Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-12-11

no gun In the cabin. and naturally
none Of the party bud one
The woman who had spoken of IA.
miliari2irg themselves with the posi-
biiiics ut turnips soon POSSESSED her
self at al the information her com
panious lad on the subject and then
with Bet Ann aS grlnning and delight
ed chief helper. set about preparing
two bushels or more of them into as
appetizing dishes as the scant access
series of salt. pepper. hot water aud
fireplace would allow l,ut. though
they were all hungry. the first meal
WIS not Il very hearty ono.
Among The delegates was amateur
talent of various kinds. and the long
evening was devoted To singing. To i'm
promplu lectures and informal talks,
10 charndcs and tablcaux and games
aud slcight of hand performances. the
latter given by some of the more YER
satile young men.
The next day il was still showing.
with the depth and drifts too formula
and he evenings diversion was con.
tinued. with only such breaks rs tur-
nip cooking and miring through the
snow to Bet AIMS snares aud ami.
mated hut dcsultory conversation.
ON the fourth day rabbit was
caught and went into the making of n
memorable broth that was to soothc
twenty-siX revenous appetites. After
that the rabbits seemed to have an
inlling of the abnormal cabin appetite.
for no more ventured To even approach
the bait that Bet Ann and Mr. Ashley
strewcd about the snares.
These days had been season OF
continuous and bewildcring delight to
Bet Ann. and even her fathers face
had bcamed Ms il had never beamed
before. Lem Tucker was recluse
who did not believe In people because
he had never known much about them
and who condemned education because
he had none of II himself People were
wicked. and To he able TO read was TO
find things in newspapers that were
her letters.
But week with the earnest, Jolly,
delightful party Of delegates had CIV
en- new expression 10 fuckers eyes.
When the sixth day brought Il snow
pillow pulling through the drifts aud the
party began TO make preparations for
departure his face showed real regret.
Bet Ann was voicing her grief noisily.
We've had the best time of our
lives" Tucker said as he hobbled to
the door TO say goodby. "AIebbe I've
been mistook bout folks. There amt
none o You wicked. an all them things
you read was real grand. I've been
thinkin il over. an' | guess Ill move
down TO the village an give Bet Ann
chapcct FOR schoolin."
THAT will be nice for both of you"
commended one Of the women hearth
ily. And he sure you let me know at
the address gave you. We will send
some books and other things to Bet
Ann and you. Now. goodby"
When they reached the train the only
49, tiAAhHANh 0i11 Httiitu w Ut tuc
storckecper. He muttered to himself
for awhile. then blurted out:
"Ne paid an outlandish price for
them turnips."
"Oh. don't know" laughed Mr..
Ashley. We are perfectly satisfied.
We We're glad 10 pay well for them
and for the accommodation And you
should remember Mr.. Tucker did not
really charge anything II has been
n jolly week The only. dra wback can
think of is that we could not get to
store TO buy some more provisions"
If I'd knowed things was to be paid
for could "a let We have plenty" the
stogckeeper grumblcd
But your store Is too far away"
"Oh. I've got plenty right here on
the train" discontentedly. only bein'
delegates ! thought mebbe ye'd have
to be took care Of free. wisht I'd
But the look on Mr.. Ashley's face
suddenly silcnced him. and he skunk
away to seat by himself. And ut
that moment came n series of jerks
and bumps which were preliminary to
getting the cars in motion; then the
rain started.