after. and sells 1t reason
able
His daughter flashed around star.
Ting glance.
II am going to stop all this.' she said.
'Yes, pappy, | am not going TO stand
It. ! won't zee you trampled on. He
may be 'smart-thaf Paxton. So am
l. I've got as much natural wit a.
hs any day OF the world. | win show
himr7 She held out rigid little hand.