Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1896-11-26
JEM HASTINGS LUCK.

The Widow Wilson's farm had seen
better and more prosperous days and
now was travelling backward. 1t began
at the top Of Brindle hill, where it was
bounded by the county road, and stray
gled down to the lake shore, its hun
bred acres or 80 wandering over hills
and dipping 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 in the center OF it,
browning rounded knoll, surrounded
with stalwart oaks and butternuts,
squatted the house Of its owner.
Itwas 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 it was delight, this moss
brown dwelling beneath the oaks, and
at one time had been q home around
whose hearthstone had gathered sons
and daughters.
Now it was desolate. The passing
stranger would have but added it to the
category Of deserted farms. No sign Of
life was visible this bright Thanksgiv.
ing 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
steps leading from the weather beaten
door, And yet there was stir Of life
in the farmyard, in the hollow among
the trees, where the old barn tottered,
ready for its fall. There flock of fowl
and turkeys wandered disconsolately
about. In the adjacent stall an old
horse stamped impatiently for his break
fast and forlorn COW chafed restlessly
at her stanchions. Except for these the
old farm was as silent as when its first
owner carved it from the virgin wilder
ness. A rustling Of the shrubbery that
fringed the tall, stiff ranked pines on
the hill beyond the barn told that a Wis.,
Iitor was coming to Lonely farm. A hui
man head appeared in sight 1t was
crowned by a wooden cap, from beneath
which peered pair Of black, bright eyes.
Their owner took off the cap and mop
ped bis brow. He was a rugged country
lad Of IS, we'll knit and sturdy, with a
pair Of ruddy cheeks, white teeth and
lips rosy, but with droop Of sadness.
New England, always hard to her
children, had taken from this boy the
home and mother that make Thanks
giving, even as it had taken from the
widow all but the wretched framework
Of what had once been home.
House looks like mothers used to
after she got SO she couldn't get about, ="
soliloquized the boy, staring at the
smokeless chimney. "I'll bet there amt
been nobody near the wilder in week,
and III bet, while I'm a-bettin, that she
needs somebody. Guess III find out
what's the matter.
He strobe down to the house and
knocked. There was no response. Only
the crow in the oak tree was disturbed
by the unwonted noise and flew away,
with a cav Of alarm. A second knock
startled the fowl in the barpyard which
greeted him with a suppressed chuckle,
but there was no answer from within.
"Guess l nights well go in" He
pushed open the the crazy door and en-
tered the room which served as kitchen
and sitting room all in one. A table stood
in the center Of it, covered with snowy
cloth and set as if for supper. A tall
clock licked in the corner under the
stairs, but its rhythmic beats only SEEM
ed to make the silence audible. 1T
seems kinder creepy, that's a fact Hope
there amt nothin happened to her
Wonder where she is? P'rhaps she's
asleepp'
He raped loudly, and then put his
ear down to the keyhole, listening in
tently. At first there was no response.
Then he thought he heard faint, qua.
vering voice.
"It's me-Jem Hastings. I've come
to see if you need anybody"
"Cone in" The feeble voice strug.
gled with a cough. Then: Eyes, I'm SO
glad you've come. l was taken faint
yesterday and had just strength enough
to crawl to bed Perhaps
"What, an you amt had nothin to
eatl'
"No," with a feeble smile.
"Well, il you'll let me try, I'll make
cup Of tea"
Jem closed the door, set his gun in
corner and looked around for the place
In which the widow kept her stores.
The dressers ranged against the wall
were bright with old fashioned pewter
matters and china. Here be found Q