The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1907-04-04

IoeC dFOuuu the legs OF his CIldlf ana
with perspiring face .toilsomely indited
letter. 1t was the longest he haC
ever written and proved to be taa
| most satisfactory.
MA" said Zed, coming into the pau-
| try-"ma, me and Atulky want to go
to the circus Wednesday at Auburn.
You know it's Atulk's birthday, and
we want to celebrate"
Betsey was delighted. Mrs. Willet
was delighted. They beamed on the
world generally and on each particu-
| larly for two days. Eliza early decid-
ed to "set out Wednesday, with Betsey
/ in order to finish their arrangements
for the wedding. She hurried across
the fields just after Zed and Atulka
had departed and the two women
planned cakes and creams, salads and
cold meats until sundown.
The dusk of the shortening Septem
ber day was fast approa ching when
they heard the sound Of horses at the
! front gate. Mrs. Willet arose hastily.
'There; that means that Atulky is to
home, and ] must go right over"
"Why, wait, Elizy. and I'll have Zed
carry you over Betsey was inter-
rupted by rap at the door. 1T amt
Zed, Elizy. Set down again"
Betsey opened the door, and Asa
Skinner entered. He was skinner by
name and by nature both, the people
of Auburn said but outwardly he
| was pleasant to look at as he stood
inside the door, smiling blandly at the
the women He coughed slightly
against the rim of his tall silk hat,
which he held in one gloved hand.
Ladies'" he began, with some hesita-
ton, 'I-ahem-feel it my duty to in
form you-er-that your children will
not be home-er-tonight, at least
| Mrs. Willet sat down suddenly and
hard. .'Atulky!'' she cried. "Where is
Atulky?''
Mr. Skinner bowed in ElZa's direc
ton. ''She has just-er-let ME see
He drew out his watch. Eyes, her trair
is just now pulling into Boston"
Eliza threw up both hands and turn
ed pale. Into Boston," she repeated
in weak voice. How'd she ever gil
there?"
"By means of ticket" explained
Mr. Skinner grayely and added as i
in afterthought to Betsey, purchased
by your son.
Betsey suddenly advanced one stei
nearer Mr.. Skinner. She spoke witt
heavy emphasis. MY son got it. dit
he? Just wait till git a holt of Zel.'
Mr. Skinner smiled bllndly. Il fear
Mrs Agnew, that you will lie obliged t
forego that pleasure. as he is Oh hi
way to California
Californian Betsey's voice wa
shrill at can't be true Zed left th
house with just 81 in his pocket"
''Hc left AUBURN" replied MIR. Skin
ner quickly. with $1,000, the price o
his new farm"
Betseys head reeled. She caught TIL
edge of the table and spoke hoarsely
'The farm amt his until the weddin
: day. I've got the deed
Asa Skinner interrupted sharply
your family affairs are nothing to me
madam The deed of the meadow lot
to your son was entered at the oftic
Of the registrar and recorder last wee
as signed, sealed and delivered. Til
farm is now mine. / called to get tn
keys of the house."
Ten minutes later two very pale an
angry women We're looking at each ott
er silently Betsey was the first t
speak.
ITO think" she moaned. "that wa
fool enough to get that deed recorded,
Eliza wrung her hands. "And there
Atulk run away without Zed after pc:
term me nigh to DEATH"
, She ended her sentence with SUI
, pressed scream and sprang to her fec
with the agility of youth. She hurrit,
across the field and in at her bac