The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-11-11
THE SECOND REINFORCEMENT.

Around a curve In the road came handsome farm wagon. drawn by two flne-looking horses, and containing a man and q woman and several chill dren Palmer watched them as they passed
 "I brung them hosses up from colts," drawing his sleeve across his eyes. 'Is that the man wnc rented your farm?'A
 q suppose so. that was my team Mir. Jackson--- he broke down, sobbing like a hurt child.
 Never mind.r said Jackson, cheer fly, TT fancy that man is kind to animals"
 If I thought he want" desperately, "Id drag him off that seat, and wipe the road with" He stopped and half turned as if seeking another way. '"There's one of 'em comin." in a fright ened whisper, "and nowheres to go to-"
 For heavens sake. Palmer" Tom exclaimed impatientlS. ''one might thing you had seen ghost! That's only woman-not fat one, either" humorously recalling tho massive pro- portions of the two women they had already seen.
 she's the wmst one of the lot" walled Palmer; that's Ann Baxter, and she can run lilke--Tfke a deer'
 Jackson looked like the tall, angular figure. approaching, and accepted the assertion. Her calico skirt was plain and scant. and barely of ankle length. Her feet were encased Tn broad shoes with elastic gores set in at the tops.
 If she can't run" Tom thought ap- preciatively. '1t isn't because her prog ress is impeded by the length or full- ness of draperies& about her running gear"
 rTaIs s,,rra~4aS hsy raetsor patr1ar shuQied aleng. his head bent forward. his fingers nervous1y cIutching the front of his fll-fitting coat.
 Miss Ann Baxter was almost abreast of them when, before Tom could df- vine her intention, she stepped &reso- lutely past him, and caught the shrink ing Palmer by the coeE.
 Hold up your head. Abner Palmer" she cried, sharply. ''don't think you can get by mel Where nave you been
 Jackson recovered himself.
 Pardon me. madam firmly, this gentleman, Mir. Mahoney from Boston, is subject to epiieptic nts.N Let us pass at once, or you may get hurt"
 And that's no lie!' was his mental addition.
 Miss Baxter met n,s eyes with look of perfect comprehension and un- mitigated scorn.
 Pass right on. Mfr. Mahoney from Boston," with stinging sarcasm. 'T'll see you later. There's only one road to the farmt'
 She turned away with mocking bow to Jackson, and broke into a long. easy iope that reminded him of an Indian pony
 Look at her run! Look at her run!" Palmer cried. excItedIy. dancing up and down in his excess of misery. l~b& Aoh .Na
 she's a hummer, and no mistake, but don't you see, Farmer" encourag- fngly, she's runninA ~way from usr'
 That's ali right" Palmer returned despondently, chats all right now, but wait tili she turnv around"
 sHe hurried moodily on, and Jackson strode beside him in silence. He was trying to put together the factors fin this strange problem. and to resolve them into a reasonable product. Then he became conscious or q sudden alert ness in the slouching figure at his side.
 This is the beginning of my farm,p said Palmer. steadily, the land runs back and takes in them hills. and along up the road for half mile"
 As they entered the driveway. Jack son noted the increased dignity of Palmer's bearing.
 I'm glad them folks is away" he remarked. I'll go In rnd get-what come after, and hurry pack to the depot"
 "Are you getting a good price for this place, Palmer?Y
 Palmer shook his head sadly. Not third of what it's worth"
 "Why are you leaving here, Palmer? It's beautiful spot"
 Don't l know It's peautifulr' the thin face working with suppressed emotion, "ain't l worked on 1t, and watched over it, and cared for 1t ever sense I can rememberT I planted every vine and shrub arouno this house. fixed the house all over inside, and built on them three bay-winders. There's six Jersey cows out snere that raised, and another pafr of colts, and every critter on the pIace would come to me if I called 1t by name Oh. you needn't tell me how beautiful 1t isl! Hain't l thought on 1t by day, and dreamed on 1t by night, fin all the ten long, weary months I been away from it! Talk about the feller in the Bible who sold his birthplace TOT mess of porridge-Im selling mine for less and-and I jain't sure of getting the selling-price, neither" he ended chok- ingly.
 Jackson laid a quieting hand on his arm.
 "Mr Palmer" pushing him gently along, "sit down here on the piazza Why do you say you are not sure of getting the selling price%