The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1897-12-31

her yesterday!
1T strikes me l did," he returned.
grimly.
Wouldn't it be better to come home
to dinner?" began Mrs. Newbury. then
broke off suddenly to eNclaim in still!
greater distress: And you had to
walk-both ways!"
II did" said Mr.. Newbury. while
vent to low whistle.
well, think that is case of neces-
sity. 1t is too hard for you. You must
borrow some money of somebody"
said Mrs. Newbury. with decision.
"Fiddlesticks!" said Mr. Newbury.
his features relaxing with smile.
I'm not complaining. In fact. rather
like it. Six miles day is nothing to
kill man."
I'm not so certain of it," said Mrs.
Newbury, doubtingly.
well, l am" laughed he. "All I'm
afraid of is that it will give me such an
appetite that the cupboard will go bars.
before the month is OUT
The first week passed quite comfort
Newbury did not miss the sewing she
couldn't do; the table was we'll set. in
spite of the absence of meat and milk;
Mr.. Newbury thrived on his fresh air
exercise, while Maud and Rob did the
same on their exercise indoors.
The second week was likewise fairly
comfortable. To be sure, Maud allowed
the nose of the coffee pot to melt off,
and the coffee had to be made in tin
pail, but this itself didn't much matter,
as the coffee itself gave out few days
afterward. 1t was this week also, that
Rob's rubber boots sprang a leak, and
he had to fall back on pair of Maud's
overshoes. Then some one asked Maud
to give ten cents toward a certain char
liable object. and thought very meanly
of her for refusing. AS a climax the
weeks washing was rained on soon
after being hung out. and later froze
solidly to the line. But these trials
were of comparatively little moment,
and for the most part were easily en-
dured.
The third week began well. The
hens. of which Mr.. Newbury kept 90,
responded nobly to the mid weather,
and their eggs were a welcome addi-
ton to vegetable diet. But on
Wednesday their feed gave out, and
they must be supplied from the house.
Other things gave out; apples. rolled
oats, and, worst of all, sugar.
Monday, Mrs. Newbury had an
nounced that the kerosene barrel was
empty, and after this the family made
point of burning but one lamp at a
time. and of going to bed early.
Thursday it was decided that still
further economy of kerosene would b.
necessary. So Mrs. Newbury and Maud
prepared supper while it was day, and
then sat in the dark till MIR. Newbury
came. The lampwas then lit. supper was
hastily eaten, and while Maud washed
and wiped the dishes her mother
made everything ready for getting
breakfast quickly, for Mr.. Newbury
had to start away before the sun arose.
When Maud had finished the dishes,
the light was extinguished, and till bed
time the family sat around the sitting
room fire, which shone through the
mica in the stove door and made the
room quite pleasant, though of course
reading, writing or sewing were en-
tirely out of the question. But they
could talk, and Maud could play on the
piano for the others to sing. and all de-
clared kerosene was an article one
could exist very comfortably without.
while to grope ones way to bed in the
dark was excellent exercise for ones
perceptive faculties.
WELL" said Mr.. Newbury, at the be-
ginning of the fourth week, shall we
back out?"
mo, don't!" cried Rob, Its going to
be more fun this week than all the rest
put togetheri"
Il don't think it would be right to-"
said Maud. I'VE promised"
Its the hardest on you," said Mrs.
Newbury. looking at her husband, with
your long walk and cold dinners"
You needn't back out on my &C.
count" said Mr.. Newbury. I'm doug
nicely, thank you'll"
Il don't want you to on my account"
said Mrs. Newbury.
Then we'll grit our teeth and keep
it up to the bitter end" laughed MIR.
Newbury.
This last week opened with ire
mendous snowstorm, followed by
zero weather. and Mr.. Newbury
found his three-mile walk no pleasure
excursion.
The house supplies began to run low.