The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1907-06-19
A CONTEST WITH THE
WEATHER BUREAU.
By +. T.. c. ROBBINS.
oN0N0R0R0A


after attending to the slight errand
that had brought him to Lufkin's
store at Hardhack Corner, fingered
for a little chat with the proprietor,
who looked as if he might be "char-
acter."
AS the visitor had approached the
store he had seen letter carrier
driving away from it, and this fact
suggested a conversational opening
that has come to be a favorite with
the summer visitor.
This rural free delivery is a great
institution" he began, graciously.
But he perceived at once that he
had made mistake. The reply elic-
tied was in itself noncommittal.
-Mebbe tits and mebbe 'tain't." But
the scorn that the old storekeeper
continued to throw into his tone left
no doubt as to his attitude toward
this innovation in country life.
For more than thirty years Moses
Lufkin had been the postmaster at
Hardhack Corner. The salary had
not been large, but, as he had often
been heard to say, the honor was
something. Besides, as trade fol-
lows the flag" so does it come to the
store in which the Government post
office is domiciled.
Furthermore, in the little gather
ings of farmers who came for mail
and remained for conversation, Mr..
Lufkin had been something of an
oracle.
But now all this was changed. The
postoflice had been abolished, trade
had fallen off somewhat, and worst of
all, the eX-postmaster's authority,
even in that special subject which he
had made lifelong study, was no
longer unquestioned. No wonder he
could not be reused to enthusiasm
over the blessing of rural free deliv-
cry!
Perceiving this, the young man
hastened to change the subject, Sc
lecting topic this time that is sup
posed to be safe on all occasions.
"Ah, see that we are likely to have
another fine day tomorrow" he said,
glancing at thin sheet of paper
lying on the counter.
"Well, if we do, it won't be because
that thing says so," returned the old
gentleman, as testify as before. II
verify believe there's been more hay
spilled in this vicinity since that rural
carrier began to bring those predic-
tions than there had been before, for
! don't know how long. Why, if I'd
made as many mistakes in twenty
years as the Government has in two.
I'd have given up trying altogether! :"
Indeed! l judge then, that you
are something of an expert yourself
IL forecasting the weather."
"Well, l ought to be. I've been
studying it for going on forty years. {"
1T is certainly quite a study" said
the young man. AT any rate, have
found it So"
Then, answering look of inquiry,
he added, you see, I'm in the wealth
er business myself to some extent. l
am an assistant observer of the
Weather Bureau"
What! You help get up those
Gover'men predictions?
In a way, yes"
The old man stared for a moment
at this embodiment of what had been
to him hitherto only an impersonal
rival. What may l call your name?"
he asked.
dole. Clarence Dole, at your SER
vice. Here is my card. l am taking
a little vacation, and am staying at
Mr.. Blake's, on the hill"
How long are you going to stay
In these parts?" demanded Mr.. Luf-
kin, with interest.
About two weeks, l think
II want to know! Well, now, l
suppose you're laughing in your sleeve
at my setting up to be better wealth
er prophet than the Cover ment. But
I'd like to put the thing to test
with ye, and I'll tell ye what I'll do.
I'll write out my predictions every
day before the Governments gets
along, and I'll stick 'em up side by
side on the wall.> Then you and I'll
keep tally how they come out. Do
you dare to try it?"
Mr.. Dole replied good-naturedly
that he would be glad to watch the
result; and without attempting any
new lines of conversation, he quickly
took his leave.
who is that gentleman going
down the road, grandpa?" called a
voice moment later.
The old mans stern face lighted
mp with pleasure at sight of the
young lady standing in the doorway.
but he answered curtly enough: "Oh,
It's a young chap that's boarding at
Blake's-Dole, he says his name is.
Claims to be a weather observer for
the Cover 'ment."
Mr.. Dole of the Weather Bureau!
Why. / know him. said the young
lady. He attends our church in the
city. He is a very pleasant young
man."
"Heis pleasant-spoken enough" ad-
mitted her grandfather. "but l know
what he thinks. He thinks an old