The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1909-07-31

h m saer s and
banker nuthin' without her, the rest of
Big Dan glanced about his shanty somewhat de-
lberately 1T don't look as if there's much she could
bust while you're gone" he observed, refectvely and
amt hestatin none that point, Ton for I'm awful
fond Of the little M kh h but hk m
when you fgurin to start fer Rileys, anyhow
Wal-we did want to git away to-day, Tom adj
Mitted. IF you amt wilin', Dan, why"
Today" interrupted the miner. ITO day? and
me all ready to 60 up to Ihree-mle Station and Bet
His sentence was never concluded, for light, quick
footstep almost his elbow startled and interrupted
him suddenly. He turned pretty vision made its
appearance from around the sunny of his cabin
1t was Nancy, Toms wife-rosy-cheeked bright eyed
Nancy Devoe, with bag in hand, while on her
strong young arm sat little Miss Prairie Devoe herself
squirming to be placed the ground and extending
both her baby hands to big Dam seated the step.
Welt" he exclaimed as he rose and took the young
ster in his arms; Good morning, Miss Devoe. Did
you come to visit Uncle Dan?"
"Baby-comed- to-yove-Unce Dan,' said the tiny
coQuctte, and she threw both her plump little arms
about his neck and gave him wonderful hug
Nancy, winked at her husband surreptitously Il
just said that Uncle Dan would only be too glad to
take care of her while we was gone" she said L
told Tom there wasn't another man in POGO del Orc
camp which I'd leave little Prairie with but you, Uncle
Dan-not even Uncle Billy Partridge, and the Lord
knows he's fond of Prairie as he can be-and I'm
awful glad you want ner-an0 we re sure TO De DdCk
in a week-and, Tom. the stage is most ready we'll
have hurry. They've got the trunk and | fetched
this bag with Prairie's thngs-some stockings and
dresses-she gifts EN- dirty fast-and 'em
OUTPUT Uncle Dan mend them If they git too
holey-so well just kiss her goodby and git started.
She descended the speeches. Dan, who was once
more seated the step, with little Prairie his
knee and giving the tot warm embrace, she kissed
her seventeen times in second. tossed the bag OF
things inside house. Strengthened her hat upon
her head and was ready to depart
you don't mean you're goin' right now--on this
mornings stage'" said Dan at last "and maybe goin'
to stay away week.!
"Why hasn't Tom been tellin you them
program" answered Nancy in surprise. Then what
in the world have you been doing all this morning?
OF course that's what we're gon' to do, Uncle Dan.
"An right" said Tom. "You go ahead. l want to
speak to Dan for half minute
Dan said: Il guess I'm elected"
Tom felt not little abashed the in which
the charge had been thrust upon his friend Il only
stayed behind. Dam" said he ito suggest that if Bet
sey's your mind-Betsey Dodd, up to the Three
mile Station-why maybe you could tote Prairie up
there to help you do your courtin. You know what
the little gal done for me-"
Dan shook his head obviously There's two things
sure that amt help when mans foon' around
sparklin," he answered, "ones giant powder and the
some way, Tom. You git a-goin, and good luck with
the consurl-me"
@Guess I'd better" said Tom. II know you'll take
GOOD care Of little Prairie and enjoy her visit. So
long