La Junta tribune., 1906-10-20

s-shef pen. ink and paper. booked his
feet around the legs of his chair and
with persp.ring face toilsomely indited
letter II was the longest he had
ever written and proved TO be the
most satisfactory. "
Ma said Zed, coming into the pan
try-"ma. me and Atulky want TO go
10 the circus Wednesday AT Auburn
You know its Atulk's birthday, and
We want 70 celebrate"
Betsey was delighted. Mrs. Wiilet
was delighted They beamed on the
world generally and on each particu-
lsrly for two days. Eliza early decid-
ed TO .'set out Wednesday" with Betsey
in order TO finish their arrangements
for the wedding She hurried across
the fields just after Zed and Atulka
had departed. and the two women
planned cakes and creams, salads and
cold meats until sundown.
The dusk OF the shortening Sepfem-
ber day was fast approaching when
they heard the sound of horses At the
front gate. Mrs. willet arose hastily.
There: that means that Atulky is to
home. and l must 90 right over"
" AN "a4t- a-4< % AAt'~
carry you over Betsey was inter-
ruptei by rap at the door. 1T amt
Zed. Elzy Set down again"
Betsey opened the door. and Asa
skinner entered He was skinner by
name aud by nature both, the people
Of Auburn said. but outwardly he
was pleasant TO look at as he stood
inside the door. smiling blandly at the
the women. He coughed slightly
against the rim Of his tall silk hat.
which he held in one gloved hand
Ladies'" he began, with some he~sta-
ton. "I-ahem-feel II my duty TO in
form you-er-that your children will
not be ome-er-tonight. at least'-
Mrs. Wiiiet sat down suddenly and
hard. "Atulky,' she cried. where In
AfulkyY'
Mr.. Skinner bowed In Elixa's direc-
tion. ''She has just-er-let me sss'-
He drew out his watch. Yes. her train
is just now pulling into Boston"
Eliza threw up both hands and turn
ed pale Into Boston," she repeated
In a weak voice. How'd she ever git
theref'
"By means OF ticket" explained
MT. abaso - -
in afterthought TO Betsey. purchased
by your son"
Betsey suddenly advanced one step
nearer Mr.. Skinner. She spoke with
heavy emphasis. My son got II. did
hel Just wait till cit holt OF Zed.
Mr.. skinner smiled blandly. Il fear.
Mrs. Aerlew. that you will he obliged TO
forego that pleasure. as he Is on his
way TO California
California; Retsey's voice was
shrill. 'It can't be true. Zed left this
house with just 81 In his pocket"
He left Auburn replied Mr.. Skin
ner quickly. with $1,000, the price Of
his new farm
Betsay's head reeled. She caught the
edge of the table and spoke hoarsely.
The farm amt his until the weddin'
day. I've got the deed
Asa skinner interrupted sharply:
Your family affairs are nothing 10 me.
madam. The deed Of the meadow lots
to your son was entered at the Office
Of the registrar and recorder last week
as signed. sealed and delivered The
farm II now mine. j called TO get the
keys of the house"
len minutes iiter Two very pdie anu
angry women were looking at each 9th
er silently. Betsey was the first To
speak.
ITO think" she moaned, that ] was
fool enough 10 get that deed recorded.
Eliza wrung her hands. And there's
AtuIk run away without Zed after pes
term me nigh to DEATH
She ended her sentence with sup
pressed scream and sprang 10 her feet
with the agility OF youth. She hurried
ccross the field and In at her back