Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1899-09-29

ed Woodside Jacks face had entirely
lost its tired look Of disgust with the
world in general. Miss Jemima tor
Mime, as she was usually called) was
standing on the front veranda to well
come them and bid them hasten to get
ready for supper, or her nice hot rolls
would be spoiled.
They were soon seated at her hospit-
able board, and Jack did full Justice
not only to the rolls, but the fragrant
coffee, rich cream, fresh home-cured
ham and eggs, and all the other dainty
dishes in which Miss Mines heart de-
lighted. After supper they paid visit
to the stables before dark, and laid
plans for a drive to Flat Rock on
fishing trip next day. Two or three
similar days few rapidly by, Jack de-
claring he would not exchange the good
times he was having with Sam for
all the girls In the world. Four days
after he came Sam was obliged to go
to neighboring town on bit OF law
business-he had to be witness in a
land suit for another man-and Jack,
not caring to put through a dull day
In country court, intended to spend
the time hunting in the woods around
the farm.
While they sat at breakfast, or rath-
er as they were rising from the table,
a telegram was handed to Sam, which
he hastily read, and gave an exclama-
ton of veXation.
Now, hang it allw said he, T've got
to go on this troublesome case, and
here's a message from grandmother
she will be at Hartville this afternoon,
her there"
"Oh is grandmother coming to-day?"
asked Mime, stopping in the door on
her way to the kitchen.
$50 this says; and what to do 1 don't
know, unless you will go over, Mime"
Cant l go?" put in Jack. 81 am at
the service of the venerable lady for
any length Of time, and of course as
she is old, and not apt to be very
strong, she must not be left alone at a
strange place. I'll 60 for you, Sam,
with pleasure"
Sam had turned to Jack with queer
expression on his face, and Miss Mime
began to say:
What? Grandmother? Oh, she's"
But Sam hastily stepped up to her,
said something in low tone, and turn
ed to his friend.
''The very thing, Jack! l do wish
you would go. You can drive Dan to
the buggy, and I'll take old Cob to the
road cart"
"All right; I'll go. How shall know
the dear old lady? Can you describe
her, as she will not know me, of
course?"
Sam had his back turned and his
voice sounded odd as he replied:
"Oh, the station agent at Hartville
knows her. She often comes that way.
He will show her to you. Be sure to
take good care of her, Jack. Ha! hap
"To be sure l will. What are you
laughing at, Sam"
"Oh, only an idea that struck me-
something about Donovan's case. Good
by, old boy. I'll be at home as early as
possible. Don't forget to meet Grand
mother Dermott. Good-by. Ha! ha!
haw
Sam went out leaving Jack wonder
ing what tickled him so; but as he was
not familiar with the Donovan case.
Of course it might be very funny one.
At 3 o'clock that afternoon Jack
drove up to the little dingy railroad
station at Hartville, and hltched Dan
to a convenient post. He drew out his
watch, and glancing at 1t, observed:
mot much time to spare! Trains
due now, If Sam was right. All, there
it comes! Where's that agent? Never
mind him, anyway! If only one old
lady gets Off, shall know 1t Is Sans
grandmother without any introduction.
I'd better be near; the dear old soul
may need help to get off,"
Jack gallantly drew very close to the
train as it stopped, and stood waiting
for his passenger. Half dozen coun-
trymen, two women with babies in
their arms, and fat colored woman,
nobody else, except n slender girl in a
stylish black suit, at whom even wom-
an-hater Jack had to cast second
glance, she was so exceedingly pretty
and attractive.
"Where's my old lady?" he said to
himself. Something must have hap
pcned, for she is certainly not here.