Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1902-07-01
Nothing but the papers in this pes

Nothing but the papers in this pes
tiferous dispute between Ames and Phil
lips" answered Russell.
Because I've got some extra hazbard-
GUS in my satchel!' half-laughed Bur-
ton.
"How's that?'
"a dozen genuine double-headed Chi
nese giant fre-bombs. Brought 'em clear
from Manila to celebrate Fourth of July
with the Phillips kids. Looks, though"
suggested Burton. ruefully, "as if there
isn't going to be much celebrating around
| these parts"
Il fear not" gravely replied Russell.
81 suppose you know the bone of conten-
ton between these two stubborn-headed
old fellows"
81 don't, but 1 want to know" assert
ed Burton.
"Wen, you remember the eighty-acre
strip that lies between the two farms
belongs to the Morris estate. Last year
Ned Morris leased it for ten years to
Ames. Same time, unknowingly, Ida
Morris leased it to Phillips. Both claim
ed it. Neither would give in. They've
fought like cats and dogs over their re-
spective claims. l suggested they use it
alternate years. No go. I've got the
leases in my document bag there. and I've
come down to see if they won't fix the
matter up"
When they reached the Phillips farm
joyous brood of children surrounded
"Uncle Rolfe." He was kept busy dis
tributing newly minted dollars and
agreeing to help them shoot off their
fireworks, and act the festive old boy gen.
orally.
Provided with the means of replenish-
ment, the children set off some of their
stock in hand Meantime, old Seth came
in from the fields. Burton sat on the
veranda, watching the stubborn-eyed
farmer while the lawyer explained that
he and ,Ames must compromise or go to
law.
Law be itw cried Seth. "I'n never
give in."
Bang!
An awful clatter rent the air. The spot
where they had left the lawyers horse
and buggy was a maelstrOm of fire and
detonation..
my double-headed Chinese bombs"
cried Burton.
my legal document bag" quavered
Russell.
This had happened: The youthful Phil
lips brood had thrown some crackers into
the buggy, fire had communicated to the
contents, there had been an explosion,
had gone up in smoke!
"Hurrah for the Fourth of Julyv'
Uncle Rolfe waved his hat with will.
But it isn't the Fourth of July-yet"'
piped tiny nephew.
"Hurrah for the third of July. Them
-bo1r hon tod
Buggy blown to flinders, horse run away,
Lawyer Russell scared to death, but all
the same-hurrah!'
There was cause for jubilation. Uncle
Rolfe had come as the good angel of the
occasion.
Now, four hours after the explosion,
two shame-faced neighbors shook hands,
and made up" and meekly smiled upon
happy Alma and George, cooling among
the rose bushes.
The explosion had ended ''litigation,"
for it had blown to flinders both of the
leases that made the eighty acres a bone
of contention.
'Two well-disposed, lifetime-friend
cronies fighting over a bit of land!' raj
lied Burton. you stubborn old noodles,
I'll soon settle that. Know what I'm GO
ing to do?'
All hands looked expectant, for Uncle
Rolfe was always doing something great.
I've deputized Russell to buy the
eighty acres for me. You, Seth, shall
have half of it to till; you, 81, the other
half-for a year."
And then?" inquired both farmers in
a voice.
"Why, then" crowed Uncle Rolfe. rap
turously, II shall give it to George and
Alma. The things settled-they'r going
to get married next Fourth of July!"