The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1898-10-28

4 out to the Darn. Aunt ROSllle Threw
her apron over her head, and had
J ''real good cry" She had set her hear
upon going, and she wanted Uncle Jones
| to go and give something.
In few minutes she wiped her eyei
and began to clear away the dishes
Aunt Rosille was not one of those who
| give up easily, and she had by no means
given up all hopes of going Thursday
Her mind was busy at work, and sht
was thinking over what he had said
when a ray of hope illumined hel
shrewd brown face.
'He said if he didn't sleep nights he'e
give suthin'. Well, he sha'n't! Sh'
shut her thin lips firmly together ane
looked all around. No one was in sight
Uncle Jones was very fond of cold tea
and he always drank all that was left
Every night just before going to bed hi
went into the buttery, ate little some
thing and took a good drink of cold tea
Aunt Rosille knew this, and she hao
made up her mind that he should have
plenty of tea, and that it should be as
strong as it could be made. If that
didn't keep him awake nothing would
After the chores had all been done
and everything locked up for the night
Uncle Jones wound the clock and went
into the buttery for something to eat
He looked all around, and finally took
a piece of custard pie and some colo
tea. There was an unusual quantity OF
tea, and it tasted so good that Uncle
Jones drank it down to the very last
drop. After he had eaten all he wanted
he took his candle and went upstairs to
bed. Aunt Rosille seemed asleep and
he was glad of it. He didn't feel like
talking, least of all with Aunt Rosille
His conscience was troubling him. He
knew that he ought to do something fo1
Elder Brewster's family, but he hated
to-; he fairly dreaded to give away the
things, and he couldn't bear to give
in. He thought it all over for long
time; then he tried to put it out of his
mind and go to sleep, but he did not
feel sleepy. He twisted and turned, but
his eyes refused to stay shut.
He got up the next morning tired and
sleepy. Aunt Rosille did not seem to
notice anything, and Uncle Jones felt
relieved. He could not get the Brew
sters out of his head all day Long. They
came to him out in the fields, in the
BARN and even in the garden. Aunt
Rosille seemed just the same as ever;
she moved round just as briskly, and
nothing seemed to weigh on her mind,
ard she never even mentioned the do
nation party.
Tuesday night Uncle Jones prepared
to have good nights rest, but again
The felt wakeful. He Slipped out of bed
and got something to eat, hoping that
it would put him to sleep, but it was of
no use.
Wednesday morning came. He felt
all used up and thoroughly miserable.
Finally, as last resort, he resolved to
confide in Aunt Rosille.
81 don't know what's got into me,
Rosille," he said, plaintively. IT can't
seem to sleep nights. I didn't sleep any
last night, or the night before, an if
I don't sleep some soon I don't know
what'll ever become of me. Iwish you'd
fix me up some bitters; perhaps I'd feel
better. I feel all run down."
81 think it's your conscience, Anson,''
put in Aunt Rosille, mildly, "for not
helpin' Mis- Brewster. I've heard of
just such cases."
Uncle Jones didn't say word, but he
shut the door quickly and went out to
the barn. Aunt Rosille went up into
the attic and looked over her herbs.
She smiled once or twice, and seemed in
excellent spirits.
Along in the middle of the afternoon,
she slipped on her things and ran over
to Mis- Dexter's to talk over the party.
Uncle Jones took good dose of his
bitters that night, and his spirits rose,
for he felt sure that now he should have
some sleep. But no! Along towards
morning he woke up Aunt Rosille. Eve
stood it just as long as I can; an I'm
afraid I'm goin' to die. I can't seem
to get any sleep night or day. Nothin'
seems to hit my case; an 1 can't last
long like this" He gave deep groan.
Aunt Rosille smiled to herself in the
darkness, but she kept perfectly still.
"Ain't you goin' to get up an git me
suthin' to take?" inquired Uncle Jones,
reproachfully. Aunt Rosille sat up
straight in the bed.
81 don't think 1 can help you, Arson.
Medicine won't reach your case. It's
my honest opinion that it's your con-
science troublin' you because you won t
do anything for pore Mis- Brewster an
the children" She waited minute,
but Uncle Jones was silent. 81 think if
you'd make up your mind to do your
duty, you'd rest easy nights, an dom
believe you ever will till you do"
Uncle Jones groaned. "You wouldn't
miss bag of meal an side of pork
Uncle Jones gave another groan-even
deeper that before. can 'twould do
a sight of good. If you'll make up
your mind to do it, I'll do my level best
by you; but it's my solemn belief you'll
never sleep peaceful again till you do
Uncle Jones was silent, and Aunt
Rosille resolutely lay down. In few
minutes she heard him say, in a feeble
voice:
IN do anything, Rosille, if you'll
only git up an help me. I'll even give
'em bushel of potatoes"
Aunt Rosille was all attention. "Be-
sides the meal an the pork?'
"Yes, I'll do even that" said Uncle
Jones, desperately.
Aunt Rosille got up Immediately and
went downstairs. In few minutes she
was back with a cup of hot catnip tea.
There, Arson, drink this. It'll do YOU