The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1906-01-18

say to his motnsr and his aunt upon
their return.
What he could say 70 Mrs. Germaine
was a matter OF complete indifference
to Jefford, and for the moment he was
not to be moved even by the use OF
Nellle's name. On the piazza there was
short scufIie, In which Bobby held
his own remarkably well, and there
after the sound Of voice raised In
anguish and the smack OF broad
palm upon well stretched cloth.
"Mr. Turner never spanked me-
snobbed Bobby. AUNT Nell won't like
you when tell her how cruel you WAS
to me"
81 know It," was Jefford's amiable
response, "but for your souls saliva
tion you simply had to have that spank
ing and you'll get another IL l catch
you up to any of your tricks again."
That afternoon Peace sat on the front
piazza with Bobby, and for the first
time since his arrival on the farm the
live stock spent quiet afternoon.
Jefford enjoyed the quiet as much as
they did, but 1t was with flushed face
that he met the party on it's return
and received Mrs. Germaine's compli-
ments upon the excellent care he had
taken of the boy.
II hope he did not give you any
bother" she gushed. Bobby Is an
angel, but he will be wayward at
, times"
NO. said Jefford quietly. "He was
little rough this morning, but we
very soon came to an understanding,
and we have had delightful after
noon here ON the piazza"
Turner and Bascom eyed Jefford with
looks of unbelief, but Nellie's eyes
| snapped as she watched the pantomime.
| They were twinkling when. that even
ing. Jefford spoke simply of his love.
81 know that | am not worthy OF
you," he admitted, "but love you.
dear, and want you for my very
own"
"Jim," she said softly, before I an
swer your question want to ask one.
| What was that understanding you had
with Bobby this afternoon"
Jefford colored. Il don't think that
is fair" he protested. II took him in
charge at your request"
"Mr. Bascom and Mr.. Turner declar-
ed that they never had any trouble"
she said irrelevantly. II know that
poor Mr.. Turner spent one entire after
noon on his hands and knees playing
horse to amuse Bobby"
"Would you like to see me caperirg
about on all fours," he asked. 'Just to
keep spoiled child out OF mischiefw
"Still," she reminded, "a man often
may be judged by his attitude toward
childish innocence"
He rose and faced her. "Nell," he
said steadily, 'if had been In contact
with childish innocence all the after
noon 1 would be all right, but when
| am compelled to stand guard over
| spoiled child and he almost sets fire to
the henhouse and half kills the entire
flock, there Is Just one thing that will
meet the situation promptly, and that's
a good old fashioned spanking. That
was the understanding / had with
Bobby. and it was effective"
II asked you to stay behind with him
on purpose" she went on. 81 knew
that the others had been kind to him
and had used only words of kindness.
Not one of them ever thought of spank
ing him-for my sake"
"Well," declared Jefford, III that's
your idea Of a love test am afraid
am out of 1t. l spanked him because
he needed it, and Pm glad did sup
pose had better be getting on"
He had taken half dozen steps
when a hand was lightly laid upon his
arm.
"Jim," said Nellie tenderly, "dont
you suppose I realized what Bobby
needed? I'm glad that you, at least,
had the courage"
"Then Bobby was not your testY' he
cried.
Bobby was test" she said, 'but
was looking for a real man and not for
a man who would let child ride
roughshod over him just because of
an aunt You are the man want,
dear"
Strange to say, Bobby approved the
choice.
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