New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-02-04


Ashton would have called attention 70 this phe-
nononon did he not reflect that it would meet
with a general denial followed by lecture upon
his levity. Just before the dinner-bell rang Bii-
ungs was discovered seated on the back steps
in an attitude betokoning abject disgust win
all things Of life, scarcely needing the questions
poured upon him by the anxious group
What is IT, Billings?" was the chorus anu
leaning back and closing his eyes BlllihgS an
swered. Il dunno. m
Toni Where's Tom" was the general cry
while some one in authority ordered the Hght
wagon to be hitched up at once.
"Wen?" queried Mr. Ashton. emerging from
the dning-room where he had been patiently
waiting.
"Tom." cried Her mother, as Thomas appeared
1.-THE light wagon viii be here Immediately. l
want You to take this poor child into Or. Bar
lows at once-he is very ILL.,"
Before dinner" asked Mr. Ashton, and the
looks which he received We're sufficient answer;
50 he departed for his gloves, and by the time he
had returned the wagon was ready. Billings
was too i'll to protest as Ashton lifted him in his
arms. and Toms heart was filled with pity as he
propped the little form up on the seat.
Hurry Tom. please cried Nan; and Tom
obeyed mile down the ROAD. the horse gallop-
ing at times, Billings yawned and shifted his
position.
Better, Billings" asked his driver.
YES sir" was the reply; and Billings sat up.
whats the natter" asked Tom. In what
way do you feel sick"
81 got n misery here" said Billings placing
his hand on his waistband "and I feels awful
sleepy"
Were you sick last night?" asked Tom, per-
sistcntly.
"No sir" replied Billings event coon hunt
ing"
'1ia"' cried the young man.
"Ycs sir" drawled Billings. much revived by
the drive "Gawt two coons."
"Wen, what have You been doing to-day?'
questioned Tom.
"Takin' medicine" said Billings.
what. Taking medicine? Where did you
get it?"
This mornn right after breakfas" explained
Billings. Miss Nan. she call me up an say
mus be SICK so she give me some pills what was
white. Her mother. Miss Mary. after awhile
made drink some pink medicine. an Miss
Grace she took me IN the dinin'-room an tole
me to swaller white powder n water dat was
awful, an Miss Car'line. when | took some wood
up to her room. he'd some more pills for me.
cause she say l look real bad. Den Miss Lizzie
she bring me some yaller medic cine in IA cup an
Miss jimmie foller out to the smoke-house
with more pills. an l disremember what the
others give me-
Tom burst into a roar Of laughter. Didn't you
tell any Of them that you already had taken
some medicine" he asked.
"No. sir" replied Billings solemnly. Il never
did jes' took EN- cause they tole me TO-"
Great Caesar cried Tom still shaking with
the matter with your necll?'
Hornet stung me this mornin." explained Bill
ings. putting his hand up to the rag AN stucI,
some mud on 1t. Wharm goin'?"
I'm going to take YOU home Billings" said
Tom. land you can have holiday. DO You feel
all rsht?"
"Yessir-jes' little sleepy. Who'll milk the
cows"
"Wel get Abner to do that" replied Tom.
land you needn't come back until tomorrow
morning. Understand"
"Yessir." said Billings. who did not quite un-
dersand the situation after all. but nevertheless
accepted it.
Tom chucke1 like a demon on his way home
until he came within sight Of the lower gate and
Nan waiting for him-then he grew fear
fully grave.
'What is it?" she cried as Tom came up.
"Well, don't know exactly what they call IT,"
returned Tom solemnly. helping Nan into the
wagon. but a little more and he might have
died"
con. Tom"
"Yes-and then how would YOU have felt" Tom
said. IT'S lucky for YOU he's stil alive"
Lucky for me- cried Nan. What did do?"
you started it," was Toms answer. "You and
every other woman I'm the house dosed the poor
object surreputously with various medicines Of
varied hues until it's a wonder he's alive. Every
one Of you forced something down his throat
just because hornet stung him and he tied a
rag around it,"
"Oh, Tom" was all that Nan could say.
"Won't have fun chuckled Tom. savagely.
Are you going to tell?"
Am I?' laughed Tom Il should say So"
con me?' Crhis rather reproachful)
"Well, I'm open to brides" said the graceless
youth. what will you give II I don't tell on
you?'
The answer was so low that only Tom heard IT.
"Anything?" he softly cried. do you mean
it, NAM
Again the answer was whispered, but there
was NJ mstaking It. however for Tom dropped
the reins and remarked he caught her hands
earnestly Then Billings Is an angel and
Nan, blushing, nodded assent.
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