New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-11-21

II manage to live and pay my taxes
dot Much overt"
"A little"
Ruth's voice was growing more and moro
frigid
THAT so7 The Avery family always did know
how to manage. Your farm d be more valuable
IL twas more snug to the main road
No answer. Ruth was studying the mans
face, and thinking that 1t bore strange re-
semblance to glmlet.
my wife never was no kind Of q manager.
he said discontentedly. when she died. Of
course, I mourned her; but she want no money
loss to me-"
Again no answer.
Mr. Dill gazed hard at a closet door and ap-
peared to wish to open It that he might exam
Inc It's contents. But he gave up that idea and
soon to his feet.
IL amt ben down here sence your fathers
funeral" he remarked II guess I'll go over the
farm IL you amt no objections. / reckon some
women do know how to farm 1t. but they're
mighty few. Make much sugar last sappin'
timer
"Consdcrble."
Did? How many mon do you usually hire =
II have Joe Monk and Killup Little in the
busy seasons: other times git long alone"
Ruth now shut her mouth as IL she would not
be likely to open 1t again.
DO? Monk N Little are real good workers.
Yes. guess I'll 80 over the farm. II you amt
no objections
The farm is free to folks to walk on"
Mr.. Dill left the house. Ruth him go
down first toward the English hay field. Having
watched him thu far. she took her broom
again. She was sweeping the kitchen for the
third time when Mr.. Din came back lie merely
put his head in at the door. which he held open
Just wide enough to admit OF the insertion of
that portion Of his physical frame.
Farm looks irst-rate" he said. II sh'd al
most say you'd better keep more sheep. Think
it's going to snow"
Ruth shortly expressed her ignorance as to the
intentions Of the weather, and Mr.. Dill drove
away.
Ruth stood about aimlessly for "A few moments
then she hurried to the barn and harnessed the
gray horse To the light wagon. She let her old
brown spaniel sit on the seat with her. and, thus
accompanied. she drove the three miles to the
store. Having reached this place. she and her
spaniel walked in. and as she had expected at
this time In the day. the store deserted. save
for the presence OF the proprietor, who came
forward swapping his fingers in conversational
manner at the dog. who paid not the slightest
attention to him.
What IL IL to-day. Miss Avery? Sugar and
spice N everything nice for Thanksgivin'. eh?"
facetousiy.
NO" said Ruth promptly. II didn't come for
groceries / came to ask what old Paul Dill n
Adoniram Wnsor were bettin' about here; I
s'pose you know. don't you. Mr.. Scott"
Mfr. SCOTS ingratiating expression instantly
left his face: ais jaw dropped. He did not an
swer.
Il spose you know. don't you?" insisted Ruth
Yes" at las. II guess most OF US know. But
law. you needn't mind what mess Of men
says"
What did they say"
Mr. Scott began to laugh He plainly made q
violent effort to smother this laugh. choking to
the extent OF a purple face In the attempt
While lie was thus engaged there entered
small man very much enveloped about the neck
and chin In a red comforter. Ruth turned upon
him with flashing eyes.
MIR Benner" she said you see Mr.. Scott Is
in kind Of a fit Now. III ask you the same
question asked him What were old Paul Dill
n Adonlram winsor bettin' about here?'
Mr. Benner did not laugh. He grew pale and
glanced nervously at the door.
.'Do YOU know" relentlessly from Ruth.
Yes. yes | know. Miss Avery; but 'twa'n't
nothin'-jest nothin' at all; n that's fact.
Having spoken thus Mr.. Benner left the store
with the remark that he had forgotten to bring
his pail for molasses.
Ruth also left She drove directly home. She
was conscious OF burning at her heart and
eyes She told herself that she guessed she
could live IL she never knew what that bet was,
and have a good Thanksgiving. too.
The next afternoon In the early dusk Of No
vember. Mr.. Winsor's horses head appeared