The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1909-03-04

Altogether the effect was homelike
and satisfying. 1t was like a Southern
plantation, a little community in itself.
almost self-supporting n %independ-
ent. There was an antique atmosphere
about the old trees, about the rambling
paths and drives, and the old mansion
itself, weathered and bleached n
overgrown with Virginia creeper n
honeysuckle. 1t had sheltered five gen.
erations of one family. a thing not
common in America.
The grocery store was also a str!k-
little by little during the many
years. The wner instead OF
tearing down and building larger
as his business and his worldly goods
had increased, had added bit by bit to
the original structure. The whole his
tory Of the valley was written over the
face Of the building, every stage OF
he large frame addition OF only five
years before.
Here II was that Squire Hartswick
was most often to be found. Despite
his abundant property he vas q close
reckoner OF dimes and nickels, and he
GUS, bloodless lad. who worked early
and late for the bare privilege Of learn
Ing the business. Thus tho squire was
obliged himself often to be behind the
counters. especially OF evenings. when
the farmers dropped in n h mail
was to be disturbed" 1t saved the
wages OF another clerk, and paid we'll
in the long run.
Thus, on a clustering night, some six
weeks after the affair at Tressler's. the
old man was in his place. a stout apron
covering his entire front. an old Derby
hat. much battered. askew upon his
head. and the usual unlighted cigar
store was we'll lined with the %loafers
usual OF a winter night. In q ragged
line they circled the stove. facing the
squire, who was perched, as was his
custom. on a projecting shelf. opposite
them, his feet on the counter.
Now, what do you folks know about
this ere Farthing?" he was asking with
solemn earnestness. leaning far forward
and holding his foreinger poised before
the group. There was an expression
on his face that seemed almost affec-
%tionate. 1t was like a father in earnest
expostulation with his sons. Have you
ever thought how almighty little you
he, and where'd he come from? Now,
somebody speak right UP quick"
Jim kemmerer sayes he come from
nigh %Philadelphy STILL" volunteered
Dan Tressler.
"Humph! What does he know about
1t? Wal. les 'sposen he did. What's
he out here for. hiding In this hole in
the mountains? What's he here for?
Did We ever stop to think that Phila-
delphy folks don't very often buy farms
in these here mountains, unless there's
some mighty good reason? Heigh?
Now, what's Farthing down here for??"
He paused impresstvely for an answer.
s1Ja'S y,,loItJy <f~L, r,~,$n-d ~
served Lem Fisher, falling In with the
squirrels line Of thought. He don't say
a word about himself, and you can't
made him"
That's 1t. You've hit 1t right on the
hea Now, let me ask you one ques-
tion." The old man leaned toward the
In a whisper. why is It that folks
don talk about themselves? When a
mar that you don't know won't say
anything about himself. what's prob
ably the reason? Did you eve know
a straight man in all your life who
want always giving o something
now? It's human nature to talk about
yourself. and just o recollect now
that this F%arthing's been here going
on to 10 months and he hain't let drop
one single word. You fellers think Of
that for a minute or two"
al HI IlSul, DuTSC IN Dan IeSSler.
with a spasmodic burst Of courage. 1t
took courage to oppose the squirrels die
tum. There amt a kinder man ever
come into this valley still. Nosuh?
Jest you see what he one for me when
I was bed-fast last summer. You think
of that. He didn't leave me lay, way
most folks done, but he and his bows
come right down at wunst and went to
work. Yessuh. Jest cause 1t faint
natural for him to keep his mouth
going like a krout knife every minute
amt ag'in him, now I'm tellin' you that.
If some of you fellers," sweeping his
glance over the group about the stove.
but not including the squire, III some
Of you-uns quilt your yammering
wunst and didn't work yeh Jaws so
much, II would be better for you and
everybody else In this valley still" He
resumed his pipe and smoked %furiously.
Now, that's all right, Dan"-there
was an i%ndulgent o In his voice
"but Farthtng's carrying it too fer.
Wouldn't it be jest natural now for a
man that's moved into an out-of-the-
way hole in the mountains for some
reason"-there was a certain squinny-
ing Of his eye and accent of his voice
that made the word signifcant-"and
who don't want to say much about his
past for some reason, wouldn't it be
marian business at first? Wouldn't
he want to get on the good side Of the
people and pull the wool over their
eyes? Mind. yeh, now, l amt talking
about this Farthing. I'm Just 'sposing
a case"
(conti.ued Mex. Weekly
"