Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1905-03-15

would not II / could"
And when he parted from her. never
before had he believed one woman
could seem 80 priceless.
~ CHAPTER zXXXVIlI.
THANKSGIVING DAY.
Thanksgiving had always been the
most important day in Aunt Comforts
calendar, and latterly the one most
anticipated by Meier. For many weeks
previous to it's advent he began to
count the days ere it was due, and
when preparations came, he was not
only boy ready and willing to do
all that was asked, but one who seemed
to be hunting for chores and chances
to assist. First came the selection Of
the latest turkey in the flock few
days ahead, and his coping and extra
feeding in due preparation for the
grand event. In this occult matter
Meier displayed almost abnormal
acumen, and; could tell By the birds
strut and how he held his Wings which
one to choose. Chickens must also be
selected and shut up, and here again
Nezer's night visit to tlia roost and
choice Of fowls showed discretion.
The yellowest ripe pumpkin was
picked out from the pile hy him, and
all manner of smaller vegetables as
we'll. He cheerfully carried a big
basket of good things to old Cy and
others, and poor families q mile away
for Aunt Comfort; he mace no COM
plant at chopping wood, and when tho
big oven over the fireplace must be
cleaned out, he was anxious to do it.
BY the time the all-important morning
arrived he had reached a state of al
most delirious excitement, and was
usually underfoot all the time while
watching the women folks preparing
tarts and jellies and filling the many
kinds Of pies. to be deity transferred
to the deep. oven on q long handled
shovel. TO keep him quiet he was al
lowed 10 help. and Angie usually put
an apron on him and set him pairing
apples or chopping mince-meat.
When preparations were we'll on and
Aunt Comfort, who never forgot to 60
to church, hurried away FOR the brief
service, then Nezer's expectancy
reached its critical stage, and not even
a circus coming into town would have
tempted him out of the house. II CON-
pany came, his excitement was in
creased, and so keen was hfs anticipa-
ton that his best clothes were donned
with cheerful resignation. Tho only
rift within the lutte of his perfect Joy
was having to wait so long, and. when
the banquet was served, to be the
last to receive his portion. He made
amends, however, in quantity, for his
plate had to be passed up three times.
and he usually found room for two
pieces Of mince pie besides.
When the joyful day came again,
both Aunt Comfort and Angle set
about making it memorable, and in
vited a gathering that was likely ia
crowd their home to its limit: First,
DIR. Sol and his wife, and Martin. of
course, then his mother, sister and
her family, consisting Of her husband
and three children, from Rivert3n, az
we'll. Then Aunt Lorey, whose ability
to assist at and enjoy such an affair
was even superior to her utility at fu-
nerals, was included
II don't know where We can put all
Martins family to Sleep" asserted An
gle, somewhat ruefully, when she and
Aunt Comfort began counting their
guests. "The out-of-town people
will need four rooms, and we have Only
two spare ones furnished"
I'VE won't worry bout such .trifles,' -
Aunt Comfort responded; 1--WE kin
double up somehow, and Meier kin
sleep on the settle"
She had set about celebration that
was one, and the matter of crowding
was a trif1e of no account, and the
event was one the like of which her
ancient dwelling had not held since
the Joyous days of her youth. For
three days the women folks were more
than busy, and the store of good things
provided seemed limitless. Twice the
big oven had to be heated to bake all
the pies, and again to hold the twu
turkeys and tempting spare rib, and
Nezer's nose was nearly blistered while
basting them. Martin. obtained per-
mission to add his mite, and he sent
to the city for flowers enough to turn
the whole house into a bower, and
had Aunt Comfort known what they
cost, she would have tainted. 1t mat
tered not to him, however, for he was
In that state Of mind when money
seemed like the dry leaves of autumn
compared to Angles happiness.
Meier was almost beside himself
with Joy when the supreme day ar
rived, but when the somewhat citif1ed
Riverton party drove up and two pert
and pretty girls about hts own age
alighted with the rest, he, for perhaps
the second time in his life. felt scared.
OF the introductions, hand-shakings
and genteel efforts to make everybody
feel at home and happy, nothing need
be said. ."
DR.. Sol and family soon Joined the
party, and when Formally had merged
into the happy-go-lucky cheerfulness
OF such an occasion and the banquet
was served, no pen can describe ,ita
all-around enjoyment or hilarity.
ITO Be Continued.1
Tender and True.
Squire Benson was often consulted