Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1897-08-05

| - SNAAt oVOOP-nhOuAueAeu IuulVluuAAs
dressed in brown cotton Rhirt, blue
overalla and oowhide boota, looIned up
out of the gloom of tho darkened rooms.
From the look Of astoniahment on tho
mans face when he saw me, I judged
the advent OF a stranger was rare oc-
ourrence to this household.
win you haul me and trunk 20
Nelsonville2" ASKED.
My question produced q blanker stare
from the old fellow, and his jaws, which
had been busy masticating q mouthtul
OF food, ceased operations. gave him
time, and, when he had partially re-
covered from his surprise, again ad-
dressed him.
"Do you understand EnglishT I
asked.
Zach, y-e-e-s indeed" he replied, aft
er he had hastily swallowed the food.
"And is your name Hunsiclrer. Jacob
Hunsicker?" I continued.
He nodded reply.
1.-THE station agent down at the depot
said that perhaps I could get you to
take me- over to Jacksonville. win you
do it?"
well, bud we're Just ct do oats" Mr..
Hnnsioker said. .e.
Il am willing to wait until after sup
per, which will not interfere with the
harvesting. You will be well paid fcr
your trouble"
Hereupon the rather shrill voice of
woman came from tho inner room.
She spoke In Pennsylvania Dutoh, but
was able to mako out that her words
conveyed command for her husband
to comply with my request. She also
added that he should not Offer to do the
work too cheaply.
l smiled aa 1 recognised In this one
Of tho provldent traits Of O P Pennsylvania
Dutch farmers wife,
"rll pay you WE'LL" reiterated.
II guess you should gle mo feefty
cent" Mr.. Hunsicker said, In a doubt
full manner, Os though no really did
not expect to receive that amount, but
was determined TO got all out OF mo
that he could.
1T is settled, then. chat you take mo
over. Wen not quarrel about the terms.
Allow me to rest hero under tho cool
shade the remainder OF tho afternoon
and give me some supper, ind you shall
have dollar"
The farmer was quito overwhelmed
by my munihcent offer, as was also tho
hitherto unseen female. For tho wom-
an peeped from behind the door OF the
kitchen to have o look at mo,
Ibowed TO her, and she acknowledged
my sulutatiOn by coming forward.
II guess you hat no dinner" she said,
In q hospitable way.
Tho truth was, had had mono, and,
being rather healthy, was not sorry
to be ushered to the table. where !
was bountifully supplied.
During the meal the woman favored
me with many searching glanCcs, which
I attributed TO her curiosity.
After I had finished my rcpost we
again returned TO the front porch.
"You have a nice place here" I said,
handing the man cigar. ''The house
is new, is II not?"
"Aboud fife year DID," no answered;
and then his wife took up the. converse.
ton.
I'VE rented farm offer at Nelsonvillc
for q long dime. Bud va meier had no
chlldrens, so 70 safed some money and
bought dis farm" she said.
The woman was eager for a little COS
sip, and w0s bound TO have II, in spite
of the fact that the dinner dishes were
awaiting her.
ibid you ever know old Ahram Mel
son, Of Nelsonvllle2" ! asked, willing
to indulge her wish. ats long time
now since he died--1s years."
eyes, 70 knew him. II vas part Of his
farm ve rented after no died, J" the man
made response.
I could not restrain . smile at his
clumsy way OF putting IL, but before
/ could ask another question the wom-
an came up ia where / was standing
and gazed earnestly into my face.
Zach, Gottl It's truei" she OK
claimed, clutching my arms. TITS Mel,
little Mel! Aoh Colt, Tknewitl"
Then her excitement ended IN food |
Of teara. ! gaSed down At her In as
tonishment, and % I looked recolleo- |
ton came 70 me.
why, surely, ! used 70 know you,"
I said, smiling down upon her. "You
must DO Sarah. You used to work at |
Grandfather NELSON'S when I was a |
small boy, and took caro- Of me during |
my visits"
Zach, seel nc knows mel" the woman /
exclaimed, turning toward her husband. |
HE would not forget sarAhl So, 30. |
After 90 hong a dime. Ach, myi And |
now you are q man, and haf grOwed 80 |
big!"
l really should have explained bef61e |
that my name Is Nelson Conway. /
had been rather small, puny child,
and my grandfather called me IAttle |
Mel.
Soon Jake went about bis business
harvesting the oats, Sarah and Bnt |
all that afternoon under the cool shade,
talking about old timeA.
NV parents had bean dead many |