The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1901-09-12

near him. He said if ever you want
ed to leave Moorby to let him Know
that he'd like to do something LOT
boy with such a good brain, and heau
for figures. Those were his ~oroS'
Sammy"
The boys thin face flushed as ne
turned to look at his uncle. ana ne
spoke with nervous QuickneSS:
Hes forgotten all about me long
before this. Uncle Hiram. Why, thal
school exhibition was two years ago
last June. and the Judge did2t come
to Moorby last summer. you KNOW. l
should be afraid to go and ask any
favor of him"
Il wish YOU hadn't such bashlul
streak in you. Sammy" said Uncle HI
ram. looking down at the boy with
half-reproacnful wholly afectlona'e
smile. You're just like your poor pa
A better man never lived, put ne
wasn't built to get on in this world
and he didn't get on. was hoping
you might have little more push tnan
your pa. Sammy. along with the good
ness. Now your mas gone. could be
moved anywhere: or l could be put IN
the county farm. Sammy, if so be II
seemed best for you to strike out TO the
city alone I'm nothing but helpless
old hulk. any way"
Don't you say that again. Uncle
Hiram, Don't YOU dare to-. cried the
boy. flercely. springing to his feet. ana
rushing like a whirlwind upon the
figure in the old armchair. Aren't
you all I've got in the world that be-
longs to me? Do you suppose Id go
away and leave you for the town to
take care Of? I'd deserve to be hung
"Sho. now, Sammy" said the occu-
pant of the armchair. gently, as he saw
the hot tears that stood in the boy S
eyes. We haven't got anything but
each other. either of us; but here ami.
lame so I'm no good TO stir about;
hands all knotted up with rheumaticS.
so can't use 'em. and you just spend
ing lour days distributing milk, ami
saving and splitting. which any boy
with no such head for figures as you've
got could do full as well. How much
did you earn last week, Sammy"
"Only three dollars. Uncle Hiram.
answered the boy, slowly. You know
my work is always slack after the: sum-
mer people have gone. The Judge and
.his family are going next week. Their
hired girl told me to have Mr.. Sargent
make out the milk bill. When l wert
,thSre yesterday morning the Judge was
s{edng on the side piazza, but he didn't
know me-"
Did you make your manners 20
him. and give him good look at you.
Sammy" asked the uncle. anxiously
Il mistrust you kind Of half-turned
your head away, or maybe the sun
was in his eyes"
Il took off my cap the best I knew
how" said Sammy; but he barely
nodded to ne. He wasn't reading o.
anything. either
Maybe he was calculating in his
head" suggested Mr.. Lane. quickly
glancing up at the boy. and then avert
ing his eyes. You recall how he told
you he used to love to do those mental
sums. same as you did at the exhibit"
tion. Sammy
The boy shook his head. and stood
for 4 moment looking across the fields
up to the hill on which stood the
judges house its windows cleaning
bright in the morning sun.
mo. he's just forgotten ME. Uncle
Hiram. that's ALL" he said. after few
moments of silence. I'm just one Of
the country boys to him. and l guess
that's all | ever shall be. He's the
only one that could give me chance.
Now must run over to Mrs. Lapham'S
and finish piling her wood. Will yo3
stay here and read till | come baci'
at noon? The suns good and warm
today"
You'll find me sitting in my castle,
same as you see me now" said Mr..
Lane, cheerily. Pay my respects to
Mrs. Lapham. and tell her | wish She
could get out TO enjoy this beautiful!
weather. but always think Of what
slightly view she has from that south
window Of hers. took special note
OF it that day Of the town celebration
when rode past the house. three years
back"
He'd counted on the judges know
ing him said the crippled man. turn
ing his head wearily against the soft
old cushion. Il know it just as we'll as
is he'd said so! IF the judge had
shown signs of remembering him.
Sammy would have plucked up courage
to ask him if there was any chance
for him down below Don't I know