Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1908-02-28
n.,s the regular price"

,ov black ana SedIcninS.
Mears hesitated a moment. He
vondered If two cents bushel was
ally a fair price. But there did not
.oem 10 be any other work in sight;
xby not try it? OF course, his hands
,ror,d he blistered before he had work.
"a half a day-they were rather white
and shapely now, in spite of vigorous
athletics.
The old man instantly interpreted
tbe glanc-. "Blistery work for chap
ME YOU. Nothing soft about huskinS
corn. II you're looking for an easy
Job. like driving home the cows, just
mass on" The thin-lipped mouth curv-
sd scornfully as Farmer Gridley thrust
pair of horny thumbs under his sus-
lenders and eyed the town-bred lad
rom head to foot
Mears Strengthened. 'I'll begin to-
morrow morning." he answered with
dignity. then turned and disappeared
down the lane. For some time he
hardly noticed the undulating field OF
corn-sbocks stretching for many rods
along the country road. IF it wasn't
for the folks, wouldn't knuckle down
to the old chap" he thought indignant
Nv. Il can see he's regular skinfiint,
hut I mean to make him do the right
thing by me-" The square boyish jaw
took on a look Of determination that
MAINLY meant defeat to Silas Gridley
should he mediate dishonesty in his
dealing.
SUDDENLY Mearsd' gaze wandered from
the corn to the struggling pumpkin
vines stretching their network In
patches across the amber-colored field.
Beyond, the sheep were feeding upon
the meadows freshened by the fall
equinox. Unconsciously, TIE lad drift
ed into touch with nature. His step
grew brisk. a tune bubbled out in little
catchy whistles. He hadn't even
thought what 1t would be, but there 1t
was, the soldierly air of:
I'VE march. we march to victory"
The rhythm possessed him. AS he
reached the sidewalk, .-le time grew
more pronounced with the click Of his
heels on the boards, and when GER
tain low-roofed house on side street
appeared, 1t had reached a climax OF
triumphant melody.
I've got a two-cent job" Mears an
nounced jubilantly to the figure bend
ing over the flowers near the gate.
"A what?" Mrs. Mitchell raised her
head, but her son had bounded past
her. que followed slowly. In the spot
less living room his twin sister sat
reading with one finger upon the pic
ture Of Sir Galahad.
"Oh. Mears!" she cried in dismay at
his sudden onslaught. you mustn't!
Wasn't he handsome! I'm at the
loveliest part! Did you say you had
a."
Job" finished Mears.
"Oh, tell me all about it-no, just
let me guess. It's a professional one"
Ruby's eyes danced as she rounded
out the word.
Having once resolved to see the
humorous side, Mears greeted the
venture with applause. 1t sure is
as Mike used to say. Requires expert
ence, too, and dexterity." The tone
was a close imitation of Ruby's.
Here's mother. | couldn't tell either
OF you alone. You may both have a
guess"
Mrs. Mitchell locked indulgently
into the boyish face on a level with her
own. its salaried position, think
you said when you met me at the
gate"
Ooh" Ruby leaked incredulous'
ly happy. sMy. how big that sounds!'
Then Mears told the whole story
touching very lightly on the disagree.
able parts. He had tried everybody
but the farmers, and, he Automatically
added, he had come to the conclusion
that out-of-door work would be better
for him than an ofice-for awhile
Hadn't he been In school for eleven
Years, ever since he was five years old
And that was the prettiest road out Of
town! The long lane leading to Mr.
Gridley's house was edged witt
naples, and the cornfields!-well
you know that picture we saw IL
the gallery last spring? The corn al
most rustled. 1t was so real. and the
pumpkins made me want pie"
Ruby laughed at her brothers i'm
agination. And the lane with the
naples in the distance can see 4
all" she added. But mother. VIII,
don't you say something?"
Mrs. Mitchell looked serious. "DiC
you say the farmers name was Grid
iey?' she inquired soberly.
Yes; Silas, his wife calls him. Sh,
came down the lane wearing a blu,
sunbonnet. and told him supper wa
ready. Do you know himY
Gridley Is familiar name," answer
60 his mother evasively. There's tn,
Gridley school house in that neighbor
mood. But. my boy. | wish you didn'
nave to work so hard for so little pay
ferhaps-but let us have supper now
When do you begin?"
Nears attacked a roll with grea
eneerfulness as he replied: my worl
begins at 600 a. IN. tomorrow: tn
enumeration for the week." ignorini
naDy's surprised exclamation. zap
pears Saturday at GOO D. m. II yol
eoth viii kindly walk out to the Grid
,ey estate, bringing suitable handbags
VIII allow you to assist me in bring
ing 1t in"