The Taney County republican. (Forsyth, Mo.) 1895-1992, 1905-04-20
"Once Upon a Time"


southwest corner OF the world man.
Nothing unusual, either in the fact or
in the location of the person. But this
man was young man. Having de-
voted his days TO the study of nature in
the plowed fields over the backs of a
sweating team OF horses, and his even
ings, after he had removed the sand
from his shoes and the hayseed from
his hair, in pursuit of knowledge as
set forth in the pages of the farmers
almanac, he had well.balanced and
well.developed mind After due con-
sidemtion of the circumstances, he de.
cided that his field was too limited Tor
one of his genius, and that In order for
him TO have sufficient space for the
exercise Of his talents, it would be
necessary for him to go to the city OF
Paint Hoolis. He decided that the old
man was back number, and that the
old lady was too slow for these modern
times of hustle.
After reaching this conclusion he
approached his father with the remark
that he wanted to do something. That
"a man never could do nothin' in this
old mud hole, and that he wanted TO
90 to Paint Hoolis TO make something"
OF course the old man tried TO get him
out Of the notion, but soon saw that it
was OF no use TO argue with the young
mans conclusions, nor TO try to change
his nature judgment, backed by twenty
years.
One fine morning the young man
started on his pilgrimage. AT Badwick,
he heard an unearthly screech, saw an
iron monster rushing down upon him AS
II to devour, and with difficulty was
made to understand that this demonish
monster was to bear him to the great
city. After once getting on the train,
however, his confidence soon returned,
and he began to enjoy himself No
need to tell of his experiences at Spring
field, but suffice it to say that in due
time he arrived safely at Paint Hoolis,
And now to return TO the old folks nt
home. a month had passed since tho
young man had left the parental roof
tree for greener pastures. But here
comes father, and with him he brings
"a letter from tho youth. or course the
old folks are anxious to hear how their
son is getting along, and so they at
once proceed to read the letter AS it
is from one with whom our story has to
deal, | hope we will be pardoned for
| looking over their shoulder and seeing
what the young man has to say. Here
is the letter:
"Dear FOlks:-I reached Paint Hoolis
safe and sound, and had no difficulty in
finding a nice boarding place. The
town seemed good at first, Always
something going on. This is u fine
place to spend money. The market
! for the muscle and bone OF the country
isn't good, though. There are plenty
of jobs for the city bred man, but no
one seems to want me. My money is
all gone, and have nothing TO do. /
wish you would send me enough to get
home on. Your son,
WILLIE
or course they send the money, aud of
course "Willie" at once starts for home,
and in good time arrives. Never,
thought he, was there such beauti-
ful place. What though the houses
were weather beaten and tumble down;
though the cattle, neglecting 10 hunt
for pasture, roamed the streets; though
the hogs wandered among the houses
at their own sweet will. II was home,
and, with all its defects and failings,
was the sweetest spot on earth to him.
And there is the old house, looking
cool and shaded among the trees, with
mother and father standing by the gate
TO welcome their wandercr. What "a
joyful meeting. And he VOWS that he
will be content TO stay at home forever.
Perhaps he will-tlll the grass sprouts
again.
There are no betteror brighter women
In the world than the farmers wives
and daughters of Taney county. Their