River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1907-07-18

Come Aunty. Don't sit noddlng
in your chair any longer. Do go to
bed"
what time is it, child?" E1ecta
Broom blinked, grooming slightly as
she Strengthened up.
mine o'clock. You ought to be
asleep. Half past eight is your regu-
lar hour you know" Rosie's plump
shoulders twitched nervously.
Il know. When is your pa coming
home? | guess I'll wait for him.
owl" Aunt Electa caught at her
knees with an agonized squeak
"There!" she added remorsefully, Il
II didn't. mean to let out a word,
Rosetta, but my old rheumatism has
got me again. I'll have to get Nathan
to help me upstairs. Dear! Dear!"
The girl stepped to the front door,
biting her lip
Raining YETI" her aunt called.
mo, not yet. It's laundering lit
tie" Rosie backed irresolutely to the
sitting room to put coaxing hand
on the old woman's arm.
Father won't be here until after
help you TO bed. Comet"
We'll, III be more comfortable
there, / suppose Ow! Wait a min
ute, child Let me stretch my legs
to timber 'em. That's better. I'll
rest a second"
Ready, Aunty?"
Pretty near. What hurry you're
in, Rosie I put dollar in that let
ter to Joe Berry about the ginger
cordial Tisn't everyone I'd trust, but
Joes honest He hasn't been here for
some time, has he? | thought you
two were sort of keeping company
three months ago"
Pooh! He's only a station agent.
I-I-pshaw! That talk didn't amount
to anything. People are always CAB
bling about me- | wish they'd tend
to their own affairs"
"Well, you're mighty pretty, my
dear, and only eighteen, with no
mother. OF course, folks are inter-
ested Your Pas spoiled you, guess,
into thinking you're a real grown up,
when you amt but a child in most
ways. | will say | never saw a girl
so hard to get nigh to as you"
I'm that way" returned Rosie,
petulantly. 4 hold my tongue, do my
work and suit myself. It's good
plan, and I'd thank older people to do
the same, even you, Aunty. There"
"Oh! | didn't mean to rile you,
Rosie" said her aunt, humbly. I'm
aware that | just came here to help,
until you could hire woman. Now
if you'll give me lift, my dear. OW!
All right. Why! I'm just your height,
and not much fatter than you are,
child Funny, I never noticed that.
Careful Careful. One step at time.
Don't go SO fast"
The girl laughed in a forced, I'M
natural manner as they toiled up the
steep stairway.
I'll have you in bed in two minutes,
Aunty Stand here by the door, while
/ light the lamp. So! Lean against
the jamb Where are the matches?
Oh! yes. Good heavens!"
Noiselessly the door had been pulled
to. There came a sharp click. ROS-
eta was a prisoner. Down the stairs
sped Aunt Electa. Her rheumatism
seemed not to hinder those flying feet
Regardless of shrieks and poundings
from above, she skipped into the tiny
closet off the hall, presently to emerge
with her neice's long cloak, hat, veil
and small hand bag
Thought so,' she grunted "All
packed and ready. l was sure of it.
Poor, foolish little thing. Thank the
Lord for good eyes, sharp ears and
having lived in Dresser. I'll fix this
business"
Arraying herself carefully, the old
woman extinguished the lamp in the
sitting room, closed and locked the
front door, and stole out into the
blackness of the night.
In the road she paused. A long roll
of thunder echoed among the hills.
AS it died, she heard the sound of
distant rapid wheels.
oh! yes she murmured, I'm
waiting, you scamp / go to bed early
don't /? Somebody goes out doesn't
she? These moonlight nights with
Pa at the store, and Aunt Electa sound
asleep were very convenient, Ell?
Only she wasn't 1t was a trifle chilly
peeking through the blinds, but it
paid. l knew you at the very first
glimpse, my boy. The wind was blow
ing my way when you said Saturday
night on the nine forty-five. Rosie
You spoke too loud, son, under that
tree. I'll go. I'll fool you, and there's
a gentleman at the station who is
wondering at the P. S. on a letter.
If Rosie is obliged to take train
Saturday night, please look after her
That tells nothing, but Joe will be on
hand. So will Electa Broom. Here
we are!" The horse stopped with
a jerk.
Climb in, Rosie, quick! Good!