The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1902-12-05
KEEN wind blew from the |

place 10 steely tints. Twilight was al
hand, and Domley and his boys turned
their logteams homeward into the
new-cut road with satisfaction.
I'm hungry enough TO eat mule,
Tom remarked, avoiding deep rut
'TI be glad when the logs are in
Wonder if dad gets tired? lie never
let's on"
Ben. slower OF speech and movement,
scarcely glanced from his horses neck.
"Yes, he gets tired" he answered. pres
emily. Hes not iron"
II wish Rene cared less for society
and more for us boys!' Tom grumbled.
Dinner was abominable! ! guess she
don't know how bacon and cold boiled
potatoes taste-from n dinner pail.
She's selfish clear through. like all
girls. She thinks she's all right; may
be she is; but home isn't. It's not
what il was when ma was here"
His voice reached farther than he
knew. Domley, on the leader, turned
and gave a backward. somber look.
Sudden silence fell, broken only by the
creaking OF chains and rattle OF
wheels. When they spoke again II was
about the morrow's work. DOmley
did not encourage idle conversation.
Toms grievance was, to him. real
one. The religion of old days had been
the religion Of comfort. The passing
of its meek disciple wrought inevitable
changes. There was more lamplight
in the parlor now, more calling, more
meeting OF benevolent societies. These
things were all right, but Tom resented
the bacon and cold potatoes.
Where the road touched the lane
flying figure evaded the lead team,
and stopped, painting, before the boys,
almost under their horses feet. 1t
was thlrteen-year-old Florence, the
baby.
80 Ben" she cried. breathlcssly. "do
let me ride, won't your Tcssie Birch
is at our house. They're In the parlor,
practlcng Easter music. They are
sweet as lilies. the songs are. I'm go.
ing to the services Sunday. aren't you?
Can't / ride Benz
Ben swung her easily to place be
hind him on the horse. and she clasped
him about the waist, smuggling her
cold nose against his back.
81 wish you'd wear something on
your head" he demonstrated. ITS n
wonder you don't die! Have they got
anything good to eat at home"
"Mackerel" dlsdalnfully. Rice, po-
tatoes, biscuit and coffee Bread
scorched. Better hurry ry-eycrythng' S
scorChnsw
"Oh. well, they're singing" Tom
snarled. 81 say, Ben you're your own
man after tomorrow. I'd light out.
I'd hunt up Uncle Bart. | don't intend
to work on here when my times up,
A fellow gets neither money nor
thanks"
You hush MP" Florence flashed
"Ben isn't going to light out; he's 60
ing to stay with me! | guess things
aren't burnt" nnxiously. "Is it youi
birthday tomorrow. Benz"
~ guess 1t is" He Withdrew from
her embrace and slid hastily To the
ground, closing the big gate behind
his wagon. "Run along TO the house
now. Babe. have to feed the horses
It's too mortal cold for you TO he out. y
"I'll go with you" she volunteered
stoutly Let me-I'll help. You
aren't going TO light out, Ben, are
you"
Bother Ben roughly brushed hcl
aside. you're the awfullest kid wher
you get notion! Run on to the house
/ mean what | say
When Ben used that tone Florence
ceased opportunities. She turned dis
contentedly toward the lighted square
OF the kitchen window. She wanted
to be with Ben. He was her idol-Ben
the taciturn. In infancy II was hi
shoulder she loved best In days o
measles end Group he was her savior
Now. as then, he was the one belnl
altogether lovely, without spot or blCm
ish.
Zen made his horses comfortable
then went TO the house, which locke,
inviting after the biting outer ali
Logs were abaze on the hearth. am
the table was dantily spread IL
seated himself. and Florence took pos
session of his knee.
Were going TO have preserve
pears" she whispered, encouragingly
I'D eat lot If were you"
At the table her irrepressiblty brok
out afresh.
"Do you know tomorrow is Ben
birthday" she demanded.
Mr.. Domley paused a moment. for
In hand. Rene smiled across at he
brother
"Twenty-onew she exclaimed. "Be
voter! I'll give dinner in honor {
the event. Consider yourselves invi
ed, all of your
AS Domley left the room that ever
ing he turned grufily to his elder sol
I'VE won't work tomorrow" he sal,
I'm going to mill. You can knoc
around"
1t was a lengthy speech for hin
and gracious one. Ben felt the con
pliment. "All right" he said. in a
most his fathers way. I'm II,
sorry"
Tom was not so reticent. The pror
ise of days rest and an old.time di
ner warmed his blood.
Help Rene clean up" he whisper,
10 Florence. as he lighted his stub
candle Mt the log. I'm going to a'
some fellows home TO dinner. Ha'
something decent to eat"
With the first light Florence shiver,
into her clothes. 1t was Saturday al
4.