Smyrna times., 1906-09-26
An AutOCrat of
The Poultry arm
By Ohio B. Sensa
Copyright, 1906. by c. H. Sutclife

NsesN~s%NNNNsnNeN%N ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Josiah Preston always had been of a
despotic disposition, but his natural
tendency in this direction seemed to
strengthen after his remunerative ex.
periments in poultry raising.
JOsiah's mind apparently held but
one thought-his hens. The earth was
made for the sole purpose of providing
them with a scratching ground. The
sun rose to give them light and warmth;
night followed day that they might
have time to rest.
When Flower Preston, Josiah's only
daughter. came home from boarding
school, and her father discovered by
diligent questioning that the words in
cubatOr, brOoder, trap nest, bone cutter
ELECTED no answering enthusiasm, he
grunted sarcastically, "A gal that's
been to boardin' school for three years
and don't know a leg band from bone
cutter.''
You must learn about things as soon
as you can, DEAR" whispered the moth
er nervOusly. IF you can't talk poul-
try talk with your pa you might just as
well be in the desert of Saharyr
There's one comfort" continued Jo-
siah; Il amt raised the only fool there
is in this county"
There, there, pa" Mrs. Preston
spoke sOothingly. what is the mat
ter?'
Squire Curtis boy got home from
college t'Other day, and what do you
think, instid of studyin' law SOS to help
his pa, he's been studyin' bugs. -Four
years in college, and don't know a thing
but bugsr'
maybe his pa wanted. him to- re-
marked Mrs. Preston Practically.
WAL" harshly, 81 can't crow over
Squire Curtis none. His boy don't
know nothin' but bugs, and, as near as
l kin figger out, that gal don't know
nOthin' at all. The only advantage is
it took her a year less to learn itl''
When young Curtis began calling at
the farm, which he did with suspicious
promptness, Josiah's cup of misery was
full.
For the lands sake" he exclaimed
testify to his wife, cant you go in
there and setY indicating with his
thumb the room from which came the
sound of young voices and laughter.
You let that gal git boys and bugs
inter that slim brain of hern and she
won't be good for nothin.''
There, there, pa, don't talk so loud.
You didn't want my ma to come in and
set when you used to come to see me-
JOsiah's face purpled; he clutched at
his collar band as if he were choking.
You don't mean he gasped.
Mrs Preston nodded.
Don't take it so hard, pa" she muir
INJURED sOothingly. Jim Curtis is
one of the likeliest young men, and
Il could stand it better if 'twan't fol
the bugs" he moaned feebly. IF be
didn't want to be a lawyer like his pa
why didn't he take up somethin sensi
bier than bugs? What good is a bug
Bugs-millions on 'em-couldn't hatcl
out one chicken
He's studying bees now, pa, an(
they're good for honey" appeasingly
'he has ever so many hives-newfan
gled ones-in his pas back yard"
Josiah only groaned.
"And, pa, it's all arranged, only
said he'd have to be old fashione,
enough to ask your consent, and Flow
er, like good girl, said she'd neve
marry anybody without her pas con
sent. That's a good deal nowadays
3 pa"
Perhaps it was because of Josiah
reputation for Feasibility, perhaps be
cause the young man felt that he coul
, express himself more satisfactorily i
, writing, that his formal application 70
the consent of the autocrat reache
Josiah by mail.
b, The old man read the letter severa
: times, groaning and granting. Whe
> he rose there was a grim smile on hi
e face and a look of determination in hi
). keen gray eyes.
This was ON Thursday. In the ever
ing Mrs. Preston reminded him
Aren't you going in to see Jim, pap
"Dunno's he's calm on me-" testil.
'But youths letter.
= 81 amt in no hurry to answer i
I'm maxim up my mind"
A similar reminder the next eveniI
met with a like rebuff.
But on Saturday evening Josiah d
not want to be reminded. He marche
~ into the best room," carrying a sma
e. basket. and displayed its contents
III twenty large eggs, fair and beautifU
p to the astonished young persons.
@a ''There, young man." he growle
"there is my answer Three weel
ne from tonight, if you bring me fourte,
IA chickens out'n them twenty eggs,
az az give my consent"
re "All right, Mr. Preston" return,
!, the young man, easily, 81 shall be
hand"
"Pa Preston" cried Flower, Ind
nantly, "Jim doesn't know anythil
n about chicken raising, and"-