Camas Prairie chronicle. [volume] (Cottonwood, Idaho) 1901-1917, 1908-10-30

who received eight dollars a week. There
fore Mr.. Drummond was disposed to
smooth over matters, for the sake of re-
tanning the services which he obtained so
cheap. He resolved, therefore, to tempo$
iZc
"You are both of you wrong" be said.
Joshua, you should not have called Con-
rad beggar, for he earns his living. You,
Conrad, should not have been SO violent.
You should have told me, and l would
have spoken to Joshua"
"Excuse me, Mr.. Drummond, but
don't like tale bearing. did the only
thing l could"
"Ahemv said Mr.. Drummond, 'you
ware too violent. would suggest that
Won should each beg the others pardon,
shake hands. and have done with 1t.
"Catch me begging pardon of my faith
er's hired boy !" exclaimed Joshua, scorn-
fully. al haven't got quite as low as
that"
AS for me-" said Walter, IF thought
| had been in the wrong, l would beg
Joshua's pardon without any hesitation.
I am not too proud for that, but think
l
and therefore / cannot do it. AS for
being a hired boy, 1 admit that such is
nv position, and | don't see anything to
be ashamed of in 1t"
you are right there" said Mr.. Drum
mond; for this assertion chimed in with
his own views and wishes. well, 1t
seems to me you are about even, and you
may as we'll drop the quarrel here"
Walter felt satisfied. He felt that he
had won the victory and maintained his
self-respect There was one thing more
he desired, and that was to go to the
picnic. He would not have urged the re-
quest. but that he was well aware that
Joshua would report that he was kept at
home by his desire.
at won't be very convenient for you
to be away Saturday afternoon" said Mr..
Drummond, who was principled against
allowing clerks any privileges. You
know we have more trade than usual on
Saturday afternoon"
II done think we shall have next Sat
urday," said Walter; Everybody will be
gone to the picnic.'
"If you insist upon going" said Mr..
Drummond, reluctantly, Il must try to
let you go"
Walter felt no scruples about insisting
He knew that he earned his limited ray
twice over. and that his absence would
do his employer no harm. He answered,
therefore, "Thank you. sir; l will be
home at six o'clock. so as to be in the
store all Saturday, evening"
Meanwhile Joshua went home in a very
unhappy frame Of mind. He had not sue
ceeded in humiliating Walter as he in
tended, but had an unpleasant feeling that
Walter had got the better of him. He
was very angry with his father for not
taking his part, and was not slow in max
ing his feelings known to his mother.
What's the matter, JoshuaT asked
Mrs. DrumInond, observing the scowl
upon his face
Matter enough That beggar has
been insulting me-that upstart, Con-
rad. He pitched into me- and tried to
knock me over"
What for? l am surprised to hear il,
he seems so polite and well bred"
Nothing at all. He sprang at me like
a tiger, and all for nothing. He took me
by surprise. so at first he got the ad-
vantage, but soon gave him as good
as he sent"
81 am really sorry to hear this" said
Mrs. Drummond, distressed. Are You
sure you didn't say something to pro-
woke him?"
II only said, when he was invited to
g. to the picnic Saturday afternoon, that
he wouldn't be able to leave the store"
II am afraid you said it in such a
way as to offend him"
Seems to me you think a good sight
more of him than of ME in the matter"
glumbled Joshua. That's just the way
with father. He wanted us both to beg
each others pardon. Catch me begging
pardon of beggarly hired boy!"
He isn't any worse because your
father hires him, Joshua"
"Oh, yes, of course, you stand up for
him." said Joshua, sneering.
Now, Joshua, you know l always take
your part when you are right"
So Joshua continued to scold, and Mrs
DIummond to soothe him. until she found
a more effectual way, by placing at his
disposal half an apple pie which was in
the cupboard. In the evening she told
Walter that she was sorry there had
been any difficulty between him and
Joshua.
$50 am l." said Walter, frankly, for
he was grateful for her gentle kindness.
81 am sorry, if only for your sake, Mrs
Drummond"
II know he's provoking but he doesn't
mean what he says, Mr.. Conrad"
"I'll try to keep on good terms with
him, Mrs. Drummond," said Walter,
earnestly, eff only in return for his moth
er's kindness"
II am sure Joshua was hasty, and mis-
judged Walter, said the mother to her
self, trying to find an excuse for her son.
Ito be continued.)