Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1903-01-08
5 vi ss :.s::: :::s, S. ,;$ %:: E:

a1and and Domley and his boys turned
their log-teams homeward into the
new-cut road with satisfaction
I'm hungry enough to eat mule -
Tom remarked, avoiding deep rut.
"I'll be glad when the logs are in.
Wonder if dad gets tired? He never
gen, slower Of speech and movement,
scarcely glanced from his horses neck.
eyes, he gets tired" he answered, pres
emily. Hes not iron.''
Il wiSh Rene cared less for society
and more for us boys!' Tom grumbled.
DINNER was abominable! I guess she
don't know how bacon and cold boiled
potatoes taste-from 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 it was when ma was here"
His voice reached farther than he
knew. Domley, on the leader, turned
and gave backward, somber look.
Sudden silence fell, broken only by the
creaking Of chains and rattle of
wheels. When they spoke again it was
about the morrow's work. Domley
cid not encourage idle conversation.
TOMS grievance was. to him, real
one. The religion of old days had been
the religion Of comfort The passing
o. its meek disciple wrought inevitable
changes. There was more lanplight
in the parlor now. more calling, more
meeting of benevolent societies. These
things were all right. but Tom resented
the bacon and cold potatoes.
I Where the road touched the lane
fyil + figure evaded the lead team,
and ST tlpped, painting, before the boys,
almosq under their horses feet. Ii
was xa4irteer-year-old Florence, the
OSBen,' she cried, breathlessly, edo
let me ride, wontsgou? Tessie Birch
1satol1r house. They're in the parlor.
pHactieineM Easter music. They are
sweet ax1nies. the songs are. I'm go
ingto the services Sunday, aren't you +:
Can't ride, Benz
r, Beis{swunS her easily to a place be-
hnld him on the horse. and she clasped
ccld nose against his back.
II wish you'd wear something on
yeur head" he demonstrated. "It's a
wonder sAu don't die. Have they got
anything &Ood to eat at home:"
"MackereI.' disdainfully. "Rice, po
tatoes. biscuit and coffee. Bread
scorched Better hurry-eyerythins'
soorcling.''
"Oh. well, they're singing Tom
: s1arled. II 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
n fellow sets neither money MOI
thanks"
fYou hush up.' Florence flashed
Ben isn't going to light out; he's go
Ing to stay with me! I guess things
aren't burnt anxiously. ''Is it your
birthday tomorrow, Benz"
II guess it isl He withdrew from
mr. embrace and slid hastily to thu
gYound, closing the big gate behind
his wagon. run along to the hous,
now. Babe. have to feed the horses
It's too mortal cold for you to be out
I'll go with you," she volunteered
st3utly. ''Let me-Ill help Yo,
aren't going to light out, Ben, ar,
you:"
''Bother"' Ben roughly brushed he
aside. you're the awfullest kid whel
yot get notion! Run on to the house
I mean what say
When Ben used that tone Florenc
cea ased opportunities. She turned dis
cohtentedly toward the lighted squar
Of the kitchen window. She wante,
to be with Ben. He was her idol-Ber
the taciturn In infancy it was hi
i Shoulder she loved best. In days o
measles end Group he was her savior
Now, as then, he was the one bein
altogether lovely, without spot or blen
ish.
Ben made his horses comfortable
then went to the house, which locke
inviting after the d biting outer al
Logs were ablaze On the hearth, an
thu table was daintily spread. Fl
seated himself, and Florence took po
session Of his knee.
"We're going to have preserve
pears,'' she whispered, encouragingl.
"I'd eat lot IL were you"
Alt the table her irrepressiblity brol
QUIT afresh.
"Do you know tomorrow is Ben
birthday" she demanded.
Mr.. Donley paused mom ent, fo'
in hand. Rene smiled across at n
brother.
..fwenty-oner' she exclaimed. "B'
a voter! I'll give dinner in honor
the tevent. Consider yourselves INV
ed, hll of your
All Domley left the room that eve
ing hesturned gruf1y to his elder So
..We won't work o-norrow.' ne sal
..I'nl going ~ mill You can kno
around ~ 3ss =.
II was lengthy speech for hi
nd gracious one. Ben felt the co
n nent. 'sAll right" he said, IN I
IN his fathers way. I'm