The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-02-04

store and stopped for moments chat.
There was nothing unusual about the fact
that Uncle Billie was sitting on the porch
or that he was peeling apples, nor about
Big Joe stopping for a chat; the unusual
thing was the chat, for they usually kept
pretty close to some common topic, like
the weather or the price of cattle and
hogs. But to-day Joe said, in his buster
ing, whole-souled way:
Say, why can't you go to Chattanooga
with us boys? 'Twould do you world of
good to get out with old comrades once
more! You stick too close to home for 4
man of your age!'
Just then the screen door was opened
by Martha Ann, Uncle Billie's married
daughter, who said, in her high-keyed
voice: PAS not able to take no such trips
an old man on to do things he's past doin'.
Home is the best place for an old man like
Pa! | don't want to hear no talk of him
traipsin' off to none of them Reunions and
such things; they amt no sense i'll it.
She shut the screen door with a slam, as
il to emphasize her remarks. The light
that had come into Uncle Billie's dim eyes
faded, and picking up an apple he went to
work nervously, as if to make up for lost
throat as if to say something, then turned
and went down the street
'Tis q measly shame" he said to HIM
self. 1.-THE way that Martha Ann rules her
father. / don't believe he dare draw n
long breath unless she tells him he may.
Takes charge Of his pension as soon as he
draws it; uses good part of it, too, Ill
bet. Never let's him talk to an old COM
rade in any peace, in his own home. anu
never lets him tend any of our Reunions.
Strange how she got him under her thumb.
for he used TO have as much spirit as any
man | ever saw. Too old to get away
from home? Shucks! He's just a year
elder'n me, and I'd like to see anybody set
me down in a chimney corner and tell me
to stay there the rest of my match raj days!
II something could only happen to make
him spunk up bit and show her that he
is somebody, he might get possession of
hisself again. / believe I'll make some
thing happen" then, as a thought flashed
through his mind, he went chuckling down
the street, intent on making plans for the
something that he meant to make happen
In the meantime Uncle Billie was peel
ing apples mechanically. 1t seemed to him
that there was always something to peel
There were the potatoes all the year
round; and this week ne had been given
the task Of peeling apples to dry 1T was
no use for apples to go TO waste and him
sitting around with nothing to do" Martha
Ann had said, so he sat peeling all day
long. Next week the peaches would be
ready to can, and he would have to peel
on indefinitely. He did not feel rebel
lious: that feeling had past long ago. lie
had been made TO feel that his day was
over when his wife had died and his
daughter and her family had moved in to
take care of him. He had given in, stub
bornly at first, but gradually; he had erept
back out Of the way, willing at last to do
anything required of him, if by so dong
he could escape the tongue-lashings OF
Martha Ann. The hardest thing to give
up had been his comfortable sitting-room,
with its CHEEKY fireplace. and to have his
things huddled back into the little bed
room off the kitchen. But Martha Ann
had needed his room for spare room.
she said, so she cleaned it regularly Spring
and Fall, and shut it up closely the rest of
the year.
Uncle Billie sometimes dreamed OF the
days when he was Capt Brent, looked up
to and respected by all; but when he woke
from these dreams he still wore an abject
look. as il he was apologiZing for the
amount Of space he occupied in the world
:, The peeling went on all week, and Big
Joe did not stop again until the middle OF
Thursday afternoon. When he came up
the walk he gazed cautiously about, then
asked in a low tone, martha Ann any
where aboutT'
mo: she's gone to Aid Society; won't
he back till near night; did you want to
see herr" Uncle Billie asked.
mo; you bet l didn't" was the ready
answer, in Big Joe's natural voice; then
he added, Il come to get you to go round
to the station with me to see US boys off
70 Chattanooga"
: Uncle Billie dropped the apple into the
ran, and let his knife fall gathering to the
koor. 'I-I-guess l better not" lie
hammered. 80, yes. you WILL" Big Joe
raid. Wash your hands and come on;
you're always clean and trim, owing to
wearing that apron"
: Uncle Billie blushed like girl. for the
wearing of Martha AIMS eheckered aprons
tied about his neck to protect his suit Of
army blue was indeed a thorn in the flesh
to which he could never become reconciled
What you afraid off" Big Joe asked,
as the old man still hesitated. I'D be
likely to be afraid Of a woman, il l was
the man that had stood firm i'm some of
the hottest battles this country ever had!
Come onr'
Uncle Billie united the apron, trotted
around TO the pump to wash his hands,
and then walked down the street beside
Big Joe. AT the station he was greeted
cordially by many old comrades, all ex-
pressing the wish that he, too, was en-
route for Chattanooga.
"Come up in the coach a minute" said
Big Joe, when they were all boarding the
train. THE train don't leave for some
time yet, / guess, and we'll play like
you're going, too" He drew the old man
mp the steps into the coach. and not heed
: ing his expostulations, he placed him next
the window and sat down; just as the train
started with changing Of the bell and a
shrill whistle. Uncle Billie started IN in
dismay, but Big Joe held him in the sea I
with his strong arms, until the train was
running at high speed; then, looking
down into the frightened, old face, he said
good-naturedly:
i've kidnapped you: but don't take il to
heart, old comrade. You're on your way
: TO Chattanooga TO have the time of your
life. l knew il / could get you off that
porch l could snap my fingers at Martha
Ann, and for once luck was on my side,
Not word about the money; I've got il
right here. IL you feel like the trim Is
worth the price when we get through with
II, and ever have chance to pay il back
all right; and il you don't it's ali right
We're out of Brayton now: draw q long
breath and begin to enjoy thingsr'