The San Mateo item. (San Mateo City, Putnam County, Fla) 189?-19??, 1909-09-11

give YOU q CerunCato,' ne said we
want to elevate the standard OF our
schools, and I maintain that the only
way to do II Is to employ more highly
educated teachers. But you mustn't
be discouraged When was your
age ! couldnt do any better than you
have, but T. kept studying, and now
/ you sec WHARF, I ami"
Nathan rose from his milklng-stool,
rlad to be released on any terms.
: His legs were cramped, aEl the per
splration stood in drops tx his fore.
head.
II wonder II you would give me a
drink OF water before go?" he asked
"sartin Sartin!" cried tho old cap
tain, jumping up and leading the way
out OF the barn to the we'll in front
OF the house.
That's fine water" observed Ma
than. gratefully. after quenching his
thirst.
The captains face frightened. IT'S
the best water I'm town by all odds"
he asserted, vigorously. 81 dug that
well myself Just flfty-two years ago
this fall. and it's never run dry from
that day to this. How deep do you
suppose 1t IS? Well. can tell you.
It's Just twenty-one feet deep.
But here is something that | don't
know. nor anybody else" he contin
ued, pointing 10 the elm under which
they were standing. and that Is the
height OF this tree.
But I'd give a good deal to know
I set out that tree sixty-two years
ago. when ! was a youngster. II was
Just my height then-fve foot two.
We've both grown since that day
know how much I have; I'm just six
feet when ! stand up straight. But
how much has the tree grown? That's
the question that / wish somebody
could answer. I'm too cid TO climb !
the tree myself / did get Jeff start
ed up one day. lie had n clothes.
line tied TO his waist and a pole In
his hand and he was going TO climb
as far as he could and measure with
the pole the rest Of the way. But he
met with a mishap and came near
breaking his neck, and he never dared
to try again. / guess shall die with
out ever knowing how tall that tree
is" he concluded, mournfully.
81 think that / could measure il
for you, Captain Daggett," said Ma.
than. with a twinkle in his eye.
you could?" said the captain, |
doubtfully Well you do look like |
y witty little chap. II you want
to try, I'll get you the clothes-llno
and the pole. and I'll give you some
thing handsome If you do It,"
"All want is that two-foot rule"
said Nathan. glancing at the pocket
in the old mans overalls. ooh, yes.
and another shingle. III get that
from the barn"
Now, captain" he began, briskly,
Just take your hat off. please, and
stand stock-still out here In the sun
shine"
This order the old gentleman obey.
I'd without a word, but with a look
IF mystifcation on his face that
ieepened as Nathan, beginning at the
feet. measured off a short
distance on the ground.
That will do for YOU" said Ma.
han, as he ran to the base OF the
rec and began to measure again.
This time his course with the rule
ook him across the level front yard
md even into the field beyond the
DAD.
What on earth is the boy up to-"
sked Mr. Jefferson Daggett, who,
that something OF interest
vas going on, had come out OF the
arm.
Il don't know what he is doing, ,
mt maybe he does" replied his faith
r. He's figuring now" he added,