The Holly chieftain., 1898-06-03

n woman came from the inner room
She spoke in Pennsylvania Duich. but
/ was able to make out that her words
conveyed u command for her husband
to comply with my request. She also
added that he should not offer to do the
work too cheaply.
/ smiled as / recognized in this one
OF the provident traits of n Pennsylvania
Dutch farmers wife.
"I'I pay you WELL" reiterated.
81 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.
at is settled, then, that you take me
over. Wen not quersei 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 wns quite overwhelmed
by my munificent 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.
/ bowed to her, and she acknowledged
my salutation by coming forward.
81 guess you haf no dinner" she said,
in hospitable way.
The truth was, / had had none, and,
being rather healthy. was not sorry
to be ushercd 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 a nice place here" said
handing the man a cigar. THE house
is new, is it not?"
"Aboud fife year DID," he answered;
and then his wife took up the converse
ton.
I've rented farm ofer at Nelsonville
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 gos-
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 Nelsonvillc?" 1 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.
could not restrain smile at his
clumsy way of putting it, but before
] could ask another question the wom-
an came up to where l was standing
and gazed earnestly into my face.
Zach, Gott! It's true!" she en-
claimed, clu.ching my arms. Its Mel
little Ne, Acn Gott. 1 knew it,"
Then her excitement ended in flood
of tears. / gazed down at her in as
tonishment, and as / looked recollec
ton came to me.
"Why, surely. used to know you,"
said, smiling down upon her. You
must be Sarah. You used to work at
Grandfather Nelson's when / was n
small boy. and took care of me during
my visits.
"Ach. see! he knows no." tie woman
e, claimed, turning toward her husband
.'Ss would not forget Sarah! So, SO.
Aftes so long dime. Ach, my! And
now you are q man, and haf growed SO
big!"
/ really should have explained before
that my name is Nelson Conway. had
been rath.c small, puny child, and my
gradfather called me Little Mel.
Soon Jake went about his business
r .
all 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 it had been
broken OF is years ago, and seemed I'M
bued with an augmented alteration for
me.
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
had groaned in spirit for a year now
at seems as though were fated to
carry that load to the grave" I re-
marked, despondingly.
"Ach, no, indeed you Won't. Don'd
you feel pad aboud it, Mel. You see it
come right. Let dem come to me-"
Sarah continued, waxing indignant,
''let dem come to me. dell dem if
grandson of Abram Nelson is thief.
And dey find out some day"
Her assurances comforted and en-,
couraged me verysmuch. For knew
my life had been honorable and squnre.
at 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. Bat had not heard from
her since Immediately after the rob.
berry, and whether her trust and love
still remained mistaken 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 te
Nelsonville. Sarah accompanied us. OF
course. She would have been intensely
pleased sc have me stay at her own
house, Du. was longing for the rest
and peace which the old homestead
I =