The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-11-24


now was travelling backward. II began
at the top of Brindle Hill. where 1t was
bounded by the county road. and stray
sled down 10 the lake shore. It's hundred
acres or 50 wandering over hills and dip
ping into hollows. until they terminated
at the bay. with its rim OF white and
glistening sand.
one OF the most picturesque spots OF
earth. and right ia the centre OF IT.
crowning n rounded knoll surrounded
with stalwart oaks adj butternuts squat
the house OF its owner.
IL was always "A difficult spot to reach
in winter, when the drifting SHOWS piled
high their white pillows against the low
eaved structure and hid the windows
from the outer world. But In summer II
wss a delight. this moss-brown dwelling
beneath the oaks. and at one time had
been home around whose hearthstone
had gathered sons and daughters.
Now IT was desolate. The passing
stranger would have but added It 10
the category OF deserted farms No sign
OF life was Visible this bright Thanks
giving morning: from its wide, paneled
chimney no curl of smoke invaded the
crisp and frosty air. the light fall OF
snow that had covered the ground the
night before showed no trace OF foot
step leading from the weather-beatcn
door. And yet there was a stir OF life
in the farm-yarl, in the hollow among
the trees. where the old barn tottered
ready for ifs fall. There Il flock OF fowl
and turkeys wandered dsconsOlately
about In the adjacent stall an old horse
stamped ilnpatlently for his breakfast and
forlorn COW chafed restlessly at her
etanchi0ns. Except for these, the old
farm was as silent as when It's first
owner carved Il from the virgin wilder
ness A rustiing of the shrubbery that
fringed the tall, stifr-ranked pines on the
hill beyond the barn told that a visitor
was coming TO Lonely Farm A human
head appeared In sight. II was crowned
hy wOOllen cap. from beneath which
peerod pair OF black. bright eyes. Their
owner took Off the cap and mopped his
brow. lie was a rugged country lad OF
eighteen, well knit aud sturdy, with
pair Of rudy cheeks white teeth and
lips rosy. but with a droop or sadness.
Nav dsngland, always hard TO her
children. had taken from this boy the
home and mother that make Thanks
giving even as IL had taken from the
widow all but tho wretched framework
Of what had once been home.
s'House looks like mothers used 10
after she got so she couldn't get about"
less chimney. 'Ill bet there amt been
nobody near the wilder in a week, and
III bet. while I'm a bottin' that she needs
somebody. Guess IN find out what's
the matter.
lie strobe down TO the hause and
knocked There was no response. Only
The crow I'm the oak tree was disturbed
by the unwonted noise and flew away,
with a cav OF alarm. second knock
startled the fowl in the barnyard. who
greeted him with a suppressed chuckle
but there WAS no answer from Within
Guess nights we'll go in" lie pushed
open the crazy door and entered the room
which served as kitchen and sitting-room
all In one. A table stood in the centre
OF II, covered with a snowy cloth and
set as If for supper. A tall clock licked
in the corner under the stairs, but its
rhvthmic beats only seemed to make
the silence audible. 1T seems kinder
creepy. that's fact. Hope there amt
nothin' happened to her. Wonder where
she isl P'raps she's asleep"
He raped loudly and then put his ear
down TO the key-hole. listening intently.
At first there was no response. Then he
thought he heard faint, quavering
voice.
ITS me-Jem Hastings. I've come 10
see II YOU need anybody"
Come in" Tho feeble voice struggled
with a cough. then. YES. I'm 50 glad
you've come. ! was taken faint yester-
day and had just strength enough 10
crawl 20 bed. Perhaps
what, an you amt had nothin TO
oat?'
NO" with a sceble smile.
well # youn leta ne Try. IN make
cup OF tea"
Jem closed the door, set his gun in a
corner and looked around for the place
i'm which the widow kept her stores
The dresscrs ranged against the wall
were bright with old-fashioned pewter
platters and china. Here he found
Caddy of tea and then set about meking
a ire A huge fireplace yaWned at one
side OF the room, hung with black iron
crane from which was suspended tea
Kettle. The woodpile was outside. near
the back door. and brushing OFF the
snow 'Jem soon had some dry wood
with which he made a roaring blaze.
IL was not long before he had the salts
faction Of seeing the kettle send forth
a volume of steam. and few minutes
later he tapped again the bedroom
door with tray. on IL tempting cup
o tea and two well-buttercd slices of
bread The bread had been intended for
his luncheon. the gift of the farmers
wife who paid for his services In keep
New England wages.
WTInOt. IN sNdWi OF canton SIN,
The heirloom OF grandmother whose
father once sailed from Salem 10 the
Indies. the widow sank back into her
comfortable armchair with a deep Sigh
OF content she closed her eyes from
sheer weakness. while Jcm 1p-toed
about the room. setting things to
rights" and preparing the table for a
prospective meal. TO be sure, there
was very little I'm sight but he had faith
that there might be sor,thing in she
cellar and IN the cupboards. for the
widow was known IN the township to
have been a good pervider' in her days
OF affiuence.
Through the narrOw-raned southern
window an advance guard OF the out
side sunbeams came streaming in one
OF them lighting the gray hair of the
woman with silVcry halo. Jem thought
he had never seen a woman who appear
ed 80 "lady-lke and how young she
looked. lie paused a moment TO regard
her and she opened her eyes. He retreat
"a in confusion step or two the red
bushes staining his honest, open face.
you've made me very happy, Jcm;
very thankful"
"Well. mniam. I'm glad Of 1t. It's
Thanksgiven"
What, Really Thanksglving-DayT It's
the first time I've forgotten it-ever. /