Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1908-12-31
'.All you want, I reckon"

r OuuCRS! rake your llme. mo hurry,
marin. I'm not needin' it and you're
good for yer orders"
} l almost fell down with surprise. Mr..
Ramsgate grinned amiably, counting
the eggs. Brother Lucas had van
; ished. He returned for breakfast;
Lucas was prompt at meals.
Little did l see of brother" as we
called him for two days "Strolled
about" was his explanation.
On the third day, brother hung
about the house, playing with little
Angie and following me around.
What do you want, brother?'
asked at last, trif1e irritated. We
had let our servant go some time be-
fore and l was doing it all.
ITO talk" said he. "Angeline, I'm
going tonight"
$50 soon?" 1t really grieved me.
'1m sorry
II know it," he said complacently.
We sat on the piazza in the shade of
the clematis and talked.
"Wilt doesn't seem WE'LL" he began.
Hes tired" My lip quivered.
glancing at the baby, asleep on his
massive arm.
HE can't. It's difficult to make
both ends even see each other, Lucas.
J Life isn't all sunshine"
The man actually grinned l felt a,
quick revulsion. Under his kindly ex-
terror was he SO utterly heartless?
"Why!' said he, queerly. Il never
notice the Clouds"
We talked for long time, but 1
gained slight knowledge of Lucas; of
his life during recent years, his occu-
patton Cf he had one). l fear I told
him all about my affairs. He extract
ed confidence as a sponge absorbs
water, silently, thoroughly
Wilton came home at five o'clock,
his thin face white and drawn.
"The company has sold out" he
groaned. "My position goes to the
son of the new vice-president. 1 know
of no opening
"Cheer up!" said Lucas.
l could have struck him.
mot surprising" commented he
''Why, l heard Of the proposed sale out
west, months ago. He that hath ears
- have great pair for gossip.
/ Brace up, Brother Wilton; "tis long
lane that knows no turning"
| I ran up stairs to cry, after my hus-
band had expressed another fear.
| ITS the first of the month";" he
| quavered. mot bill has come In.
| Can the tradesmen have heard of this
| change? OF my disaster? Does it
mean those wretched accounts are 60
| ing to the lawyers for collection? If
| So"
| "Quite likely" interrupted Brother
Lucas; that's the way they do"
I Then it was that left them. OF all
the cold-blooded remarks! prayed he
| might go-quickly.
| He did, right after (for Wilton and
mel an untasted supper. For him it
was hearty meal with his usual chat
| ter. Such absolute indifference to our
| woe made me begin to hate the man.
| He was an enigma.
I'll send after my trunk from the
| depot" he announced, preparing to go.
Farewell! long farewell to all my
greatness Angelina, goodbye, my
| dear"
His eyes were misty. Suddenly my
anger left me. After all should miss
his big, breezy presence. kissed him
heartily.
He wrung Wilton's hand. Then came
the last straw. Five dollars will see
me through, old boy he said careless
| ly. Il have return ticket, but I'll
need something for meals"
l admired my husband. ooh! take
ten he smiled, and actually gave this
robber hts last ten-dollar bill.
Thanks" said Lucas, with sort
of sob, and was gone.
mo mail tonight" Wilton spoke
YEARLY.
Nothing but a circular Brother
met the postman. What is that on the
card receiver" My glance naturally
! letters.
From the bank" Wilton picked it
up. More trouble, fear. I can't be
overdrawn again."
His frightened look gave place to a
wild glare of astonishment as he gazed
at the Enclosure.
ooh! what?" / shrieked
Nothing" he answered DULY, like
one in sleep. My account has been
credited with $4,000, that's all. De-
posted by Lucas Messenger Esq"
Then he broke down, telling me to
leave him.
It was natural, perhaps, that
should go straight to brothers room,
to the place he had been, had slept
my heart was bursting.
A note on the pincushion caught my
eye In second. weeping blindly as !
was.
For me! 1 caught my breath and
read:
| Dear SISTER, had hard work carrying
| out nv little joke / own silver mine
| in N. NJ, that is panning out the eqniva-
llent Of that trifie every six weeks Long
/ NAV she pan! BY the way, took the lib
erty Of settling with your farmer, butch-
4 vp = =