The Prescott daily news., 1907-08-07
What Nan Would
 Have Lost
Bv JEAN KATE LUDLUM.
Copyright. by Joseph B. Bowles.l

uiss Atkinson, her former teacher, ,v,th whom she continued correspond .rce since leaving school over year hsfore Its just dreadful to think os having to live here in the coun- trv after the dear, delightful city life; .but away from everyone and with ab- ao,utely nothing to do but maybe u,,,e homework! Of course 1 read; hut one cannot read all the while; and of course sew; but even the fan c,es, of fancy.work pals sometimes. Ihave shut my school books so recent ,v. there Is no need of my opening them again for long. long while; and although the country is beautiful, am already tired of 1t because there is nothing to do in 1t! Why, oh, why. Miss Atkinson, did papa lose his money and have to be shut off here be- cause it is cheaper living? Here the winter is only half over and we haven't even a horse to grant us little en- ioyment these dull dreadful days! It's awful. awful, awful, and l wish we were back in the dear old home'
 Poor Nan. She was in fit of the bluest blues, and Miss Atkinson's kind heart was troubled for some way to cheer this one of her favorite pupils. Nan was naturally a bright girl. and passed her school examinations with credit, and for her now to give up to doing nothing should be made out of the question, or all her hard study would go to waste.
 Miss Atkinson wrote at once to Nan. It was busy time for her with her school, but she must help this girl if she could, and she thought she could. There was more than one way to heal a sore heart. And when her letter reached Nan, the girl was surprised at the opening so clearly be- fore her. To follow the studies marked out by Miss Atkinson would occupy a great deal of her time during the long winter days and evenings. and she must give the subject thorough at tention to succeed. It was almost like going back to the old school days save that this was so novel the very novelty was at first an incentive to win
 Its just like Miss Atkinson" she said a moisture about her eyes that proved the kindness of the heart far away was not lost. II might have known she would help me out She wouldn't be happy if she couldn't do something for one!"
 'I can't do much until spring toward this special work" Nan said to herself. pondering the pros and cons of the new idea: but there is something can do right now! There is no reason why l cannot have chickens % we can have the benefit without waiting for sum- mer and my garden!" She laughed as the thought made itself clear, and started at once upon It.
 It would cost very little to purchase three hens - good, laying hens as Miss Atkinson said, and one rooster; her father would give her the money that would take, but she would not tell him for what she wished it; she would keep her secret until she proved its worth. There was small barn. rather old and unpaint- ed, with a hennery attached at the side where the sun shone warmest, and at the rear a warm pigpen. This latter struck her eye at once, and an inspiration all her own. as she said, laughing, came to her.
 The first venture in poultry cost her but two dollars. They were Brahmas and good layers. the man said, when he delivered them to her the day or her purchase. And so they proved.
 The pig would be harder to get, the same man told her. He was a broad hearted farmer, a trifle rough in speech, maybe. but true to the core lie smiled many times upon her with ready good nature as she questioned him, telling him in great secrecy. with beautiful color in her cheeks and a delightful light in her eyes. about her new plans, forming thereby a power rul ally in him. His farm was next theirs, large. prosperous estate, and Miss Nan felt the utmost confidence in him and his advice.
 Just that time of year. he told her, With great gravity. twinkle in his eyes. 1t was difficult to obtain a good animal If she would wait until spring 1t would be much better, and ne would agree by then to see that she had one of the best pigs to be secured. By fall, he added. young pig would be in perfect condition to butcher. which was of course what she desired?
 Yes. she told him, and laughed to think how wise she was getting, her