The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1907-06-19
A0~e~e~c~o

them, and to discuss the degree of
fultilment of those of the day be-
fore, after which it became quite a
habit of his to make social call at
the storekeepers pleasant house near
by.
The news of the contest also spread
among the neighbors, with the result
that visits to the store became almost
as much a matter of course as in the
old days of coming for the mail.
For week or so the honors were
about even. Indeed, the rival fore
casts were quite similar in substance,
although worded differently, as Mr..
Lufkin scorned to initiate the phrase
ology of the Weather Bureau.
But at last an issue was fairly
Joined. Wednesday afternoon the
narrow slip of paper emanating from
the Weather Bureau bore in modest
type this prediction:
Increasing cloudiness Thursday,
with light rain in the afternoon or
night" while beside it on the wall
might be seen the announcement,
scrawled in red chalk, "A little hazy
tomorrow morning, but it will burn
off, and be toler'ble warm day."
On Thursday morning the sun rose
very clear and then within two hours
went into cloud, which was bad
sign. 1t sprinkled little by 8
oclock-a drought shower" Mr..
Lufkin called it. But an hour later
the sun was again shining brightly,
and for the rest Of the day there was
an almost cloudless sky. 1t was
warm, too.
There was no room for controversy.
The weather prophet of Hardhack
Corner had scored success, and the
Cover ment" was beaten.
Mr.. Lufkin was not only gratified,
but considerably emboldened by his
success. A neighborhood picnic to
take place on a small island in Long
Pond had been planned for Saturday,
but on Friday the native prophet
shook his head ominously.
II rather calculate that picnic will
have to be put off," he said. And ear
ly in the afternoon he seized his red
chalk, and wrote in flaming charac-
tiers:
Look out for thunder showers
and high wind tomorrow.
The report from the Weather Bu-
reau, arriving little later, merely
said:
Fair and warmer Saturday.
This left the community somewhat
in doubt, although the young people,
who were especially interested in the
picnic, were. inclined to believe that
Uncle Lufkin was little off that
time" This opinion was strength
ened the next morning, for never did
dawning day give fairer promise of
good behavior.
DO you really believe, Grandpa,
that there is any danger of showers?"
asked Fannie, pausing irresolutely in
her task of filling her lunch-basket.
Now, Fannie" broke in her
grandmother, impatiently, don't you
mind word that your grandpa says.
1t does seem as if he had gone clean
daft about the weather. It's going
to be as nice day as heart could
wish. OF course you will go to the
picnic. All the folks will. / declare,
Id go myself if wasn't so lame"
The old gentleman, thus discred-
tied in his own mouse, started off in
decided i'll humor, and shut himself
up in his deserted store, out of sight
If not out of hearing of the merry
party that soon passed by.
Il wish it would rain pitchforks
and blow great gunsl" he muttered,
as he went outside late in the fore
noon and cast searching look at the
sky. No, l don't, either!" he de-
clared the next minute, in a tone of
repentance. Il hope they will have
tirst-rate good day, and guess they
will, fast enough"
In this better mood he seated him
self on a much-whittled bench just
outside the door, and was soon peace
fully engaged in the never-failing oc-
cupation of the aged-living over by
gone days. He was just on the point
of falling into nap when his grand
daughters voice reused him.
Grandpa! Grandpa!" came the
pleasant voice again.
Why, Fannie!" he exclaimed, his
eyes blinking in the sunlight. Il
supposed you were at the picnic"
"Oh, no, grandpa! l didn't quite
like to take the risk against your
advice, and SO l concluded not to go,
said the young lady, demurely.
What, you here, too, Mr.. Dole!"
cried the storekeeper, in fresh won
der, as he became conscious of an
other figure a little in the back
ground.
"Yes. l thought I'd better not go,
either" returned the young man, in
very respectful tone.
This handsome recognition of his
standing as weather prophet was
decidedly soothing to the old gentle
mans pride. well. it's generally
safest to follow my advice" he ad-
mitted. but l guess / missed my cal
eulations for once. The fact is, all