Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1904-11-24

dinner. Jim Brown.
Miss Halfway rose disconsolately
from the steps I suppose the well
hasn't gone away, too,' she said. al
least we ought to be able to get a
drink of water.
Alas, the well was inside the wood
shed, as they could see by looking in
at the window.
Il hate people who are so suspi-
cious," cried Eleanor. AS if any one
would steal their old well!'
.eThere must be some way of getting
In suggested Dick Pm going to
try anyway
He returned in a moment to report
an unattached sash, and through it they
climbed into the kitchen. 1t was a
pleasant old room. with bright rag
ticking solemnly in one corner.
1.-THE idea Of their leaving this love
ly, CHEEKY. homely place to take din-
ner somewhere else!'' said Eleanor aft
er she had had her drink and looked
about Why, it's the place for Il
Thanksgiving dinner. 1t seems rather
criminal, though, doesn't it. she con-
tinued in hushed voice ito break in
this way-rather robbery and burglari
Gus? l wonder if they would mind?'
Surely not. We are castaways
aren't we, on desert island?"
Like Mrs Lecks and Mrs Ale
shine
AMI o-e, tbo ina,
ger jar on the mantelshelf," said Dick
A sudden light of inspiration came
into his face There's a stove" he
remarked slowly, "and wood, l be-
lieye, and pots and pans and dishes
and pantry. It's clear case Of
Providence. Can you-er cook any
thing?"
"Oh," gasped Eleanor, but it's-I
can fry chicken if there was one and
cream potatoes and''
Dick walked to the pantry. Then he
called her to look. On shelf was
raw, deep golden pumpkin pie. ''Des-
sert,'' he said. "Now for the cellar
1--WE got itr' he called up a moment
later as he stood looking eagerly down
the stairs. Then he reappeared, pan
of cream in one hand, basket of po-
tatoes in the other and chicken under
his arm
Chicken, cried Eleanor ecstatically,
"and cream Oh, you dear, dear boy"
She pluclled an apron off nail and
rolled up her sleeves. Now, go and
split some WOOD she ordered, land
make the fire, and fill the kettle, and
then Ill tell you what else TO do. I
won't have any lounging or laziness,
she ended, with mock severity.
Dick obeyed meekly and was sent or
errands to the cellar for butter, ard
to the pantry for suet (and he did not
know what that was, and she had to
ingl and TO the barn for any eggs lie
could find. Then he stood about in
the way watching Eleanor, enveloped
in voluminous check apron, her arms
dusty with flour, her eyes dancing as
she scurried about, now peeling the
potatoes, now looking wisely into a
bubbling saucepan, now basting the
chicken, stirring, tasting, seasoning,
burning her fingers and holding them
up for sympathy Dick meanwhile
made toast and set the table and drew
a jug of cider and brought impossible
articles for her service, and with it all
wondered why any one had servants
when housekeeping was such glori-
Gus business.
And the dinner-it was very mira
cle-the chicken golden brown, crisp,
delicious; the potatoes a creamy dream,
the pumpkin pie-well, Eleanor had
not made the pie, but still it was very
good. And, to crown the feast, there
was she, just across the narrow table,
flushed and radiant with triumph
Hasn't it been jolly y Dick cried at
last, when The dinner was eaten.
ITS just been the loveliest adyen-
ture that ever was said Eleanor.
IT'S like fairy tale, like the three
bears. | believe this is the house Of
the three bears-they would be named
Brown, you know and l fear any mo-
ment to hear them come in and growl
out, w no eaten up my DIedu stlll
milk?' l am glad you are along to
protect me from their vengeance"
yes said Dick, $50 am l."
Eleanor's adorable bare arms were
on the table There was such lit
tie space between her hands and his.
A man might by leaning
yes. it's been glorious said Dick
slowly only can't it last Eleanor,
dears' He leaned across and took her
hands in his.
Her face sobered for moment; then
she smiled
IF you are satisfied with my cook
ing, | guess the place will suit, she
whispered
Some hours later the Black Pearl
came rolling up to the gate with Dick
at the lever.
Il knew it would go all right now"
Eleanor said triumphantly. Next
time / hope you'll believe me-