Okolona messenger., 1904-06-08

something struck me as very funny. But
please 60 on. ] win not laugh again. A
thousand a year. you said2"
yes" looking at her curiouslys "and
as soon as I get back shall try 70 sell.
Then viii look about for something that
viii yield a sure return. And I have
found It, always liked agriculture, but
never realized It could show up to such
Advantage as It does here. Ny idea was
that farmers had to keep hold Of plow
handles and things. IL have been
thinking OF It all the morning. Will
buy 4 valley just like this somewhere IN
the neighborhOod, and be a farmer" he
paused. looking embarrassed, then went
on hurriedly: IF IL can make liv-
ing OF it-enough for two. mean-wih
you-will you help me. Lois3"
She had thrown up her head, as though
to stop him.
wait a minute. Mr.. Tisdale," she
cried, impetuously. Il had not intended
to tell YOU But must now. Il would
not be right to let you go on. Our farm
looks prosperous, and love the valley
here better than any place in the worldi
but-but we have been running behind
a thousand a year ever since we bought
the place. That was what made me laugh
when you said that you were losing
thousand. II seemed so funny. You
must not try farming for living. As
to the rest, T." her facefushing rosily.
"am willing to help you, Allan"
She looked at him shyly. but his face
had suddenly grown stern. He shook
his head hopelessly.
Il must take 1t all back, Lois" he
groaned. Il cannot make a living for
one. But here comes your father"
Mr.. BrlstoW refined in beside them Ibis
face inquiring:
Hello, what are you waiting forf" he
exclaimed. IF one fox has outwitted
you, why don't you start another!
What's the matter? You look like fun
eral"
I'll have been telling Allen-Mr
Tisdale-about our falling behind,
stammered Lois. "You see. he spoke Of
buying a farm and following our eE'
ample. and I couldn't let him 90 on
thinking the valley was as prosperous
as It looked"
Mr.. Bristow's face fell. might have
waited until q rainy day." he grumbled
''and not spoil a good chase with suci
news. But longs it's out it's out, and
: suppose you couldn't DO anything else
: Lois. We couldn't stand by and ALLOW
! a guest to run the chance Of losinl
} money. Of course. Yes, Mr.. Tisdale, IT.
all true. Wen have TO sell the valley
t A man can't stand It to fall behind
thousand dollars every year with moth
ing in the background"
. Allan stared, half rose in his saddle
his face becoming transhgured.
"A thousand dollarsl" he cried, Joy
9 ously, "is that what you mean? Can yo
S run place like this and only run benin
e a thousand In dollars?"
t That's what l said" rather testil!
3 "and enough for a man to lose ever
year the Lord knows.
Allan whirled to Lois.
! 'TlI take all that back once more"
I cried. "what l said last. I can make
o living, and want you to help me. " The
y to his puzzled host: Don't you sell II
farm, sir. There won't be any need.
g thought Lois-she's promised to be N
h wife, YOU Inow-meant pounds, that
y what I've been losing. Butyours are do
lars. Don't you see the difference WI
l be nearly 4,OOO-dollars That will be
nice profit for Us, with what the far
I Yields. viii buy part Of the valley,
| the whole Of It, II you like; or we vi
live on It together"
/ Mr.. Bristow was choking.
i "You and Lois may fx that up betwe'
/ you" he at last gasped. ''The profile
is too complicated for me. But I'm gl'
the valley isn't to be sold. Now let us g
/, the dogs on q new scent. The foxes vi
be getting old and fat If We leave the
III ! fafo khfo