Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1897-08-31

Hereupon the rather shrill voice OF
n woman came from the inner room.
She spoke in Pennsylvania Dutch, but
was able to make out that her words
conveyed a command for her husband
to comply with my request. She also
added that he should not offer to do the
work too cheaply.
I smiled as l recognized in this one
of the provident traits of Pennsylvania
Dutch farmers wife.
"I'll pay you WELL" reiterated.
II guess you should gif me feefty
cent" Mr.. Hunsicker said, in doubt
full manner. as though he really did
not expect to receive that amount, but
was determined to get all out of me
that he could.
ut is settled, then, that you take me
over. Well not quarrel about the terms.
Allow me to rest here under the cool
shade the remainder of the afternoon
and give me some supper, and you shall
have dollar"
The farmer was quite overwhelmed
by my muniicent offer, as was also the
hitherto unseen female. For the wom-
an peeped from behind the door of the
kitchen to have look at me.
I bowed to her, and she acknowledged
my salutation by coming forward.
II guess you hat no dinner" she said,
in hospitable way.
The truth was, had had none, 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 glances, which
attributed to her curiosity.
After had finished my repast we
again returned to the front porch.
"You have nice place here" said,
handing the man cigar. "The house
is new, is it not?"
"Aboud fife year DID," he answered;
and then his wife took up the conversa-
ton.
I've rented farm ofer at Jacksonville
for long dime. Bud We nefer had no
childrens, so We safed some money and
bought dis farm" she said.
The woman was eager for little Cos
sip, and was bound to have it, in spite
of the fact that the dinner dishes were
awaiting her.
"Did you ever know old Abram Mel
son, of Nelsonville?" I asked, willing
to indulge her wish. ITS long time
now since he died-1s years."
"Yes, We knew him. 1t vas part of his
farm We rented after he died." the man
made response.
I could not restrain a smile at his
clumsy way of putting it, but before
I could ask another question the wom-
an came up to where I was standing
and gazed earnestly into my face.
Zach, Gott! It's true!" she ex-
claimed, clutching my arms. cts Mel,
little Mel! Ach Colt, knew it'll"
Then her excitement ended in flood
Of tears. I gazed down at her in as.
tonishment, and as looked recollec-
ton came to me.
"Why, surely, I used to know you,"
I said, smiling down upon her. "You
must be Sarah. You used to work at
Grandfather Nelson's when I was a
small boy, and took care Of me during
my visits"
zach, see! he knows mel" the woman
exclaimed, turning toward her husband.
"He would not forget Sarah! So, SO.
After SO long dime. Ach, my! And
now you are man, and hat growed SO
big!"
really should have explained before
that my name is Nelson Conway. I
had been rather small, puny child,
and my grandfather called me Little
Mel.
Soon Jake went about his business
harvesting the oats. Sarah and I sat
oil that afternoon under the cool shade,
talking about old times.
My parents had been dead many
years, and it was something new in my
experience to be petted, deferred to
and made much of. Sarah took up the
| acquaintance just where 1t had been
broken off is years ago, and seemed i'm
bued with an augmented alteration for
| me.
l felt there was one true, loyal soul
in the world whom could depend on,
and, in the natural desire for sympathy
and consolation, recounted to her all
my troubles, including the circum-
stances connected with the bank rob-
berry and the suspicion under which I
had groanedin spirit for year now.
ut seems as though We're fated to
carry that load to the grave" I re-
marked, despondingly.
Zach, no, indeed you Won't. Don'd
you feel pad aloud it, Mel. You see it
come right. Let dem come to me-"
Sarah continued, waxing indignant,
"let dem come to me. dell dem if q
grandson of Abram Nelson is a tibet.
And dey find out some day."
Her assurances comforted and en-
couraged me very much. For knew
my life had been honorable and square,
ut least in all business relations, and
her absolute trust in me, after all the
cruel insinuations and the cold looks
of suspicion, was balm to my wounded
spirit.
There was another, the brightest, fair
est and best of women, who also felt
confidence in my integrity, or at least
had done so; one whose affection !
had gained. But had not heard from
her since Immediately after the rob-
berry, and whether her trust and love
still remained mistaken l could not
say. had no reason to doubt her; but
then time works wonderful changes
in woman's opinions. often.
After supper Jake drove me over to
Jacksonville. Sarah accompanied us, of
course. She would have been intensely
pleased to have me stay at her own
house, but was longing for the rest