Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1908-01-16

a hand upon his brothers shoulder.
Tor now brisk step was heard COM
Ing up the sidewalk toward the door.
Leave this to me, John" he
urged, lowering his voice, ''I believe
can bring it round all right. Any
how, give me a chance to try my
idea."
"All right. Come in, Dave" in an
swer to a low tap.
The door opened and a~strong.
well-built boy of sixteen or seventeen
entered.
i've come to say goodbye, Mr..
John and Mr.. Abner," he said, with
evident regret in HIS voice. eve
brought up the saw an hammer Pap
borrowed, an Pap he's going to
bring up the other things in a few
minutes. He was just startin' when
l left. Then we're goin' to pack our
goods an back 'em to Orlando"
"Oh. no, guess not, Dave" re-.
torted Abner, good-naturedly, we're
making different arrangements for
you. somebody's needed to look after
our mules and wagons and things.''
The boys face 1ightened with won
dering, almost incredulous, ecstasy:
then dropped with the recollection of
the hard reality.
I'm ter'ble sorry, Mr.. Abner. an,
Mr.. John,' he said, striving in vain
TO Keep his voice steady, s'but Pap's
lowin' " must be movin' on. We've
staid here a right long spell now"
But he's no call to be dragging
you off to Orlando broke in John
sharply You're better off here.
You've got five acres of land almost
paid for, and another year you can
clear it and set out trees. Your
father" ?" -.
The boy Strengthened sudderry.
Pap knows best" he said, his
voice growing steady and his gaze di-
rect, he lows folks are gettin' down
on him here. an it's time he was
movin' on"
John shrugged his shoulders.
Let him move on then" he ad-
yised, "and you stay here. See how
quick he will be coming back after
something to eat
The boys eyes flashed
I'm much obliged to you all for
what you've done for me-" he said,
the forced calmness of his words be-
lying the resentfu1 sparkle in his
eyes. That's what / walked up to
say. Now I'll be going
"Pshaw, pshaw, Dave" expostulat-
ed Abner, "you mustn't feel put out
with what John says. Remember it
was he who sent your father medi-
cine when he was sick. There, that's
right" as the boys face softened.
"And about your father now. think
he can be talked around. Is he COM
ing, did you say"
"Yes, sir; he'll be here in few
minutes. He's on the way
Abner looked at John, who grim
then nodded a good natured
assent.
"Come, Dave" he said. Suppose
we leave Abner to talk with your
father, while we go out to the stables
and look around. / want to show
you about the work and explain more
fully what we DESIRE The mules
must have plenty of exercise; you can
use them in breaking ground, clear
ing land, or anything you like You
Just take care of every
tE ing the best you know how, as
though they were your own
The boy followed him slowly, the
resentment not wholly gone from his
eyes. At the door he turned.
Don't you go for to say nothin'
bad to my father" he Warned. Then
be disappeared.
A few minutes later old Higgins
Abner was seated at his
desk writing.
''I've come" began the visitor.
Abner turned in his chair. "Oh,
It's you," he interrupted. "Glad to
see you. Take seat" Then as the
man stared at him, wonderingly,
offering to sit down, he went
L
Just now. You see, the thing is just
here: we want to go away, but we
don't want to sell out. Mules and |
wagons would bring very little just
now; besides, we may come back at |
the end Of year or SO. What we |
want is a good, trustworthy man to |
take charge Of everything while We
are gone; somebody we can depend |
upon, you know. You have been here
long enough to understand our ways,
and Dave will be prime hand to as
5ist. Now why can't we engage you
to look after the outfit? |
The pay will not be large. OF course;
but you can use the mules and |
wagons as much as you like. It will |
10 them good. Take it all around. |