The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1906-11-30
Select Sturg.
LEAVING THE OLD FARM.
BY GEORGE 4. WALSH.

-BY GEORGE Il. WALSH.
"Hsllo, Phil, digging away at tn. ole
farm yst2''
The speaker, leaning languidly agains
the top rail of the fence, held cigarette
in the most improved style between hi
two forefngers and occasionally pufed
slowly at it.
Phil Dryden looked up from his plant.
ing and responded: 'Why, Ed, is thai
you? When did you come DOWN.
"Ran down last night on the early train
Taking few days vacation, and thought
I'd like to see the old place." Phi
glanced rather enviously at the well dressed
smoker, and then dropped his eyes little
shamefaeedly to his own coarse, ill-fittins
and faded clothes.
"Why do you stay down here, Phil
and use yourself up on this old farm?'' Ed
Spencer continued. II should think you d
go to the city and get better job. Ifyou
hate farming as l always did, you would.
Phil's face flushed triAe. The con-
trast between his appearance and that Of
his old school friend made him uneasy.
II have thought of it several times, HI
replied slowly, "but there's SO much to dc
here, and then-''
"Oh, shucks! You hate to make the
| plunge. So did I. But after the first
break it's all so much better. Clear sail
ing then. I just picked up my things,
and made the start. And now!-well
r m going to get raise next month, and
then I'll take it easier than now.''
'tI suppose the work is pleasanter, -
Phil stammered, "and the pay is better. -
"Better2'' answered Ed, little con.
temptuously. "Why, you get cash there
for your work, but on the farm you don t.
I'll bet you haven't seen as mnch money
as this in year.
Producing roll of bills, the speaker
tipped them carslessly through his fingers,
exposing to view several of high denomi.
| nations.
s'That's what you get in the city," he
continued. "It's cash-eYery week OF
month"
Phil said nothing, but his mind wa.
fsverishly active. Suddenly he asked
an1iously: ~ suppose it's hard to get a
good position at first, isn't it?''
eyes, and no. If you have influence
it's dead easy; if you don't you have te
hunt around bit
| Ed Spencer flung away his cigarette,
and added con6dentially:
eff you're thinking of making the
change, let me know. l may help you
I know the ropes little. Just send m.
word when you've made up your mind.
Phil kicked lump of dirt with the toe
Of his shoe. Ed seemed to comprehend
the state of his mind, and asked, smiling.
ly. Glow are the crops, anyway?-slov
as svsr2''
A fash Of resentment appeared in Phil.
eyes, for hs knew the question was asket
in well.bred derision.
"Oh, they're pretty good" Phil re-
piled with dignity. "I'll harvest a goot
crop this season if"
eff potato bugs don't eat up every
thing, and cabbage worms don't finisf
whats left, laughed Ed, as he turned tt
leave. "Wen. I must be going. Ivan
to see the old place and get back to th'
city soon's I can. It's pretty slow here. .
He consulted handsome watch which
hung at the end Of gold chain.
Remember me to Bess, he callet
over his shoulder. II suppose She
well.''
When the two separated, Phil Drydel
picked up his hoe and stood for severa
minutes staring at the retreating form
Contending emotions possessed him. Th'
old rebellious spirit rose up to make hi
thoughts bitter and disquieting.
Life on the farm was drudgery, he
thought, and dozen times he had secret
ly longed to leave it behind, to begin worl
in the city. The opportunity had neve
been presented quite so forcibly as today
and he felt that the decisive moment hat
come.
| "In do it., he firmly muttered afte
the space of FIVE minutes Of silent thought
"I'n do it now. Uncle Ned can ge
along without me. He can hire someon
else in my place. I've delayed too lonl
already"
| Thereafter tho planting progressed slow
ly. Pills mind was not on his work ant
several times he had to 90 over his hoeing {,
repair damages carelessly done.
It was late in the afternoon, and Phi
cut the day s.work short by an hour. A
he trudged up to the old farmhouse hi
face was frightened BY thoughts of hi
newly-formed plans.
/ "Hello, Bessi'' he called, as q slim gir
| of sixteen met him.
| you're back early, Phil" Bess re
Piled. sYou can't expect supper yet
while. Why, the sun il an hour high.
"Oh, I'm not altar supper, the bo
responded. ''I'vs made up my mind t
quit for good. Bess, I'm going to tn
| Gityr'
| His sister stared at him in amazemen
| for moment Phil continued in explain
alton Of his Sudden announcement: ssI'n
going to get . position in the city, an
leave the farm for good. I've just had
talk with Ed Spencer, and hs says hs ca
get me position when want it. !"
nd Spsaosr? II 10 hsns again ?
asked Bess.