The Lamar register., 1901-08-07

preached the door.
A tall, stoop-shouldered individual,
dressed in brown cotton shirt, blue
overalls and cowhide boots, loomed up
out of the gloom of the darkened rooms.
From the look of astonishment on the
mans face when he saw me, I judged
the advent of stranger was a rare oc-
currence to this household
"Will you haul me and trunk to
Nelsonville?" asked.
Ny question produced a blanker stare
from the old fellow, and his jaws, which
had been busy masticating mouthful
of food, ceased operations. 1 gave him
time, and, when he had partially re-
covered from his surprise, again ad-
dressed him.
do you understand English?" /
asked.
Zach, y-e-e-s indeed!" he replied. aft
er he had hastily swallowed the food.
"And is your name Hunsicker-Jacob
Hunsicker?" 1 continued.
He nodded a reply.
1.-THE station agent down at the depot
said that perhaps 1 could get you to
take me over to Jacksonville. Will you
do it?"
"V-ell. bud we're just at de oats" Mr..
Hunsicker said.
II am willing to wait until after sup
per, which will not interfere with the
harvesting You will be well paid for
your trouble"
Hereupon the rather shrill voice of
woman came from the inner room.
She spoke in Pennsylvania Dutch, but
/ was able to make out that her words
conveyed a command foi her husband
to comply with my request. She also
added that he should not offer to do the
work too cheaply.
smiled as 1 recognized in this one
of the provident traits of q Pennsylvania
Dutch farmers wife.
'1'll pay you well," reiterated.
81 guess you should gif me feefty
cent" Mr.. Hunsicker said, in a doubt
not expect to receive that amount, but
was determined to get oil out of me
that he could.
at 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 a dollar"
The farmer was 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 q look at me.
bowed to her, and she acknowledged
my salutation by coming forward.
"I guess you hnf no dinner" she said,
in a 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 1 had finished my repast we
again returned to the front porch.
"You have 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 Jacksonville
for a 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
awaiting her.
''Did you ever know old Abram Nell
son, of Nelsonville?" asked. willing
to indulge her wish. "It's a long time
now since he died-1s years"
ayes, 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 1 was standing
and gazed earnestly into my face.
Zach, Gott! It's true!" she ex-
claimed. clutching my arms. "It's Mel,
little Mel! Ach Gott, knew it'll"
Then her excitement ended in flood
Of tears. / gazed down at her in as
tonishment, and as 1 looked recollec-
tion came to me.
"Why, surely, used to know you,"
l said, smiling down upon her. You
must be Sarah. You used to work at
Grandfather Nelson's when 1 was n
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 haf growed SO
big!"
really should have explained before
that my name is Nelson Conway.
had been rather a small, puny child,
and my grandfather called me Little
Mel.
Soon Jake went about his business