Evening star., 1896-07-25

at the moment from the kitchen, he bowed
smiling, before Sol could formally intro
duce him.
It's too bad to put you to so much trou-
bic. Miss Bowker." he apologized, glancing
at the bountifully furnished table with a
look of appreciation which spoke at the
same time sincere concern for the labor 1t
had cost her. II fear l have imposed on
your good nature L really must apologize
for allowing you to undertake such a task
this warm day"
ut amt the trouble. eff things was only
cooked right" Cynthy Ann replied. gra-
ciously. The grim look of reserve faded
from her features under the touch of his
sympathy There's times when I'm that
flustered. like I've been since the accident.
that 1 can't cook fit fer a section hand.
speakia' o that. 1 want you to tell me. Sol
Adams. what ails them biscuit"
n curious smile lurking behind the air Of
mystery which invested this query sug-
gested that the solution of the problem
would be found TO shed light upon various
indeterminate factors which operate fire.
quently to battle the cooks calculations
Being thus expressly challenged to pass
Judgment. Sol seated himself at a respect
frl distance from the table buttered BIS
cult and nibbled at it with a countenance
composed to an aspect of profound ratioci-
nation far removed from any suggestion of
animal appetite Mr Brown and Cynthy
Ann awaited breathlessly the verdict
After moment Cynthy Ann broke the si-
lt-nce.
Il see you amt maxim no headway, Sol
No. 1t amt the Jumps in the -four. ner the
mite too much sody, though them faults l
kin notice, if you can't. Well then.
reckon I'll have to tell you, men is such
poor gressers: it's the lower crusts ben'
a speck underdone. I'd ought to left the
a minute longer. Eff I'd "a had time I'd "a
slung the whole batch out to the chickens
an begun all over. But they'll have to do.
so draw up your chair. Mr.. Smith while /
fetcn the sweet pertaters."
As the meal progressed, Cynthy Ann
fattered by her guests favorable comments
on every dish, rehearsed her experience as
a cook. from the earlier days when her
faculty was universally recognized as a
heaven-bestowed gift to the present time
when, as she averred. but the merest sug-
gestion of her former aptitude remained
Since I've taken up pece-uuiltin' I've
noticed a stiddy fallin off, goin' on four
year now. But a body can't be cookin' all
the time So what will do. Mr.. Smith p"
she appealed. plaintively. There's nothin'
goin' on in Portland the year round Peo-
pie amt sociable. The men sets on store
boxes day in an.-day out wastin' their
time discussin' politics an such nonsense
an the women sets az home. mendin'
clothes an fussin' with the children, It's
turrIble humdruIn."
Availing himself Of her preoccupa ton
While awaiting reply to her perplexing
question. and noting the fact that Mr.
Brown ate sparngly of the chicken Sol
drew his chair closer to the table and
helped himself to chicken and gravy, and
proceeded to eat after a grave decorous
fashion. his eyes meanwhile being fixed
with an expression of profound and alb
sorbing interest on the face Of their guest
At this bit of presumption Cynthy Ann
frowned at him Indignantly from behind
their guests chair, unconscious of the fact
that the latter's countenance gave token of
amusement. which was incompatible with
the idea Of possible offense Despite her
mods and grimaces. Sol sat unmoved.
1t was at a moment when Cynthy Ann.
having removed Mr.. Browns plate, was in
the act of placing before him dish of
apple pudding that face suddenly ap-
peared at a window Across the front of
the callers cap was blazoned in silvered
letters the single word Conductor"
We've got the track cleared, governor.
The Chicago express is In sight, and will
be here IN three minutes. I'll hold 1t for
YOU If you want to finish your dinner"