Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1903-02-25

their log-teamS homeWard into the
new-cut road with satisfaction.
"I'm hungry enough to eat a mule ,
Tom remarked, avoiding a deep rut
"1'n be glad when the logs are in
Wonder If dad gets tired? He never
lets on"
Ben, slower of speech and movement
scarcely glanced from his horses neck
"Yes, he gets tired" he answered. pres
emily. Hes not iron"
81 wish Rene cared less for society
and more for us boys!" Tom grumbled
Dinner was abomlnable! l guess she
don't know how bacon and cold boiled
potatoes taste-from a 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 1t 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 it was
about the morrow's work Domley
did not encourage idle conversation.
Toms grievance was. to him, a 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 We're 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 thirteen-year-old Florence, the
baby.
80 Ben" she cried, breathlessly, "do
let me ride, won't you? Tessie Birch
is at our house. They're in the parlor,
practicing Easter music. They are
sweet as lilies, the songs are I'm go.
ing to the services Sunday, aren't you?
Can't l ride, Benz"
Ben swung her easily to place be-
hind him on the horse, and she clasped
him about the waist, smuggling her
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 homeT
"Mackerelw disdainfully. "Rice. DO
tatoes, biscuit and coffee. Bread
scorched. Better hurry-everything's
scorchingr'
"oh, WE'LL they're singingw Tom
snarled. Il 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 up! Florence flashed.
"Ben isn't going to light out; he's 60
Ing to stay with me! I guess things
aren't burnt" anXiously. "Is it your
birthday tomorrow. Benz"
81 guess it 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. I have to feed the horses.
It's too mortal cold for you to be out"
"1'll go with you" she volunteered,
stoutly. "Let me-I'n help. You
aren't going to light out, Ben, are
you"
"Bother!" Ben roughly brushed her
aside. you're the awfullest kid when
you get notion! Run on to the house;
I mean what l 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 it was his
shoulder she loved best. In days OF
measles and Group he was her savior.
Now, as then, he was the one being
altogether lovely, without spot or blem-
lsh
Ben made his horses comfortable.
then went to the house, which looked
inviting after the biting outer air.
Logs were ablaze on the hearth, and
the table was daintily spread. He
seated himself and Florence took pos
session OF his knee.
"We're going to have preserved
pears" she whispered. encouragingly
I'D eat n lot if I We're youw
At the table her irrepressibllty broke
out afresh.
'Do you know tomorrow is Bcns
birthday" she demanded.
Mr. Domley paused a moment, fork
in hand. Rene smiled across at hel
brother.
"Twenty-one" she exclaimed. "Bcn
n voter! I'll give n dinner in honor OF
the event Consider yourselves invit
ed all of you"'
AS Domley left the room that even
ing he turned grufIly to his elder son
"We won't work tomorrow" he said
"I'm going to mill. You can knocl
around"
1t was n lengthy speech for him
and a gracious one. Ben felt the com
pliment. "All right" he said. in al
most his fathers way. I'm no
sorry"
Tom was not so reticent. The prom
1se of days rest and an old-time din