Evening star., 1902-05-31

most part level and shady. He had hoped
10 go ana come, riding at Rowena's elbow
ana somehow to tell her of his love- 1t
was bad enough to have the hack upset
and all that, but nothing compared to find
Ing himself thus forced to help in shep-
herding the Anderson flock. Yet he could
not protest. Jim Polk, it was evident,
fully approved Joe's plan-and Jim Polk :
word was law. More than that the humor
of his discontinue appealed to him. He
laughed boyishly as he said: you be right
easy, Joe. You shall have all the states
and territories, every single one AS for
me, III search the scripchers 1 always did
like Miss Rachel-Susan and Miss Jerusha-
Ann, better'n all the rest"
The hack was the focus of all eyes when
upon June meeting day it drew up with a
great nourlsh little way from the church
uoor- Clay Bank Church stood In a wide
shady grove, Hospitality unfenced. II
was square, squat and steepleless, with
log walls, many small-paned windows
three doors upon end and sides, and deep
oVerhang1ng caves. Within the floor was
bare, half the benches backless and the
pulpit box-like affair of unpainted deal
All TINS because those who worshiped there
peileVeu e that religion was marred by frills
oi ornament or education. Denominations
ally they were Primitive Baptists though
known locally as Hard Shells.
Mrs. Day sat beside Attacks ready to
grab the reins, it, in her opinion. there was
occasion Behind her the whole space
overhowed with bright-eyed bloom. Row
ena and Adelaide had each a child in her
lap ana others under elbows and on
crickets at their feet Notwitbsta rding
Jim Polk. who rode at the wheel had 81
very small boy up behind him and a crow
ing paby girl snugly nestled on his saddle
bow. ~ e
Mrs. Day had the softest. motherlv drav1
NOW. remember, you Rowe an Addv." she
l>said, as she clambered down and took the
babe In her arms, you amt to he nrofd
and look like you ware stuck up. Speak ter
everybody you know, Jest same as Of u,a
didn't have the hack"
Joe and Teeny pounced upon them "Now
you nave done 1t! Nice time O. day ter git
here! Joe said, reproachfuIly II know
hlts your fault, Jim Polk. Miss Sarahs
done oegun-and ye can't git so much as
ernother flea inside that yonder sacred edi
hce, much less folks"
Why amt you In thar? I thought
sho ly you be bent and bound on fndin'
out the length O. Kansas Nebra ska's foot "
eyes. :"
His wife gave him a glance of mild nro-
| test, saying: You oughter NOT talk tbet
way Sunday, Jim Polk-not even Of wa air
at June-meetin'. 'Tain't like other maetin,
l know. but still" Aiee'ih
But still It's the biggest picnic anyboa,
ever saw Joe broke in. Then snra.Iis SEus
his blue umbrella possessively over Add,,,s
head: Miss Sarah, lemme take keer ~ ti;S
eHiiu Lei ye, untei nave ter go baclx for
my 1ography lesson. Er good little bow like
me oughter have some fun through recaSs
time" Aecess
You Joe! Hush" Miss Sarah said sn,i-
| ing over at Teeny, who stood mute and
olss1ui beside Rowena. Now, you boys
| have done acted SO nice, don't Won po anS
| spile 1t all. lettin' the Andersons see bow
| much you'd ruther wait on-well. other
gals A
| Miss sarah's eyes ranged the whole
| breadth OF shade 1t was f1ecked with neo-
| pie who could not get inside-about half in
| laughing groups, the others paired and
| conscious of nothing beyond their solttude
| of two. The church could not hold a ouar
| ter of the June meeting crowd, but. since
| preaching went on from near sunrise to
sunset, all who really cared to do il could
| come within sound of the gospel,
The laughing groups walked in CAV ~pro-
cession to thesspring, and thence on 70 tbo
barbecue pit. The couples sat stilI-unon
| stumps, logs or the turf itself with bia
| heart in his eyes. Teeny made to lead
Rowena thus apart. They had taken inst
| three steps when gay voice said behind
| them. You ran of from me- but I fol-
| lowed. What do you think you deserve for
| treating me so HIP
| "She didn't run of from you. Mister
Cleve Morton 1t was me took her. In our
| own hack Miss Sarah said. valiantly,
| laying OBTAINING hand upon Rowena' q
| shoulder.
| Joe whistled inaudibly. Teeny's eyelids
narrowed over glints of blue steel Jim
/ Polk got very red. but interposed, or
| handedly: 1T was thus-er-way, Cleve-
l Mr.. Morton. I should of said-we didn't
know, Miss Sarah and me, but Whut 'twus