Omaha daily bee., 1896-11-15

and Harold-why the lad can ride anything
that wears hair, so don't you worry"
A year before Mr. Minton had slipped
from a lead of hay and the wheel of the
wagon had crushed his arm, his ribs and
the calf of his leg He had only survived
because of his steel-like constitution, and
he used to say, "Id be as well as ever in
4 month or So If we had the money to pay
for a couple OF operations" Then his face
would light with a cheerful, irresistible
smile while he added: you'll see
me yet hoppin about livelier than
a cricket in a hot skillet" But
now he was almost helpless. Double
duties descended on the shoulders
Of Harold and his mother, who
found that foot-hill farm in California
affords ample opportunity for all the time
and muscle that three or more people
should spare.
OFF FOR AUNT HGLDA's.
The pair of animals, standing side by
side at last, breathing hOtly and regarding
Harold with much respect and CONSERVATION
in their wide-open eyes, seemed to give
him satisfaction. He caught his hat from
the ground by turning a Cart wheel"
vaulted the gate and came toward the
house singing a careless song and slapping
his hands against his legs as he walked.
Harold, you haven't forgotten that you've
got TO bring Ellie home today, my lad?"
asked the father as the boy approached.
"No, sir, l haven't"
"Well. better be starting, I guess. II
| you want to get back before dark. The days
are short you know"
Yes. I'm going to start right off. 1 only
| wish the pony was safe to ride or Selim
! were not so lame"
"Oh, you don't mind the walk" said the
mother.
Not a bit-whoopeew shouted Harold.
He shied his hat in the air, jumping to
catch it as II fell. Goodbye" he added,
I'm on" which he was. with a skip and
a run. He presently halted and hollered:
ANY word to send to Bill and his wife?''
NO" his mother called in reply. 81
wouldn't take the time to climb the hill"
| "Bilis" other name was Tubbins, but
Miner Bill' was what he was called, even
after he married and brought his wife to
his claim" They lived In a cabin, which
almost capped the hill that rose at the
rear OF the Minton farm. Below their place
| the Gray Stone" canyon formed a gorge
through the mountains, up and through
| which travellers passed to gain the summit.
| Into this young Harold plunged, gaily sing
| ing, initiating the cry OF the late magpies
and strlding up the sharp declivity with
long and swinging steps.
About a mile or more 1t was up to the
summit and then distance of four or five
more to the mining town of Yellow Bank
where little "Elhe" Minton as Harold's wee
sister was called, was visiting her Aunt
linda. The afternoon was a little ad-
| Fdhceu Whcn the boy arrived. Over the
Mills In the west a few dark clouds were
rolling up, but they seemed to be a lonl
way off and harmless. When lunch was
over Harold and Elhe started home.
TOO bad your horse Is lame" Aunt Hilda
said, as she watched them start.
we never tare, do we Hay-al" lspet
tho tot She was years old. but had neyel
yet mastered tho English pronunciation.
mo, we don't" said the boy; and then Il
his aunt, "Elhe likes to tramp for coupl,
OF miles and then I'll pack her on m,
back" '
Il yIkc to vide on Hay-aI," the little cir
announced, and then said goodbye. Sh
clutched pair OF the long brown finger
that her brother held in reach. trudgin
sturdlly along looking often into Harold
race with much affection in her bonny brow
eyes as she chattered and llsped the tale
!, OF JOY that she had to tell.
4 COMING OF THE STORM.
n The SKY was more than half o5scured |
4 threatening clouds before they had gone
!, mile, warm peculiar breeze commence
Q to blow, ftfully
/ 81 guess, little gal" said the boy as /
glanced toward the west well have
1 hurry or the rain will catch us" lie swun
o the youngster up till she sat astrlde OF h
q neck and could grip her nsts full OF II
y hair; then he caught both OF her feet IN n
hands and started briskly up the slope
l. the mountain.
q Nothing could stop tho flow OF Elfe
i; prattle. but Harold Was deeply coneern'