Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-14
Governor of New Mexico.
The Argus Daily Short Story
Johnnie.-By Lee c. Hardy
Copyrighted 1909 by Associated Literary Press.

She came from New York, and she
had been told that she would die of
ennui at the farm. But she did not
mind. because she loved the friends
who lived there, and. besides. she was
weak and ailing and needed the warm.
sweet out of doors of the south 10 help
her bear the trial of invalidism and 10
reconcile her TO the use Of her alb
horred clutches.
In the country around were many
farmers native to tAe soii-honest,
democratic. illiterate. Not q man of
them but considered himself just as
good as any one else in the whole
world They cared little for money.
recognized no difference in classes.
knew nothing of culture and bat little
/ of refinement They were stalwart
and brave and held as an article OF
faith that all women were to be pro-
tected ana cared for.
Johnnie was Il farmers son and add
ed TO his Unborn and inherited traits 4
certain individual coXcombry of dress.
evinceG in his corduroy trousers, his
short box coat of tan cloth. worn over
a full uuGtarched white shirt belted
in about his trim waist; his gauntleted
red tan gloves and a partridge feather
stuck through the band of his soft
felt hat. This costume he donued
when going to the borough MS they
called the little town near by. but
when coming to the farm, where he
helped" to cut hay, dig sweet pota-
toes and 90 other such things. he wore
any old clothes. with neither collar
ncr tie-indeed. he was often lacking
in these essentials of civilization even
when clad in his very best.
Johnnie was present when the girl
first arrived. and his heart had swelled
with pity for the halplessness that was
so apparent She was dainty and fair.
and be thought her far more beautiful
than any one he haG ever seen before.
Her friend. with all her womanly at
fractions. suffered in his opinion, by
the contrast. and this he did not hest
tate TO express frankly. saying:
Miss Daisy, you're mighty purity.
but you can't hold candle 10 that lit
tie girl from New York
1t was all a source Of constant fun
to the home family. but they were
careful not to say or do anything that
would wound the man by hurting his
self love. Instead they treated him
according to his own standard, which
only made his admiration more ap-
parent and outspoken.
When the girl was taken so i'll her ad-
mirer was wretchcd indeed. He could
not see her, but every morning he
came and interviewed her friends and
with bold awkwardness would send a
message of hope for her recovery. Gen
orally he brought bird for her break
fast. saying with his inimitahle drawl:
Il come to brung this for the lit
tie girl an l hope she is gettin'
we'll
1t was not long before the glorious
southern winter brought color TO the
pale cheeks rounded their outlines and
impaired strength to the weakened
frame. for she would sit for hours out
in the sunshine. stretched off in
roomy steamer chair. Meanwhile John
ME passed back and forth attending to
his duties or stopped and talked in his
long. slow way, trying to find out what
other service he might be able to rem
der her. One day he told her in his
quaint phraseology:
Il sho' am proud you be gettin' bet
ter. for sometimes l thought you was
a-dyin'. but next time you would look
up and laugh-just as happy. L was
pitiful in my heart of you"
The girl grew well rapidly. and the
family rejoiced. Johnnie was gayly
sympathetic and still brought her
squirrels and birds so the strength of
the game food should build her up.
The fields were full of birds. and his
capacious pockets served as game
bags. Often drawing one from their
depths. be would present it to her,
saying. with broad smile:
Il bruug you a turckledove," and
then laugh aloud with delight when he
saw her interest and pleasure.
Johnnie's sister was to be married,
and all at the farm were invited. The
girl and her friend and the friends
mother went. amused and pleased in
anticipation of the novel experience.
Johnnie met them. radiant in holiday
attire. and presented them duly to his
Whole family, laying the hospitaEties