Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1906-09-26


mot even to a parade, ma"
Sammy added.
Hes worked good all day an got
the onions all we'd out It's pretty
hard, schOochin' over an onion bed pull
In weeds an smellin' onion tops, the
hot sun pourIn' down on your back,
with the wind all the time BLOWN the
circus music inter your ears"
Il could hear the calliope just as
plain! You wouldn't a thought twas
two miles off. Can't we go, MAJ" Sam
my pleaded.
Cant we go!"
Mrs. Astles looked scornfully upon
the man and boy at the foot of the
porch steps. The mans thin toil-mark-
ed face was boyishly eager, and the
boys was quivering as he shuf1ed his
bare, rough feet in the dirt and pulled
the one suspender attached to his faded
overalls
Cant we go!" Mrs. Astles repeated
with increased scorn. She grasped the
porch rail with one hand to steady her
self and shook her long crutches at
them. 81 don't doubt It's you that
wants to 60 Hiram Astles."
'T-I-thought I'd enjoy takin' Sam
my"
"Jest like the Simpsons They drove
by before sun-up this mornin'-the
whole family, grandfather and grand
mother, John an Susan, all talzin' little
Ruth to the circus. Thank goodness, I
never was show-crazy! If I'd a been
like you, Hiram, ev'ry cent we have in
the world would have passed through
the ticket-Office- winders. I want you
to harness the boss for me, I'm goin'
over to brother Williams to stay over
night"
'The bosses are tired out, Eunice,
I've worked 'em on the mowih machine
all day." Mr.. Astles expostulated.
where's that beautiful crazy-patch-
work animal you bought of the circus
people four years ago? He amt too
choice to use, is he? Maybe you want
to get mate for him at this circus?"
''You know he's full Of tricks"
$50 are you, but 1 understand both
Of you"
Mr.. Astles knew that argument was
useless, and he and Sammy harnessed
the calico-spotted pony into the two
wheeled cart-the only vehicle in which
the pony could be driven-then stood
by and listened to all of Mrs. Astles'
parting commands.
"Be sure to strain the milk into the
yellow crooks l set on the Shelf an
scald the milk pals before you wipe
'em. If you want any milk to drink
there's a pan of skim down cellar. Now
don't set up so late tonight that you'll
have to lay abed till noon"
She took up the reins and the pony
began a series of antics. He kicked,
bucked, paved the air, sprang sidewise,
hunched his four feet together and
bumped his back like a camel He was
about to lie down when Mrs. Astles took
one of her crutches, reached over and
struck him across the head. The pony
sprang into the air, touched the earth
again, and bolted down the road. Sam
my drew a long breath as he watched
the whlrl of dust fade into the distance,
and nestled close to his father, who put
an arm about him.
isn't that most as good as a circus,
pa?"
1--WE seen worse stunts than that
right inside g show tent" his father
chuckled. Nov let's hurry an get the
miIlkin' done You too tired to milk
the old cow"
"No; an I'll milk the heifers, too, If
you want me to-"
"I'll milk 'em, an Wen get through
quick's we can" Mr. Astles' eyes
sparizled and he hurried into the kitch-
en- to get the milk pals. When he came
out the strains OF the callicpe, mercifuI-
" mellowed by distance, came to them
clear and sweet.
"Tum-t i-tum-tum-te-ty- tiddle-te-tum,
MP. Astles sang, and, with milk pals
at arms length, danced a breakdown"
along the walk, with Sanwny following
and initiating as we'll as his bare feet
would allow When they brought up by
the side Of the COWS Sammy's hopes
were high and he MIXED theoretically.
"1rs only the evenin' prada" his
father said, encouragingly, across the
heifer's back
Are we goin' to try 1t again, pap
whats the old motter-'ef at first
you don't succeed eksettery. Amt
it funny, though, how she always