The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1905-11-09

ity as town marshal and his face fell.
II amt got any badge" he said at
last. "There amt but one badge IN
town, and Hank Wright wears that.
He's the town marshal. But he's give
me the authority to arrest We. and SO
I'd advise We to submit peaceably.
Eye see," he continued, feeling that
some explanation was necessary,
amt been long at this business. l live
over at the poorhouse, an this is my
own idea for raisin' funds for gettin'
a Thanksgivin' dinner"
"What in the world has stopping our
automobile got to do with Thanks
giving dinner:?" asked the man with
the goggles.
"Why. there's ten dollars fine for
coin' Eastern fine law allows" ex-
planned Tod ''Half goes to the town,
an the other half is divided tween
me an Squire Bascomb. So ye'd better
come long peaceable and pear In
court. for l represent the law, that's
what 1 do and his wrinkled and
scanned old face, kindly as 1t always
was. took on a queer, stern look.
There was brief whispering among
the occupants of the automobile.
81 might add that all we was goin
to have for ThanksgiviE' dinner said
Tod, twas lamb stew. I've as good as
earned two dollars and half now. and
I'm goin' to stay here till get enough
for a good turkey dinner. Be We ready
to go to the Justices off1ce:
n1o "a q
the man with the goggles. won't you
get in and ride with us?'
sIf veil promise not to go Eastern
the law allows" agreed the old man.
"We'll go slowly, said the chauffeur.
Thereupon Tod removed the fence
rail, and gingerly climbed into the au-
tomobile. There was little furry or
excitement when the big, putting ma
chine drew up in the village before the
office of Squire Bascomb, although the
fning of drivers of the machines was
not infreQuent in the town.
II rested 'em," said Tod, proudly.
to the gaping crowd of villagers. Il
| rested 'er, squire. with my patent
| acknowledgements" and he chuckled
at the remembrance.
Squire Basconb opened court grave
ly.
"Are you sure they were exceedin'
the speed limit? he asked Tod.
| "Well-'' began the old man, slowly,
for he had not counted on having to
give evidence, technical evidence at
that
"Oh. yes. we were going rather fast. y
| admitted the driver Of the machine. in
response to 4 nudge from one Of the
women. 81 think we will plead guilty. -
and lie pulled out his pocketbook and
laid ten dollars on the squire's desk.
| Don't do it again." cautioned the
magistrate. severely, as he took the
money and handed Tod his share. The
old mans fingers trembled so that he
almost dropped the money.
"Where ere you going now" asked
one of The ladies in the automobile
party.
I'm goin' back for more game" re-
piled Tod. ''I've got to have bout
five dollars more before I'll have
enough to buy turkey for all of us up
to the poorhouse."
Get in and We'll take you back,
said the chauffeur. softly, and he
seemed to have suddenly taken cold.
Once more Tod rode in the big red
machine. This time it went straight
up to the door of the almshOuse, and
when the man at the steering-wheel
helped the old man down he pressed
something that was crisp and crinkly
into Tod's hand.
Its for Thanksgiving" he said. as
Tod gazed at the generous bill: and the
man in goggles wrapped his coat about
him, for it was quite chilly.
Such a dinner as they had at ths
Morrisvile poorhouse three days later
Never such plump, brown turkeys
never such rich gravy and dressing
such delicious cranberry sauce, sucl
crisp white celery! Never such minct
pies! Mrs. Zeke Jedell fairly outdit
herself on the meal. And such appe
tites as everybody had!
!. ''It's almost as good as havin' a hi:
red automobile said Tod. II wa:
afraid I wouldn't hev the spunk L
stop 'em, but did,
"My. but that's certainly a fine tur
keJw spoke Sarah Tooker, with sisl
that expressed the deepest contcn.
ment. And all the others agreed Will
her.--oUth's Companion.