The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1908-02-12


row, black and searching.
Mears hesitated moment. He
wondered if two cents bushel was
really fair price. But there did not
seem to be any other work in sight;
why not try it? OF course, his hands
would be blistered before he had work
ed half day-they were rather white
and shapely now, in spite of vigorous
athletics.
The old man instantly interpreted
the glance. "Blistery work for chap
like you. Nothing soft about huskinS
corn. If you're looking for an easy
Job, like driving home the cows, just
pass on" The thin-lipped mouth curv-
ed scornfully as Farmer Gridley thrust
pair of horny thumbs under his sus-
penders and eyed the town-bred lad
from head to foot.
Mears Strengthened. "I'll begin to-
morrow morning." he answered with
dignity, then turned and disappeared
down the lane. For some time he
hardly noticed the undulatlng field of
corn-shocks stretching for many rods
along the country road. IF it wasn't
for the folks, wouldn't knuckle down
to the old chap" he thought indignant
ly. 81 can see he's regular sllinillnt,
but | mean to make him do the right
thing by me-" The square boyish jaw
took on look of determination that
plainly meant defeat to Silas Gridley
oh h. tn ~ In
dealing.
SUDDENLY Mearsd' gaze wandered from
the corn to the struggling pumpkin
vines stretching their network In
patches across the amber-colored field.
Beyond, the sheep were feeding upon
the meadows freshened by the fall
equinox. Unconsciously, the lad drift
ed into touch with nature. His step
grew brisk, tune bubbled out in little
catchy whistles. He hadn't even
thought what it would be, but there it
was, the soldierly air Of
I'VE march, we march to victory"
The rhythm possessed him. AS he
reached the sidewalk Tie time grew
more pronounced with the click of his
heels on the boards, and when a GER
tain low-roofed house on a side street
appeared, 1t had reached a climax of
triumphant melody.
1--we got a two-cent job" Mears an
nounced jubilantly to the figure bend
ing over the flowers near the gate.
"A what?" Mrs Mitchell raised her
1.,,f 1NI "a
her. one fogIwed slowly. In the spot
less living room his twin sister sat
reading with one finger upon the pic.
ture Of Sir Galahad
ooh, Mears!" she cried in dismay at
his sudden onslaught, you mustn't!
Wasn't he handsome! I'm at the
1oveliest part! Did you say you had
a"
"Job," finished Mears.
"Oh, tell me all about it-no, just
let me guess. It's professional one."
Ruby's eyes danced as she rounded
out the word.
Having once resolved to see the
humorous side Mears greeted the
venture with applause. 1t sure is
as Mike used to say. Requires expert
ence,. too, and dexterity." The tone
was a close imitation of Ruby's.
Heres mother. couldn't tell either
Of you alone. You may both have a
guess"
Mrs. Mitchell looked indulgently
into the boyish face on level with her
own. "It's salaried position, think
you said when you met me at the
gate"
"O-o-h!" Ruby looked incredulous-
ly happy. "My, how big that sounds!'
Then Mears told the whole story
touching very lightly on the disagree
able parts. He had tried everybody
but the farmers, and, he automatically
added, he had come to the conclusion
that out-of-door work would be better
for him than an office-for awhile.
Hadn't he been in school for eleven
years, ever since he was five years old?
And that was the prettiest road out of
town! The long lane leading to Mr.
Gridley's house was edged with
naples, and the ornfields!-well,
"you know that picture We saw in
the gallery last spring? The corn al
most rustled, 1t was so real, and the
pumpkins made me want pie"
Ruby laughed at her brothers i'm
agination. "And the lane with the
naples in the distance-I can see it
ALL" she added. "But mother, why
don't you say something?"
Mrs. Mitchell looked serious. "Did
you say the farmers name was Grid
ley?" she inquired soberly.
"Yes; Silas, his wife calls him. She
came down the lane wearing a blue
sunbonnet, and told him supper was
ready. Do you know him?"
'Gridley is familiar name." answer
ed his mother evasively. There's the
Gridley school house in that neighbor-
hood. But, my boy, wish you didn't
have to work so hard for SO little pay.
Perhaps-but let us have supper now
When do you begin?"
Mears attacked roll with great