The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1908-10-08

7 FIRST be reasoned. 'and she'll be lonely
the first month. But she'll SOON see the
wisdom OF my way. When ! can take
her 10 the city she viii have a happier
time OF II than here"
Nothing further vas said OF MS
change OF plans for few lays Dnt
Phil could not fail 10 notice the ehaIge
In Bess' appearance Her face was
pale and demure. and the eyes looked
as II she had spent sleeDless nights
worrying over the matter.
Il wish she wouldn't take 1t 80 10
heart" Phil reflected more than once.
Then a little irritably, Girls expect 50
much OF brothers. They want 10 tie
them down 10 their apron strings.
This sort OF argument did not tend 70
convince Phil OF his mistaken line OF
thought.
A week later be had fully made up
his mind 20 carry out his long cherished
plans One afternoon be walked over
TO the old Spencer home 10 get Eds
city address lie would write TO his
old companion and ind what be could
do for him
The Spencer home was a tumble
down. neglected farm OF some half
dozen acres. The only one OF the fam
ily. In Pills estimation In the past.
was Mandy but the odds were against
her in the uphill struggle. and to-day
Pills heart beat sympafhetlcaily for
her.
She was pale and thin. and a worried
expression marked her face. AT the
sight OF Phil she flushed; and tried TO
stralghten out these stray locks OF hair
on her head and 10 arrange her faded
dress
-I'ye been 10 busy" she apologized.
'.thaf I've had hard time 70 nx up de-
Gently"
Phil laughed and tried TO make her
feel az ease.
1--WE come over to get Eds address
In the city" he said pleasantly. after
a few moments OF conversation Il
want 10 write 10 him"
-I'm not sure / have H." Mandy re
piled. bIushing deeper than before Ed
has changed Il several times lately.
He doesn't seem TO stay In one place
long
1--WE always heard that they move
often Ia the city Phil answered. Il
suppose he's rising 10 rapidly that be
has 70 change every little while to bet
ter quarters"
Mandy tried to laugh at this sugges-
fion. but Il was a poor attempt
ed Is very restless" she venfured
dnally. -He lost bis old position. you
fnow, and / don't know whether be win
like his new one"
NO; didn't know be had lost the
old one" returned Phil slowly.
-Yes. there was something that-thaf
well. I'D Is very restless. ! wlsh be
was nearer home. 80 l could look after
him a little
Il think all sisters want their broth
ers under their wings replied Phil,
with laugh. ~Bess now doesn't want
me TO 20 to the city TO work"
Are you thinking OF goingr quickly
asked Mandy Spencer.
-Yes-thst Is. I'D said be could get
me a position IL"
Mandy dropped her sewing. and with
flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes said
vehementiy -Please don't 90. then.
Phll-for Bess' sake and mine"
-why-what-"
well. becnuse-well miss you. and
then you'll be happier here. Ed is not
doing as well as you think. and
-I'm not sarc OF that. He seemed to
have plenty OF money with him last
week. But suppose be gave Il to you
for q birthday present"
!. Birthday presentf oh. did you re
member that my birthday was last
week. I'm 80 glad. thought"
Didn't I'D remember itT'
Mandy bent over her work and made
no reply. She was too loyal to make
any confession that would reflect upon
her brother.
when they parted a few minutes
later. she took Phil's hand. and said
earnestly: please do not leave Bess-
and me. We should miss you 50 much.
Phil"
Phil walked home In an uncertain
state OF mind. Somehow his desire to
10 to the city cooled down. and the
sight OF two anxious faces made him
hesitate.
ed Is about as selfish as ever" he
acknowledged. "a fellow with all OF
his money who doesn't remember his
own sisters birthday is a good deal OF
Il a-a--"
lie didn't finish the sentence, but be
knew pretty well In his own mind what
he meant Suddenly he stopped in his
walk. A strangely unpleasant thought
occurred to him. Was he also selfish
and thoughtless because he ignored
Bess' wishes and desiresl No; boy
had to make his way In the world
even II he did sacrifice the old home
stead.
Phil deferred writing his letter to
Ed for full week. Then something