The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1907-03-16


worthy son ot his mother, but had his
mother known It she would have been
far from pleased On her movements
2ed had kept Il wary eye until the pre-
viouS week, The tiny Mrs Willot and
Mrs. Agne" drove - Auburn together
he. feeling secure had brought to
gethcr pen, ink aud paper hooked his
feet around the legs of his chair and
with pcrspiriag face tollsomely lnditcd
n letter II was the longest he had
ever written and proved to hc the
most satisfactory,
MA" said Xcd, coming into the pan
try-"ma, me and Atulky want TO 70
TO the circus Wednesday at Auburn.
You know It's Atulks birthday, and
we want 10 celebrate
Betsey was delighted, Mrs. Willct
was delighted, They ,beamed on the
world generally and on each partlcu.
larry for two days, Eliza early dccid'
ed to "set out Wednesday" with Bctsey
In order 10 finish their arrangements
for the wedding. She hurried across
the fields just after Hed and Atulka
had departed. and the two women
planned cakes and creams, salads and
cold meats until shutdown.
The dusk of the shortening Scptems
ber day was fast approaching when
they heard the sound Of horses ut the
front gate. Mrs. Willet arose hastily,
There: that means that Atulky Is 10
home aud must 90 right over"
"Why. wait. Ellzy, and I'll have Zed
carry you over BetSey was inter
rupted by rap at the door, ut amt
Zed. ElIzy. Set down again"
Betscy 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 us 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 elovcd hand.
ladies he began. with some heslta-
ton, "I-ahem-feel It my duty to in
form you-er-t that your children Will
not be ome-er-tonlght. at least
Mrs. Willet sat down suddenly and
hard. "Atulkyw she cried. Where Is
AtnlkyT'
Mr.. skinner bowed n Eliza's dlrec'
tioI. she has just let me see." F."
He drew ont his watch. Yes. her train
Is just now pulling into Boston"
Eliza threw up both hands and turn
ed pale. Into Boston," she repeated
In a weak voice. How'd she ever git
therer'
by means OF ticket" explained
Mr.. Skinner gravely and added as II
In afterthought to Betsey, purchased
by your SON."
Betsey suddenly advanced one step
nearer Mr.. Skinner. She spoke with
heavy emphasis. MY son got 1t, did
he? Just wait till git holt of Zed.
Mr.. Skinner smiled blandly. Il fear.
Mrs. Agnew, that you will be Obliged to
forego that pleasure. as he Is on his
way to California"
california" Betsey's voice was
shrill. 'It can't he true! Zed left this
house with just ST in his pocket"
"He left Auburn replied Mr.. Skin.
ner quickly, with 5000 the price of
bis new farm"
Betsey's head reeled. She caught the
edge of the table and spoke hoarsely.
THE farm amt his until the wcddin
day. I've got the deed
Asa skinner interrupted sharply;
"Your family affairs are nothing to me.
madam. The deed Of the meadow lots
to your son was entered at the office
Of the registrar aud recorder last we"!.
as signed, sealed and delivered. The
farm is now mine. called TO get th"
keys of the house
Ten minutes later two very pale and
angry women were looking at each 9th
er silently. Betsey was the first 10
speak.
ITO think" she mo9nel. that was
fool enough 10 get that deed recorded
Eliza wrunG her hands. And there's
Atulk run away without Zed after pes,
term me nigh 10 death
She ended hc" sentence with a sup
pressed scream aud spganG 10 her feet
with the agility Of youth. She hurric1
across the field and In at her bac';