The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1905-11-23


least we ought to be able to get a
drink Of water"
Alas, the well was inside the wood
shed, as they could see by looking In
at the window.
81 hate people who are so suspi-
cious," cried Eleanor. "As II any one
would steal their old WE'LL"
"There must be some way Of gettiug
fn," suggested Dick. "fm going to
try anyway
He returned in moment to report
an Unmatched sash, and through 1t they
climbed into the kitchen. 1t wns
pleasant old room. with a bright rag
carpet on the floor and tall clock
ticking solemnly in one corner.
'The idea of their leaving this love-
ly, CHEEKY, homely place to take din
ner somewhere elsew said Eleanor aft
er she had had her drink and looked
about. "Why, it's the place for
Thanksgiving dinner. 1t seems rather
criminal, though. doesn't it," she COIL
tinued in hushed voice, ito break In
this way-rather robbery and burglari
GUS? wonder If they would mlnd"
surely not. We are castaways,
aren't we, on desert islandT'
Like Mrs. Lecks and Mrs. Ale
shine"
Exactly. And there's even the GIN
ger jar on the mantelshclf," said Dick.
A sudden light Of inspiration came
into his face. "There's stove" he
remarked slowly, "and wood, l be-
iieve, and pots and pans and dishes
and pantry. It's clear case Of
thing?"
"Oh," gasped Eleanor, "but it's-I
can fry chicken II there was one-and
cream potatoes and"-
Dick walked to the pantry. Then he
called her to look. On shelf was a
raw, deep golden pumpkin pie. "Des-
sert," he said. "Now for the cellar"
"I've got ltr he called up n moment
later as he stood looking eagerly down
the stairs. Then lie reappeared, pan
Of cream in one hand, basket Of po-
tatoes in the other and chicken under
his arm.
"Chicken," cried Eleanor ecstaticnlly,
'and cream! Oh, you DEAR dear boy"
She plucked an apron off nail and
rolled up her sleeves. "Now, go and
split some wood" she ordered, "and
make the fire, and fill the kettle. and
then I'll tell you what else to do. l
won't have any lounging or laziness,"
s,l~.,
Dick obeyed meekly and was sent on
errands to the cellar for butter, and
to the pantry for suet land he did not
know what that was, and she Ind to
60 herself, which brought him scold-
ing), and to the barn for any eggs he
could find. Then he stood about In
the way watching Eleanor. eDveloped
in voiumlnous check apron. her arms
dusty with flour, her eyes dancing as
she scurried about, now peeling the
potatoes. now looking wisely into a
bubbllng saucepan, now basting the
chicken, stirring, tasting, seasoning,
burning her fingers and holding them
up for sympathy. Dick meanwhile
made toast and set the table and drew
jug of cider and brought impossible
articles for her service, and with 1t all
wondered why any one had servants
when housekeeping was such glori-
Gus business.
And the dinner-it was very mira
cle-the chicken golden brown, crisp,
delicious; the potatoes a creamy dream,
the pumpkin pie-well, Eleanor had
not made the pie, but still 1t was very
good. And, to crown the feast, there
was she, just across the narrow table,
flushed and radiant with triumph.
Hasn't 1t been jollyT Dick cried at
last, when the dinner was eaten.
ITS just been the loveliest adven-
ture that ever was" said Eleanor.
ITS like a fairy tale, like the three
bears. believe this is the house Of
the three bears-they would be named
Brown, you know-and l fear any mo
ment to hear them come in and growl
out, Who's eaten up my bread and
milk| l am glad you are along to
protect me from their vengeance"
"Yes." said Dick, sc am l."
EleuuOrS uuOTuple DuTe drIuS were
on the table. There was such a lit
tie space between her hands and his.
A man might by leaning
"Yes, it's been glorious" said Dick
slowly-only can't it last, Eleanor,
dear?" He leaned across and took her
hands in his.
Her face sobered for a moment; then
she smiled.
"If you are satisfied with my cook.
ing, I guess the place will suit" she
whispered.
| Some hours later the Black Pear
came rolling mp to the gate with Dick
at the lever.
II knew 1t would go all right now
Eleanor said triumphantly. Mex
time hope you'll believe me-"
"Well, had faith enough to try
anyway. 1t started up as IL 1t neyel
had any other idea. can't imagine
what the trouble was before"
"Do you know what think, Dick
I believe 1t was enchanted-just lik,
this house and the chicken and every
J thing"