The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1909-06-12

to the further window, where six plurn turkeys
supremacy innocent OF feast-day fate, tapped their
wings or gobbled lmpertnently when a small boy laid
ms nose flat against the window Three times day
the crowd grew twenty deep 1t laughed and shouted
ana elooWed one another good-naturedy, for the
thanksgiving spirit was abroad Men tossed children
up on their stawat shoulders then small hands cappcd
ecsatlcally, and small legs kicked with wild enthusiasm
he hero OF the hour was freckled red-haired bow
who came leaping through wire door with an old
broom over his shoulders Every turkey waited for him
eagerly, hungriy! They knew that each old familiar
ulck-learned away back in chickhood-would earn
good iced When the freckled boy began to whistle or
when ms voice rang out in shril order it was the
signal tor Danl Webster, for Gettysburg for Amanda
Ann Mehltable, Nancy, Farragut to step to the CEN
ter OF the stage and do irresistiby funny turn
with turkeys bland solemniy None of the birds had
attacks of sage-frght; their acting was as sef-pos-
sessed as If they in the old farm-vard with no
audience present but Mrs Tidd lean smiling over the
fence with word of praise and the coveted handful of
golden corn.
With every performance the crowd grew more dense
the applause more uproarious, and the Thanksgiving
trade at Finch Richards bigger than had been in
years Each night Homer took the last train home tired
but happy for three crisp greenbacks were added to
the roll IN his small, shabby wallet.
Two days before Thanksgiving, Homer. in his bIue
oyeralls and faded sweater busy at work The gray
OF the dawn was just creeping into the east while the
boy went hurrying through his chores There was still
mans work to be done before he took the en-ococlI
tram to town. besides, he had promised to help his
mother about the house. His grandfather an uncle an
aunt and three small cousins were coming to eat their
Thanksgiving feast at the old farmhouse Homer
whsted gay while he bedded the creatures with fresh
straw The whistle traed into an ndistinct tril the
boy felt pang OF loneliness he glanced into the
turkey-pen There was nobody there but old Mother
Saliva Homer tossed her handful of corn Poor
old lady, / spose you're lonesome, amt you now?
Never mind; when spring comes you'll be scratchin'
around with hull raft of nice little chickies at your
heels Wen teach them fine trick or two, won't we,
Saliva clucked over the corn appreciatveIv
Homer, Homer, come here quick +"
Down the frozen path through the yard Mrs.
lldd with the little brown shawl wrapped tightly about
her head, She futtered yellow envelope in her hand
Homer boy it's telegraph come l can't read it
We mlslad my glasses"
Homer was by her side in minute tearing omen the
+" It's from Finch & Richards, mother" he cried ex
cltediy They say Take the first train to town with
=" What do you suppose they want you for? asked
Mrs Iidd with anxious face
He brnsPsd the stores burned S down. gaped Homer
Dani Webster an Gettysburg didn't know anybody
could set SO much store by turkeys"
Maybe faint nothin bad, Homer" Mrs Tidd laid
her hand upon his shoulder Maybe they want YOU to
it cheerfully
Maybe" echoed Homer. But, mother I've got to
hurry to catch that 7.3o train"
Let me go with you, Homer"
You don't need TO-" cried the boy :" 1t probably
I'm goin'," said Mrs Tidd decsively; "you don't
spose | could stay here dom nothn' but watn' an
Mrs Tidd and Homer caught car at the civ denot
Five minutes later they stood in front of Finch Rich
ards big market
Mother" whispered the boy as he stepped off the
car, mother, my turkeys! They're not there! Some
things happened. See the crowd"
hey pushed their way through mob that was peer
ing in at the windows and through the windows of
locked doors. The of plump turkeys was not hung
this morning under the big sign; the magnificent win
dow display of fruit and vegetables had been ruhless
demolished.
What do you s'pose can have happened" whis-
pered Mrs Ildd while they waited for clerk to come
hurrying down the store and unlock the door
Homer shook his head
Mr. Richards himself came to meet them
Well, young man" he cried, +" I've had enough of
your pesky bird show. There's hundred dollars worth
OF provisions gone to say nothing of the trade we are
turning away Two days before Thanksgiving of all
times in the year,"
Good land whispered Mrs. Tidd Her eyes were