Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1902-02-27


working TO cut a large slice, which
she brought TO Randolph on one of
her prettiest china plates.
The Thought returned to the boy
mind that Miss Elizabeth was very
much nicer than any younger lady.
One could be quite comfortable be-
side her; she had no airs" she
wasn't "giddy;" she didn't tease and
make fun Of boys as young girls did.
II fate had provided him with moth
er instead Of father, he felt he
would have liked mother like Miss
Elizabeth Bradley.
Here, however, the object of his
thoughts interrupted.
II doubt I'll have 10 trouble you
again. Randolph" she said. "Please
take the chisel back to your pa with
my compliments, and bring me up a
little saw. Mine Is 80 big and clumsy
that can't manage IT,"
Certainly, Miss Elizabeth, I'll-ask
him." responded Randolph, with some
misgivings as 20 what would be the
outcome of this second appeal for the
loan OF tool
II did not promise well for the sue
cess of his errand that, going down
stairs. he heard his father arguing
yebemently with man In the work
shop. He waited outside until the
man had gone. But. Mr.. Hombach,
pursuing a habit he sometimes in
dulged in, continued to demolish the
argument of his vanished opponent.
"You are wrong" he vociferated;
"the present need OF the country"
Father" interrupted 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 theoryl You don't know"
Randolph was Obliged to wait until
the argument was concluded. Then
he said, speaking very earnestly, in
his clear, boyish tones:
Miss Elizabeth thanks you for the
chisel father. Here IT is. See, II
isn't spoiled. She's n very nice, care
ful lady, Miss Elizabeth Is. She needs
a little saw very badly; hers is an
old, rusty one, and II won't work"
What What's that" exclaimed
Mr.. Hombach, raising his black brows
with fresh start OF horror. "Does |
the woman want a saw now? was
n fool--n fool I might have known
was only making trouble for my
self! BAH" His disgust turned 10
severe irony. Maybe the woman
would like the tool boxl"
Miss Elizabeth is going to give me
a slip off her pink geranium," said
Randolph.
Mr.. Hombach grunted unwillingly, |
and the frown deepened between his
eyes.
"Will you not lend tho saw. fa-
ther?" pleaded the boy.
NO" said Mr.. Hambach.
The tool box stood on the work
bench In sight OF both. On top was
Just such saw ms Miss Bradley
Randolph looked at the mar
row, cleaning blade anxiously, then
AZ his father. "IIow Is Miss Eliza
beth to finish her work." he asked.
Mr.. Hombach shook his bushy hair
"I cannot lend toolsl
No, mol The woman has no sensel
My tools are my friendsl Who ever
heard OF lending friend?"
Randolph's countenance fell; but in
a moment he frightened with n new
thought.
30, father" he gasped out with
breathless engerness to test the
Variability OF his idea. couldn't you
take the saw upstairs yourself and
10 the work for Miss Elizabeth-for
lhe sake OF the saw, you know?"
Mr.. Hombach's brows went up
again. and he ran his fingers through
iis thick. outstanding hair as II the
dea was difficult Of comprehension.
Sure enough. Randolph" he said in
IN altered tone, his combative spirit
III gone. GLOW absurd OF me not to
ave thought OF that II frat Yes,
yes, OF course, that is the only sensi-
Die thing to do, and It will take only
! few moments"
To himself he continued as he went
ipstnirs with his tool box; "That lit
lie Randolph OF mine Is no common
'oy. Whoever he is. there Ia the
Hood OF statesman In his veins.
Ie'l make his mark In the world"
Miss Elizabeth Bradley did not ask
or the loan of any more tools. As
he weeks passed Randolph noticed
hat his father went upstairs TO chat
With her now and then. to the great
isappointment OF the men who
allied every evening to discuss poll
les, and to the relief OF the neigh
ors who wanted TO sleep.
81 guess there's something in the
'ind," gossiped Mrs. Marary of the
econd floor front 20 her neighbor
I the hall room.
80, it's all settled; she's maxim the
ieddin' Dress" came the reply; "and
IN right glad, it's 30 suitable all
ound. 1t ain't right for u man and
boy to be eatin' at n RESTRAINT day
l and day out. The only wonder il
hey didn't make n match OF II long
Globe.