Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1903-06-11
fish IN THE MILK /
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u il 81 j. j j. = q i u q ga

A few years ago left the farm and
went away to school.
1t wasn't long ere | had observed
that there was spirit of rivalry ex-
listing among the farmers.
1t was noticeable in their buggies,
carriages, harness, lap-robes and
horses; in the height of their boot
legs, and the number of red and vel
low stars and crescents on the fronts.
In those days the boys would stand
on the courthouse steps, or sit on the
counters in the Columbia grocery and
smoke "twofers," or chew Granger
Twist" and bet on which one could
spit the farthest.
Spring approached, and | was out
very early Of mornings, when | be-
came interested in two dairy wagons.
Rivals, as sure as fate" thought.
One was Farmer Browns wagon;
the other, Farmer JONES'.
AS the days passed l could notice
that when Brown would make an i'm
proVement in his milk cans, wagon or
harness, Jones would, the very next
morning, have as good or better.
When l first observed them they
each drove only one horse Brown
rugged up two; next morning, Jones
drove two.
They each drove an open wagon.
Brown had his covered with red oil
cloth; Jones had his covered with
white.
They each had only one plain milk
can. Brown appeared with two milk
cans, with two brass bands around
each; Jones came out next morning
with two cans, with three brass bands
on them
While | had taken no interest in
rivalry, where most Of the college fell
lows had, saw here a contest to the
finish between Brown and Jones that
appealed to me very much, being my.
self a farmer. My sympathies were
with Brown, as he was the older man,
and he furnished milk to the family
where l roomed. It seemed the old
fellow was at his wits end, for he still
came with only two brass rings or
namenting his milk cans, while Jones
gloried in three.
A few mornings later | noticed
Brown had new set of harness with
high, brass-mounted names. The old
mans face was aglow with triumph.
Next morning Jones appeared with
new harness, with higher names,
and they were silver mounted.
This state Of advancement existed
for a month; Brown holding forth
with brass trimmings and Jones with
silver trimmings.
wanted to see Brown move I'D a
notch. but he seemed stalled.
Warm days having arrived, | con-
cluded to go fishing, and on a partic-
ular Saturday | started for the river.
few miles from town. On the way
out heard wagon approaching from
the rear. Looking back, | recognized
the red top of Browns milk wagon,
and, as | stepped aside to let him
pass, was hailed with these words:
IF you're goin' out to the crick git
in an I'll give you boost"
The old man pulled up and | climb
ed in and rode to the river. As
was getting out, he said:
Young Teller, If you git lank under
the jacket, why jist sannter over
thar to that white house an I'll feed |
you"
About noon l concluded | would |
"sa'nter over" and share Browns ex.
tended hospitality. AS | opened the
gate was greeted with:
Il knowed you'd come bout feedin'
time Come in and have a cheer.
Ketch anything?"
Not a thing" | replied, "and | con.
cluded would rather visit with Won
than to fish"
Glad uf it, fur need a young head
to help me think; to help me git even
yes, more than even-with Jones. I
thought this mornin', when you rid
out with me, how you might give me
some p'inters-but let's feed an then
talk"
After good dinner, Brown said:
Young Teller, now | want you 10
tell me how can down him."
We'll, Mr.. Brown, | have been an
interested spectator Of your nght and
have often thought, when your var.
on would rattle and your horses hoofs ]