Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1903-09-25


way along the valley in which the
town nestled they bore to the left
towards lofty range of hills. The
sun was slowly westering, and be-
yond the brooding vale where the
winding Oskenonto flowed, on the
crown of the first abrupt rise Ros-
sitter saw the sIanting rays kindle to
golden fire the spire and vane of the
old college chapel. At the sight OF
the shifting wind-indicator one of his
student pranks flashed into his mind,
thing that had dropped from his
memory for years-how in the lazy
spring afternoons he used to place
chair in the deep window of his bed
room and, having lowered the upper
sash, pepper away with his revolver
at the veering arrow.
"Now that I'm SO near" he
thought, his eyes still upon the spire
and the trees that hid the other col
lege buildings, 81 must walk over
some Sunday and have a look at the
dear old place"
A little breeze sprang up as they as
cended, stirring the leaves in the APP
ple-orchards, and causing the foliage
of two ancient poplars that lowered
where the road forked to glisten here
and there like quicksilver.
"Do you see those trees?" exclaimed
Jack Parmelee, suddenly turning to
his weary wagon load. ''Well, from
the way they act we're goin' to
have rain afore tomorrow mornin',
an mighty big blessin' it'll be tool"
A peacock with spread tail paraded
its vanity before them as they
passed this point, and as they were
bending to the right gave a long,
raucous cry which was the occasion
of a vast amount of amusement
among many of the young people who
had never heard the birds peculiar
call before.
"Now, we're sure of it," said Jack
Parmelee, Mister Peacock's an au-
thority on the rain question. It's
luck all around-better hops an bet
ter pickin'.''
"What goodn the rain do the hops
now?'' one of the prospective pick
ers inquired. ''They amt goin' to
grow any more, be they?''
It'll cool the air an keep 'em
from mouldin'. I've been mighty
scarf of 'em for day or two an
swered the driver. 'Such a spell O
heat raises thunder with 'em some
times''
Several hop fields had already
been passed, and there was now a
yard upon either side of the road.
Everyone began to regard the vines,
each pole with its hops like swarm
of bees at the top, with an increased
interest. When these fields had
been left behind Mamie Becraft and
a number of others commenced cram
ing their necks as though they
thought that their destination must
be in sight.
There's the housed" cried one.
ST can see the hop-kiln!" ex-
claimed another. and in spite of the
uncertain motion of the wagon over
the stony road several mounted the
seats for the purpose of obtaining a
better view.
YES" Jack Parmelee remarked,
we're about there, and I reckon sup
peril be ready"
This announcement was hailed with
various comments of satisfaction.
The jaded horses seemed to realize
that they too were about to be re-
warded for their part in the tire
some journey, and struck into a
brisker walk. Everyone forgot, for
the instant, the heat and the discom-
fort, and became animated and alert.
Rossiter caught something of the ex-
element of the moment, and rose
partly from his seat as the wagon APP
preached large, white farmhouse
set midway in a spacious yard. In
front were several tall locust trees.
In the rear, upon the nearer side,
stood the barns, the hop-l1iln with
its queer ventilator upon the top,
and various other outbuildings. Be
yond, there appeared to be garden
and orchard. while directly opposite
was huge hop field.
AS they entered the yard a robust,
smooth-shaven man came out upon
| the piazza at the side of the house,
closely followed by two women. The
man, who was in shirt sleeves and
wore ribbonless wide brimmed hat
of straw, paused with his lips parted
| in smile, his hands upon his hips,
and his feet spread wide, and sur
veyed the wagonload. The women,
sisters evidently, slender, kindly
faced, and rather short of statue,
shaded their eyes and examined~the
newcomers with curiosity and inter-
| est.
There's Mr.. and Mrs. Merton"
| said Mrs. Becraft to Jim. ''That's Mrs
Merton this way; the others her sis
| ter. Miss Parmelee, who lives with
EN-. They's daughter, but I don't
see her"
"A1 right, Jack?" asked Mr.. Mer-
ten, descending the porch steps.
Eyes. all right" returned Parmelee,
leaping from his perch and giving
himself "A shake