The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1906-06-07
)u Elias Wynne
Went to Congress,
LOWERING sky darkened the
windows of the farmhouse early
I and a dash of cold autumn rain

BY ZELIA NJ. WALTERS.

A LOWERING sky darkened the
Il windows of the farmhouse early
/ \ and a dash of cold autumn rain
sent the two children, who were
watching on the steps, indoors. With
in the older people were as restless as
the two youngsters. A tall boy of six
teen was trying to prepare lesson.
but he closed his book, saying, Its no
use; can't do it now. Every line
reads the same. is father elected? Is
father elected?' T haven't seen
thing about Caesar since I began to
read"
The mother looked up from her
mending basket with smile at his
mock despair, but there was a tremu-
lous note in her voice as she spoke.
He'll surely be here soon, and then
we can hear the great news and settle
down again. But don't build your
hopes too high, children. Remember,
if he doesn't win, that we will be just
as we'll off as we were before"
''Oh, mother, surely you don't think
he won't" cried the eldest daughter,
coming out from behind the curtain.
Here he comes," shouted the second
son. who was also posted at window.
The two boys rushed out to help un-
hitch, and the mother aud daughter
waited with what patience they could.
'He wouldn't tell US" said Tom, as
the three came in. "He said no one
should hear it before mother"
No one could have read an answer in
his face. He did not look cast down
nor elated. he looked around at his
eager family. Even the mother was
unconsciously drawing quick breaths.
"Well, Ellen" he said slowly, Il
don't know whether deserve it or not,
but I think I'm on the right side, and
the people think so, too"
He finished smiling upon them. Even
the most self-containsd person likes to
receive the homage of little circle of
dear ones. Mrs. Wynne carefully fold
ed stocking and placed it in the
mending basket, saying only, Pm very
Slou, Git0S. - tuluh you OSSSi VIC IL.
One Of the little lads breathed in
awed tones, Our fathers elected"
This made them laugh and removed
some Of the strain of excited triumph.
They could now talk over the stupen-
dous fact that father was going to
Congress. Elias Wynne's first thought
was for the district he was to repre-
sent. He took the matter seriously.
looking upon his election as God-giv-
en- trust. But his next care was for
the little farm that he had wrested
from the wilderness. He had had no
thought of public service before his
neighbors had selected him because of
his trustworthiness and strength. for
this great Office. So he discussed the
care of the farm with his wife and
children. James squared his shoulders,
with an important air, feeling that he
was now the man of the family.
For several days they went on laying
their plans, their pleasant feeling of
victory seasoning all they did.
Ellen" said Mr.. Wynne. quietly,
one evening, have you ever thought
how I'm to get to Washington in De-
cember:''
The stage will carry you. to be
sure she said, glancing at him quickly.
''Not without money. Our good
neighbors did not stop to think that
they were electing a man too poor to
get to the capital"
But your salary. Elias. You will
haye much more money than you can
USE"
''Yes, I would have enough to come
back, but have none Of it now"
But surely you could get some," she
faltered. You are certain that you
could pay it back whenever you prom
ise it,
He shook his head with decision.
'No, could not begin that now. And
we must remember that nothing in
life is quite certain. 1 might die on
the journey, and then how would the
debt ever be paid?''
you must 90 on horseback. then"
II would if there were way to send
the horse back. But you know it can
not be spared from the farm. / have
been considering it since the day l
knew was elected, but l have not yet
found way. haven't the money to
pay stage hire for so long a journey.
and I cannot take the horse. Now, we
must all set our wits to work and plan
what to do"
Mrs. Wynne gaZed at him in dismay.
and the children's faces were troubled.
Il will sell my necklace" said Mrs.
Wynne. 1t was an heirloom and her
one treasured possession.
That must not be-" he said simply.
IF father liked coatting be could
so on Sled" said Tom. There's
good heavy SNOW"
A burst Of laughter went up at the