The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1907-07-23
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The young man in the linen suit,
after attending to the slight errand
that had brought him to Lufkin's
store at Hardhack Corner, fingered
for little chat with the proprietor,
who looked as if he might be char
acter."
AS the visitor had approached the
store he had seen a letter carrier
driving away from it, and this fact
suggested a conversational opening
that has come to be 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 Il mistake. The reply clio
tied was in itself noncommittal.
NMebbe it's and mebbe faint" 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 moro 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 domlciled.
Furthermore, in the little gather
lngs 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
postofhce 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 a lifelong study, was no
longer unquestioned. No wonder he
could not be reused to enthusiasm
over the blessing of rural free delIv-
eryi
Perceiving this, the young man
fastened to- change the subject, Sc
lecting a 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 a 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. Il
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
wears L.,
ia have given up trying altogether! "
Indeed! 1 judge then, that you
are something of an expert yourself
In forecasting the weather"
We'll, i 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 1t so"
Then, answering a look of inquiry.
he added, you see, I'm i'm the wealth
er business myself to some extent. /
am an assistant observer of the
Weather Bureau"
What! You help get up those
Government predictions?
I'm 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 manner"
he asked.
Dole. Clarence Dole, at your SER
vice. Here Is my card. am taking
a little vacation, and am staying at
Mr.. Blako's, ON the hill"
How long are you going to stay
In these parts?" demanded Mr.. Luf-
kin, with interest.
About two weeks, Think
II want to know Well. now. I
suppose you'rclaughing in your sleeve
at my setting up TO be a better wealth
er prophet than tho Cover ment. But
ia like to put the thing to test
with yo, and I'll tell we what III do.
III write out my predictions every
day before the Cover 'mcnt's gets
along, aud III stick 'em up side by
side on the wall. Then you and ri
Keep tally how they come out. DO
you dare to try III"
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
up with pleasure at sight OF the
young lady standing i'm the doorway.
but he answered curt1y enough: ooh.
It's a young chap that's boarding at
Blake's- Dole, he says his name is.
Claims to be q weather observer FOR
the Cover ment."
Mr. Dole of the Weather Bureau
Why, / know him. said the young
lady. lie attends our church i'm tho
city. lie IS a very pleasant young
man"
"Heis pleasant-spokon enough" ad-
mitted her grandfather. "but know
what he thinks Tie thinks an old
codger like me can't GoretoIl weather
but I'm just going to show him his
mistake"
For The next two weeks Mr.. Lufkln