The Lee County journal. (Leesburg, Ga.) 1904-19??, 1906-11-30

4 farmhouse his face was frightened by
the thoughts Of his newIy-formed
plans.
Hello. Bess" he called, as a slim
girl Of sixteen met him.
You're back early, Phil" Bess re
Piled You can't expect supper yet
while. Why, the sun is an hour
high"
ooh, I'm not after supper" the hoy
responded. 1--WE made up my mind
to quit for good. Bess, I'm going to
the city!"
His sister stared at him in amaze
ment for a moment Phil continued
in explanation of his sudden an
nouncement: I'm going to get a po-
sition in the city, and leave the farm
for good. I've just had talk with
Ed Spencer and he says he can get
me position when | want it.
ED Spencer? Is he home AGAIN."
asked Bess.
only for few days. He can't
stand it here much longer than a few
days at time, it's so slow. l don't
blame him, either, for it is slow
terribly slow and dull"
The boy removed his hat and wiped
his forehead.
But, Phil, if you go to the city
what will become of me?" queried his
sister in weak voice.
you? Why can't you stay here
with Aunt Matty and Uncle Ned?"
There was genuine surprise in the
boys voice, and this was increased
when he saw that Bess had turned a
shade paler than usual
"Oh, yes, suppose / could stay"
was the quiet answer, "but did it ever
occur to you that | might be lonely,
and--and-"
There was suspicious weakness
in the voice, and when it grew husky
the girl stopped and turned her face
away
why, Bess, ! don't see-why, in
time I'd take you to the city, too
I'd get good position and work up
in it and then we'd live there togeth,
err"
Yes, but how many years would
have to waltz" resentfully replied
the girl. do you think Ed Spencer
could support his sister? And if he
could, why doesn't he? I'm sure he
has a hard enough time to pinch
along"
But" began Phil in self-extenua-
ton, I'm not like Ed Spencer in some
respects, and"
mo, and I'm thankful you're not,
interrupted Bess
A glow of pride made Phil quiet and
more thoughtful. He remembered
now that Eds sister worked hard at
dressmaking, besides her duties on the
farm, to make both ends meet. In a
dim way he seemed to remember sew
eral Of Eds selfish ways when they
were school companions, and he adj
mitted that he did not treat his sister
very literally The flash of the roll
of bills appeared before his mind, and
he wondered if Ed would present his
hardworked sister with some of the
money. Probably they were all for
her-a birthday present, perhaps, for
Mandy was sixteen that month.
ooh, Ed has his bad points, he re-
piled, land so has every fellow But
he's doing well in the city, and l don't
see why I shouldn't do as well. was
always smarter in my studies than
Ed"
Yes and in everything else" loyal
ly responded Bess.
Then, why shouldn't l go to the
city and make something of myself?
/ can never do it here"
Phil | don't think you would do
much better, protested Bess. In a
few years now you-we-will have the
farm all to ourselves. Uncle Ned and
Aunt Matty must turn it over to us
then-they only hold it in trust until
you become of age, you know-and
they'll be glad to get rid of the re-
sponsibility. Then we can"
Phil kicked viciously at stone.
This sort Of argument did not please
him.
But, Bess, there's no money in
farming" he interrupted. Uncle Ned
says that and everybody else. What's
the use of killing yourself on the farm
for nothing?"
But what would you do with it?"
gasped Bess in surprise.
"Oh, sell it, or-or let Uncle Ned
run it until l become of age Then"
Ia new light shone in his eyes-"then
the money will start me in business.
I'll have the experience, and-and-"
"Oh, Phil, exclaimed Bess in a
panied voice. How would you sell
it?'
aNNhv nnt9n stnhhnrnlv asled phil