Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1910-05-17
Among the Apple Trees
By Clifford ".
Gregory

MI. Sanders had Just started his fall
blowing when he was called away,
and he had intended to finish It when
10 came back. But to Gladys the long
stubble field with 1ts one narrow
streak Of turned earth was chal-
lenge, and ever since her father had
left she had been longing to try her
hand at the plow.
SO today, after Mabel was safely out
Df the way and her mother too busily
engaged with her Saturdays baking
to notice what was happening outside,
Gladys hitched the three horse team
to the sulky plow and started out to
the field. One Of the three, colt
which Mr.. Sanders was breaking for
one Of the neighbors, was little skit-
fish at first, but after few rounds
he settled down and pulled quietly
nlong with the older team.
Everything went we'll. and Gladys
was enjoying herself immensely. Then
all at once, as they were coming down
the plow unearthed a bumblebees'
nest With an angry "zipp-p-p" one
Of the eraged insects shot past Gladys
ear and planted its sharp sting be-
tween couple of the colts ribs. He
dashed back viciously with both hind
feet and started to run.
At the same instant two or three Of
the bees began to jab the older horses,
md the whole team started on a mad
run across the field. followed by doz-
en- Of the outraged insects. As soon
rs they turned so as to Ering the fur
row wheel up on the solid ground the
plow cut only a thin slice-not enough
to retard the speed Of the frightened
team. The colts first kick had ierked
the lines from Gladys hands, and now
she chung helplessly to the seat while
was jerked along over the rough
ground.
In moment more the horses had
reached the road that led to the house
and with quick turn that almost up
Set the plow headed toward home.
There was field Of corn that hid the
road ahead for few rods. The team,
scared out Of their senses by the bang
Ing Of the whifletrees against their
heels and the clatter Of the plow, were
running at full speed. A moment later
they turned the corner Of the cornfeld
and made straight for the barn. AS
the road ahead came in view Gladys
gave an exclamation of horror. There,
standing in the middle Of the road not
ten rods ahead, was Don, her little
f1ve-year-old cousin. He stood direct
~ in ERe, path, of the frenzied runa-
says, too frightened to move.
Gladys tried to shout to Don. but
the words stuck IN her throat. Then
she became aware Of confused
shouting and saw JEFF Pearson run
ming with all his might across the pas
ture. What was it that he was say
ing? The lever? She looked at the
big lever curiously. What did that
have to do with it? Poor little Don!
He would be ground to pieces beneath
the cruel hoofs Of the flying horses.
and it would be her fault. She shud-
dered and put her hand up to her eyes
TO shut out the awful sight.
Then Jeff's cry came again, more
distinct this time. 1.-The lever! Drop
the levery'
In flash she understood. With
quick jerk she grasped the big lever
and sent the point Of the pillow down
into the hard road With a sharp
crack the stout whif1etrees snapped.
but the shock threw the runaways to
their knees and checked them for q
moment.
An instant later JEFF had them by
the heads and was speaking reassur-
lngly to them, while Gladys clasped
the wondering child in her arms.
Weren't you scared?' asked JEFF
after Gladys had told her story.
" didn't have time to be-" she re-
oiled. "All l could think Of was to
hang on. l was frightened when I
saw Don. though. What II you hadn't
been hereY'
II didn't do anything" said JEFF In
m embarrassed tone. "I'm going to
plow the rest of the forenoon, though.
Father gave me day off. and was