Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1905-12-21


friend o. ourn amt. He's open heart
ed as tn day an Their bes' settler In
these yere parts
Her anxiety on this score being re-
moved, she allowed Ike to lead the way
to the cabin. which was only short
distance, but invisible from where the
accident occurred on account of the
trees. It was new log structure,
tightly daubed with lime and sand.
There were snug fireplace and good
though scanty homemade furniture.
Faith was oyerjoyed at the prospect
of comfortable lodging SO strangely
/ provided and cast quick and curious
glance about the place. The deer rife
thrown across the antlers above the
fireplace and mans old straw hat.
coat and blue jeans hung on pegs at
the head of rude couch gave satisfac-
tory evidence that the owner was
bachelor. but he was away, and the
fact gave her no uneasiness.
Ike built a roaring fire on the open
hearth, while Jim brought from the
wagon such articles as would be need
ed during their stay. This done, the
two men mounted and rode away, car
rying the crippled wheel between them,
but with promise that it should be
back fore mornin'."
ssFacie" said Bessie, clinging to her
sisters skirts as she made prepare
tons for the evening meal, ssthis is
mos as good as Trismas, amt it?"
Yes, dear, and I'll try to make it up
to be just as good as Christmas by an
extra fine supper said the older one,
STOPPING to kiss the happy face
"Ah, Faith," spoke up Clint as he
stirred the fire into brighter blaze,
make fiapjacks an coolies of 'em, an,
say, let's have brown sugar sirupr'
When Barclay and Hancock reached
the blacksmith shop they tumbled their
burden to the ground with shed never
ave got it here, never!' Berger, large
and dust begrimed, was just closing
up for the night.
"Hol' on hyer, ole tinkers' greeted
Jim, springing from his horse and
pushing the wheel before him into the
shop. I'VE want this ere wheel mend
ed up right way
That's right. put in Ike "An' les
see yer git an oriental hump on yer
self We want to carry it back where
it cum from fore this snow gifts emmy
wuss.
Berger mumbled something about be
ing tired and hungry, but nevertheless
set to work at once Satisfied that il
possible. they hitched their ponies out
of the wind and started for AIiley's
store. They paused minute before
one of the windows and looked in. The
proprietor was tying up package for
little man with Il red scarf around his
neck. while solitary individual stood
warming himself BY the fire in the
back part of the store. Suddenly an ex
clamation burst from Jim, and, grab
bing his companion by the shoulder, he
pointed excitedly to the figure at the
stove.
Look, Ike; thar's Rob Desmond got
back, sure as shootin'r'
Yer right. by gingert' calculated Ike
as he peered in above the rim of frost
on the pane at handsome, well built
young fellow of about twenty-five who
had taken off his hat and coat and
seemed to be making himself thorough
ly comfortable in front of Miley's old
rust spotted heater.
ssWotH he say?n
Bout his cabin?"
yep"
'Lightnin' an razorst'
Say, Ike, I've struck an idee,' whis-
pered his companion, with a half sup
pressed chuckle I'VE can have good
one on Robbie best thing out-a
lar Christmas joker
''Wot is it,"
Approaching his friend, Jim spoke a
few words in his ear. Ike put both
hands over his mouth to check the
laughter he could not quite repress.
"That'n be a rich one on Bob, all
right Wen do it! BY jimson, we
will!'' he exclaimed ga Teller needs a
leetle cheer O some kind at Christmas
time" Then after few minutes Of
hurried conference the two entered the
store. After greeting AIiley, who stood
behind his counter, they FASTENED back
to the stove and gave the new arrival
hearty welcome.
And what's the news2" asked Des-
mond as he shook hands with them
both.
.sNews2 said jim. assuming refec
tive look and puelzering up his eye
brows. s'Oh, nothin much, 'eept thet
ole Biler's sold out an LETT. An
lelnme See yes, thar's Super, he got
throwed an broke his collar bone, an |
us galoets has been dom wot we could
ter patch i'm up. WAL an then, with |
a wary look. *thar's some new settlers
comm in lately wantin' timber claims,
an junapin' EN-, too, when they git a /
chance But how'd yer leave the ole
folks back in Indianny z
All well, and could hardly tear my
self away from them"