The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1908-05-20
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The Trying Out Of Stephen.

BY CORA S. DAY.

idiuS COnluS uOWu Iue TOdu, wal
Stephens first remark, as he leaned
his hoe against the fence and put hi:
hands on the top rail for spring
over into the road. Why, it's Jerr,
from the livery across from the sta
tion, isn't it?" he added as he tooh
closer survey of the horse who stood
on three feet, resting the lame one.
Yes, it is that same Jerry, as they
told me. They told me also that he
was sound and kind, and a fair driver
I'm sorry to doubt their word, but
he went lame all at once down the
road here, and ! have ten or more
miles to go yet. l don't know how
he will do it, either. l don't know
much about horses, anyway, or /
suppose / would have known better
than to accept this old skate" The
man in the buggy looked both dis
gusted and worried over his situa-
ton.
Stephen shook his head emphatic
ally.
"Jerry's all right, ordinarily. !
don't see what made him go lame.
He has always had sound feet, and
been a good driver, just as they said.
Here-lift up, Jerry, and let me take
a look. Ho, there's the trouble, eh?"
He took up the lame foot between
his knees, reached large stone from
the roadside, and with a deft tap
sent flying a small stone from where
It had become wedged in the horses
foot. Then he set down the foot, and
Jerry stood on it carefully at first,
and then more firmly, with evident
relief.
well, WE'LL" CALCULATED the stran-
ger. ut seems that you can teach
me thing or two about horses. l
am ever so much obliged to you"
so is jerry" answered Stephen,
with a twinkle in his frank eyes.
"You are both very welcome. I'm
glad l happened to be here and find
the trouble. You would have had a
lame horse in earnest if you had
driven him far with that sharp stone
In his shoe. That's the first thing
to look for in case like this. Now
about that lunch, sir. If you will
drive on up to the house, l will ask
my mother if she can take you in for
dinner with the rest of us. She does
sometimes, know"
Thank you. Suppose you jump
In and go up with me, If you are
going soon," invited the stranger,
and Stephen acquiesced and took the
empty seat in the buggy.
Mrs. Warren agreed to the ar
rangement Stephen had suggested,
and in few minutes Jerry was hav-
Ing a good dinner in the barn, and
his driver was seated at the big fam
lily table in the cool dining-room of
the farmhouse.
1t had need to be a big table, for
there were good many to sit down
to it. Mr.. and Mrs. Warren had no
need to hire help for the work of the
farm in the house or out. Two rosy
checked daughters we're mothers
helpers in all that was to be done
In woman's sphere; while Mr.. War
ren was helped in his part of the
work by three stalwart sons who
would have made glad any fathers
heart. In the friendly, cordial at
mosphere of the house the stranger
soon felt at home, and talked easily
and entertainingly as they dined. 81
am taking this trip in place of my
partner, who usually attends to the
outside work of our real estate bust
ness, while l am the Office half of
the concern" he explained, after CIV
Ing them his name. THAT, you see,
accounts for my lack of experience
with horses, and my need of the
good services of this young man."
turning with a smile to Stephen.
Stephens eyes had frightened and
frightened as the guest spoke of his
city life. Although he was splendid
help to his father on the farm, and
never shirked his share of the work,
his heart and its most earnest desires
were elsewhere. The stir and hustle
and business of the city had a fas-
rination for him that the other boys
rould not understand, contented as
lhey were with their work as farm
FRS. Stephen had for years had
hesire to do and be something else
Than farmer. One winter he had
worked in the village grocery, and
had on several occasions done the er-
rands in town that the storekeeper
had not wanted to take his own time
for, and that he knew were simple
enough for the boy. Those little
business trips had fired Stephen with
the ambition to get into business in
town; to find an opening in the gro
cery trade somehow and somewhere.
and go on and up until-and there
he would go soaring away in airy
visions of future greatness in the
business world.
Mr.. Warren saw his interest in the
stranger now, and understood it. He
had never discouraged Stephens am
bitions and dreams. He had two
good helpers left even if Stephen
should go to the work he liked; and
the father very wisely thought that
1t was best to let him work out his
OWN problem unhindered.
Ao-- l. L