Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1907-06-06
WHEN BESSIE
MOVED. y
BY MARIE WAIT.
Copyright, 1907. By Marie Wat.


Bessie sat with her face against the
pane of the south window. Ever since
the gathering dusk Of the winter after
noon had settled down she had watch
ed the road for signs of the team. Two
of the loads had come and gone. The
last should have started only an hour
or SO after the others, yet 1t was nearly
O'Clock and the familiar form had not
put in appearance.
Then a knock at the door startled
her, and she covered into the darkness,
hoping that the intruder, whoever 1t
might be, would become tired and 60
away. Instead, the knocking continu-
ed, and presently there was gust of
cold air as the door was thrown open.
1t could not be the folks. They were
coming from the south. 1t must be
tramp.
The furniture was still piled In the
center of the room. and there was no
hiding place save the great cupboard
that had been Grandma Bailey's. Soft
ly she stole across the room, but was
just concealing herself when man en-
tered carrying lantern.
Tremblingly she obeyed his COM
mand to come out and stood facing
him. There was nothing very terrible
about his appearance. He was muffied
up to his eyes in coats and scarf, but
the eyes were frank and kindly and
there was twinkle suggestive of fun.
Give an account of yourself" he de-
handed. Trying to steal the housey'
I'VE are moving in," she cried indig-
nantly. Il came OH with the first load,
and mother and father were to be here
with the last. They have not arrived
yet. / don't know what can be keep
ing them. | am Bessie Lyford," she
added as an afterthought.
And I'm Joel Ware" he introduced.
Il just got back from town and saw
the lights. l did not know that the
new owners were moving in and came
over to see if tramps were in the house.
I live across the way"
II have been here since H." she said.
"We are moving over from Groton. I
was to show the men where to put the
things. The last load went-oh, years
ago"
And you've been sitting here since
then watching for your folks" he said,
look n of no al ir nv hn xvfr
Had your support"
II had cold lunch" she said indif-
ferently. "The kitchen things are on
the last load.''
"I'll bring something over" he de-
clared. 81 haven't had my supper yet"
He slipped out, and Bessie sank into
the chair by the window to resume
her watch. After awhile he returned,
and she went out into the dining room,
where he was Strengthening out the
chairs. The steam Of the hot coffee
filled the room with it's delicious odor,
and for the first time she realized that
she was hungry.
Il brought mine. too" he explained.
9TH save time"
she found herself chatting as she sip
ped the coffee and munched the bis
cult Joel, she found. kept bachelor
hall in the little farmhouse across the
way. In the summer he had several
hands helping him, but in the winter
be lived by himself and was glad
enough to have neighbors again
al h
the tray was depleted and Joel rose
I'll take these things over to the
house. he said, land then come back
You won't be scared, will your
Bessie shook her head laughingly.
There was certainty Of movement
about Joel that induced confidence, and
as she watched the light 60 up In his
kitchen while he moved about at his
work. the occasional silhouette against
the light brought comfort to her. Then
the light went out again, and she could
see him striding through light snow
that had begun to fall
She looked up with smile as he
entered.
Il was tempted to run across and
help you with the dishwashing," she
said. II never thought or / should
have offered to do 80 before you left"
Il guess can do my own chores"
he laughed back. II was wondering
how it would do to hitch up and drive
back Groton way. I've got fresh
team, and If you don't mind being
alone can nnd out what's the matter.
I brought my revolver over 90 you
would feel safer. I don't suppose
you'll need It, but 1t might be COM
fort to feel that you had It."
but it's such a long, cold drive"
she protested.
II guess little snow won't hurt
me or the team much" he laughed
you'll be worrying till you know
what the matter Is. I'll bring In some
wood for the stoves and then get
along"
He built up a roaring fre and then
turned to Bessie.
This Ii sort OF back road" he
explained. 1.-THE tramps. mostly hold
to the line OF the railroad. 20 don't
worry. I'll be back - soon as can"
She watched him drive out Of the
yard presently, and AZ the well match
ed team sped down the road sudden