The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1895-02-12

do without her, replied Henry,
who by this time had plucked up a bit
OF grim courage as he sew how rapidly
his brother was losing that com
modify.
But as the days went on they found
they could not do without her. The
neighbors, who had always been in
sympathy with kind-hearted little
Mrs. Muggins, now absolutely refused
to come to the hid OF the HELPLESS
despots, who saw their pretty, tidy
home assuming an uncomfortable,
sloYenly appearance that had not been
there for years
Mrs. MuSgins, on her side, was in
her element. She had found poor
Phoebe far on the road to tho other
world when she stepped into the littlo
cabin III the wee sma' hours Of tina.
morning when she had crept from her
brothers house like a thief. Goo
nursing, however, had done wonders
for the girl, who was now able TO sill
up. The plan to go East became more
and more delightful prospect rs she
thought of it, until so full of it waJ
she that she confided in the minister,
who III turn told James all about it
when next he passed by the field
where the old man was at work. This
information was the climax OF tho
brothers woe.
James," said Henry, Mary
prettier than | thought-ef She once
gifts East she won't come back, an Won
know how bad that ud look 10 the
neighbors. | think we'd better drive
over to Phoebe Jones's and ask Mary
ter come back"
'Ef it wasn't for what folks nj say
| wouldn't go near her-for were get.
TIN on very tolerablo well without
her, capitulated james, who on tho
eve of surrender would not acknowl-
edge how much they missed and needed
the sister who had been given 50
grudging welcome.
The next day the numbering oil
farm wagon drew mp before Phmhe'5
door. Mrs. Muggins had seen it as j
crawlei over the dusty road, AMI.
feeling that her one chance of eman-
cipation was ut hand, prepared ~
make the most of it, Phoebe was
asleep in the room that answered for
kitchen and bedchamber rs well, so
Mrs. Muggins walked out TO the road
as the ramshackle wagon drew uD be-
fore the door.
'Pa'son says yer thinkin' nv going
East, was James's salutntion, as
though no long weeks OF separation
had interviewed since he saw her last.
yes, I'm OF in day or two, us
soon as Ph@bes strong enough 10
travel"
Being thus admonished, James
looked over the head of the little wo-
man standing mt the side OF the wagon
and stammered: eyer brothers
house is the place for you, Mary"
81 know that, James, but when
brothers don't know how to treat
sister as though she was human be
ing, it's time for them to quit part
nership"
"Why, what do You mean ~ came in
nstonishoi chorus from the two.
"Haven't you had your board and
lodgin' free for ten Years?'
"And haven't worked hard enough
to pay for it? You haven't hired any
kitchen help since 1 came You've
never mad to give out any carpet rags
to be sewed or feather beds to be sort
ed, and I've served and shaved until
I'm sick. Board and lodging, indeed -
and tho little woman. who now real
ized that she had the upper hand,
smiled scornfully.
The truth of her words apparently
struck home, for James, after sundry
telegraphic nudges from Henry, went
on: 'P'haps we have been hard,
Mary, but if you'll only come back
home and try us once more, VIII try
TO do better; indeed, we will, >" and Il
ray of kindness flashed for n moment
In the old mans eyes rs he surveyed
the small figure bristling with the
same spirit of which he was so proud.
"Will you hire Phoebe to help me
in the Kitchen"
eyes"
"Will you carry out the tubs TO
catch the rain water at night, instead
of letting me tote them when my
backs nigh onto broke?"
"Wc will" came tho subdued
chorus.
"And will you let me 90 to lnoctin
when / want to AMI have company to
ten. and give away cold victuals?'
went on the little general, maxim
terms once and for all
Anything, Mary, if you'll only
como back and look arter us as you
used ter ."
"All right, then, I'll come.
And thus Mrs. Muggins's mutiny
ended in blaze of glory. Phlladel.
pbio Virnna