Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1905-06-06
CHAPTER XIII.

I&l i had and shall have to chron-
|0ENSaJ icle herein much that would
ssYssS seem to indicate mighty con-
ceit Of myself. Unfortunately the little
word Il" throws big shadow in this
history. 1t looms up all too frequently
In every page for the sign of modest
man. But, indeed, l cannot help it, for
he was the only observer Of all there is
to tell. Now, there is much, for ex-
ample, in the very marrow Of my his
tory-things that never would have
happened. things that never would have
been said. but for my fame as a scholar,
Ny learning was Of small account, for,
1t must be remembered, I am writing
of time when any degree of scholar
ship was counted remarkable among
the simple folk Of Faraway.
Hope took singing lessons and sang in
church every Sunday. David or Uncle
Eb came down for VI often Of Satur-
day and brought us back before service
In the morning. One may find in that
town today many who win love to tell
him OF the voice and beauty and sweet
ness Of Hope Brewer those days and
ct what they expected regarding her
and me. We went cut good deal
evenings to concerts, lectures at the
churches or the college or to visit some
Of the many people who invited us to
their homes.
We had recess Of two weeks at the
winter holidays, and David Brewer
came after us the day the term ended.
Oh, the great Happiness Of that day
before Christmas when we came flying
home in the sleigh behind new team
Of grays and felt the intoxication Of the
frosty air. and drove In at dusk after
the lamps were lit and we could see
mother and Uncle Eb and Grandma
Bisnette looking out Of the window,
and steaming dinner On the tablsl /
declared 1t Is long since then, but I
cannot ever think Of that time without
wipins my glasses and taking Z mo-
ment Oh. Tip Taylor took the horses,
and we ill came In where the kettle
was singing on the stove, and loving
hands helped us out Of our wraps. The
supper was a merry feast the like of
which one may md only by returning
to his boyhood. Aiack, that is a long
Journey for some Of Us!
Supper over and the dishes out Of the
way, we gathered about the stove with
cider and butternuts.
WELL" said Hope. 1--WE got some
news to tell you. This boy Is the best
scholar Of his age In this county"
''Thst sol" said David.
Uncle Eb stepped his hammer that
was lifted to crack a butternut and
pulled his chair close to Hopes. Eliza
beth looked at her daughter and then
= rus agysd ~ ,nSatsst IL her face.
master told me %. He's nrst in every
thing. and in the town hail the other
night he spslt everybody down"
what: IN HillsboroughT' Uncle lib
asked ineredulously.
Eyes, In Hillsborough," said Hope,
"and there were doctors and lawyers
and college students and I don't know
whs al y the natch.s
Most ree-markabler' said David
Brewer.
'1Tree-menjiousp exclaimed Uncle Eb.
II heard about it over at the mills
tday." said Tip Taylor.
'Merci DteuP' exclaimed Grandma
Bisnstte, crossing he<sslf.
Elizabeth BrQwe1 was unable to stem
this tide Of enthusiasm. had tried to
stop it, but instantly It had gone be-
yond my control II could be hurt
BY praise the mischief had been done.
"lt's very nice, indeed" said she So
bsrly. Il do hope 1t won't make him
conceited. He should remember that
people do not always mean what they
say"
ICES TOO sensible for that, mother"
said David.
"shue|kst'' said Uncle nh. "He ain no
fool u hs i good spsller-not By a
dun sightp'
Tip" said Da.id. 'ysu'u find . box
IN the sleigh at cams By express. I
wish va 50 an Git Il"
We III stood locking while Tip
brought Il tn and psasd Oh the top
boards with q hatchst.
Careful, nowp' Uncle Eb cautioned
him. might spite sumthin'."
The top Of, Uncle Eb removed a lay