The Jennings daily record. [volume] (Jennings, La.) 1900-1903, 1902-06-06
clean. There were blooming plants in

and sweet-throated canary trilled
melodious accompaniment to the sound
of Miss Bradley's industry.
The thought returned to the boys
mind that Miss Elizabeth was very
much nicer than any young lady. One
could be quite comfortable beside her;
she had no airs she wasn't "giddy;"
She didn't tease and make fun of boys
as young girls did. If fate had pro-
vided him with mother instead of a
father he felt he would have liked
mother like Miss Elizabeth Bradley.
Here, however, the object of his
thoughts interrupted
i doubt I'll have to trouble you
again, Randolph" she said please
take the chisel back to your pa with
my compliments, and bring up little
saw. Mine is so big and clumsy that
l can't manage it,
Certainly. Miss Elizabeth, Ill-ask
him." responded Randolph with some
misgivings as to what would be the
outcome of this second appeal for the
loan of tool.
1t did not promise well for the sue
cess of his errand that, going down
stairs, he heard his father arguing
shop. He waited outside until the
man had gone. But Mr.. Hombach. pur-
suing a habit he sometimes INDUCED
in, continued to demolish the argu-
ment OF his vanished opponent.
You are wrong" he Moderated;
the present need of the country
Father interrupted a clear, be-
seeching voice. Miss Elizabeth Brad
ley
But Mr.. Hombach was too deeply
stirred TO heed, or even to notice the
boy. Your argument is based on an
exploded theory. You don't know
Father, Miss Elizabeth"
Il tell you Fritz you don't know
what the opposition newspapers are
printing" Numbered Mr.. Hombach,
bringing his clincked hand heavily on
the work bench, while the tenants of
the upper floors OF the house rushed
to the banisterS to peer cautiously
down
Randolph was obliged to wait until
the argument was concluded. Then he
said, speaking very earnestly, in his
clear, boyisn tones: Miss Elizabeth
thanks you for the chisel, father. Here
it is. See, it isn't spoiled. She's a very
nice, careful lady, Miss Elizabeth is.
She needs a little saw very BIZ ly; hers
is an old rusty one and it won't work"
What! What's that exclaimed
Mr. HON bach. raising his black brows
with fresh start of horror. Does
the woman want a saw now? | was
fool!-a fool, l might have known l
was Only making trouble for myself!
Bah" His disgust turned to severe
irony. Maybe the woman would like
the tool box"
Miss Elizabeth is going to give me
slip off her pink geranium," said
Randolph.
Mr.. Homba grunted unwillingly,
and the frown deepened between his
eyes.
viii you not lend the saw. father"
pleaded the boy.
No said Mr.. Hombach.
The tool box stood on the work
bench in sight of both On top was
just such a saw as Miss Bradley want
ed. Randolph looked at the narrow,
cleaning blade anxiously, then at his
father. "How's Miss Elizabeth to fill
ish her work." he asked.
Mr.. Hombach shook his bushy hair
no! The woman has no sense. My
tools are my frienus. Who ever heard
OF tending a triend?'
Randolph's counteuance fell, but in
moment he frightened with a new
thought. on, father" ne gasped out
with GREATNESS eagerness to test the
availability OF his idea couldn't you
take the saw upstairs yourself and do
the work for Miss Eiizabeth-for the
sake of the saw, you know"
Mr.. HOmOach's brows went up
again. and ne ran his fingers Though
his thick, outstanding hair as if the
idea was difficult OF comprehension.
Presently an innocent smile broke
over his face.
Sure enough Randolph" he said,
in an altered tone, his combative spirit
all gone. How absurd of me not to
have thought OF that at first, Yes yes,
of course, that is the only sensible
thing to do, and it will take only a few
moments.
To himself he continued as he went
upstairs with his tool box: That little
Randolph of mine is no common boy
Whoever he is, there is the blood of a
statesman in his ms. He'll make his
mark in the world"
Miss Elizabeth Bradley ola not ask
weeks passed Randolph noticed that
his father went upstairs to chat with
her now and then, to the great disap-
pointment OF the men who called every
evening to discuss politics and to the