The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1905-05-03


but Haskits did not even notice she
was there. His mind was wholly with
the plants Joy-of-the-Fa Farm watched
him for some momentsa and then slipped
away and brought her father.
Old Yalu's eyes swept over the young
man keenly, comprehendingly.
you are from Russian ship he
said, loudly and sternly.
This time Hasklts heard, and be rose
trembling.
How do you know, most distin-
guished benefactor?" he stammered.
by your dress; it is of Russian
ship. Why are you here? Did you
desertw
There was hardness in the old mans
voice, though his eyes twinkled. The
girl knew him and smiled, but Hasklts
grew more pale. He threw out his
hands despalringly, yet frankly.
Il will tell you all, most honorable
hlghness,' he said, drearily, though it
will kill me, for you will send me
back. was grower of things to eat.
People said l was better at it than
most, for though only a boy, ! was
making money. But / grew too fast.
A Russian told me that could 90 to
his country and be teacher, that his
people did not know how to grow
things, and that l could make as much
In a year as | could here in a life time.
! was only boy, so took my money
and went. thought would come
back and buy many acres and be
rich man." He paused a moment, and
then went Oh in the same dreary voice:
1T was all lie. They did not want a
teacher They wanted me to be a spy.
and / would not Then they took my
money and tried to make me a soldier.
/ have been a slave ten years"
But was it wise to desertT more
gently. IF they catch you they will
kill you"
Il know" bitterly, "but what differ
ence? l could not fight. would be n
coward and run, and then they would
kin me. | am Japanese, you would
say, and japanese are brave; but all
Of one people are not alike. l am a
grower of things to eat, and not a sol
dier. AS aegrower Of things / could do
good work as a soldier | would be
coward and do harm. 1t is not right
for man TO be what he can mott
The old man stepped forward sud
denly and placed his hands upon Has
kits shoulders.
You speak the words Of wisdom" he
approved. Il am a grower of things
10 eat, myself, and not a soldier. VIII
you work for mef"
Haskits gaze rose quickly.
"Then you will not give me up?'
mo. will keep them from finding
out. You have a head hat will tell
your hands what to do. VIII you
stay?"
Il you will let me-" simply, "and l
will try TO make you money"
Two days later Joy-of-the-Farm re-
turned TO her more congenial occupa-
tion OF caring for the silk worms. she
was no longer needed in the fields.
Haskits was doing more than their
former six laborers, and already he
was suggesting things of which old
Yalu had not even thought In a month
he was an essential part of the i'm
proved farm, which even then was
turning in twice the amount of money
It had ever done before. Then one day
be came to his employer with a trou-
bled face.
Most distinguished benefactor." he
said. Il am come TO tell you good-by"
Old Yaiu threw up his hands in
amazed CONSERVATION.
"No, no. most honorable young man."
he protested. You must not go; you
are doing well here, and we need YOU
Haskts shook his head, regretfully,
but firmly.
Il must 60" he repeated. 81 have
thought it all out"
The old mans eyes grew keen and
searching.
But whyf" he demanded. "You
have always spoken to me true. Now
tell me why 1t is that you must go?'
Haskits hesitated, then raised his
eyes frankly, as he was accustomed.
1T is because love Joy-of-the-
Farm" he answered, "and have no
money TO offer for her. l would go
away and earn some. If come back
rich it may be you will listen TO my
unworthy offer; now. as a laborer. you
can but spurn me. II is hard that you
make me speak so soon, most honorable
and distinguished benefactor."
Old Yalu's eyes twlnkled as they had
done once before. Il like you for
speaking true words" he said. "That
lis the most profound wisdom of knowl-
edge. am an old man, but my eyes
are strong to look, and see things.
And ] cannot work the lanc as l once
could. need help. See sweeping
his hands around there is already evi-
dence of your labor everywhere. 1t is
of much value, AID you will give it to
me many times more. 1t is enough. /
win tell Joy-of-the-Farm and we will
all stay here together and be growers
Of things to eat Florida Agricul-
turist.
Take More Sleep Than You Do.