The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1910-01-08

4 the sections
and the trunks of the nine great sentinel ems
that had surrounded the garden-ay in huge pile in
Mr.. Luther Stills back yard.
Mr.. Luther Sill could be depended on to take any
thing that would burn The news that house was to
be pulled down, tree cut brought him at to
the spot, with fair offer for the wood Fuel of this
sort frequently cost him than COAL but, if he
knew, it did not trouble him.
Forty years before, Mr. Sill had danced in the long
parlors of the Tanning house and wandered about the
boxedged paths Of the garden. Once he had the
summer-h house by moonlight with pretty Polly Fan
ming, and she had asked him why he did marry
nice girl.
He did not know any, he had said. with choke in
his throat, for her small white hand lay in ray of
moonlight within inch of his own-tha would take
him, was what he would have added the moment,
but she broke into guge Of laughter and ran off to
the house.
Polly married naval officer long after But she
told the story to every girl in town, and he had
found the courage to look womans eyes since
1t cool, bright morning, with crisp breeze
coming from the west. Just the day to wood, Mr.
Luther reflected, contentedy, as he got the rollers
ready
Guess yell have enough stuff to carry We through
the winter" said Dan surveying the pile. "Where
gon' put it, Mr.. Sill The sular's full aready''
AS and man. Mr.. Luther Sill and Dan had
sawed great deal of wood together in the last thirty
years.
The Sill family had been Of governors and
judges, brilliant statesmen lawyers of and
skilled physicians but Luther Sill had either fallen be-
hind in the had not cared to Something
of his inheritance appeared in his voice, rarely fail
dd-fron grammatical rectude, his infections
those associated only with culture and breeding.
When his mother died, and his last brother and sister
married and away from home, Luther left
with the old place and Dan. Ever since the two had
lived and worked together, had cooked their meals and
eaten them together in intimate but familiar
laton.
Dams head and shoulders were bent as to yoke, and
his respect for the Stills had limit. He abored
steadily between suns and yielded patient and unques
ton;ng obedience like dumb creature.
When they at work Luther Sill fretted at him
continually with fussy irrtabity 1t took the place
OF conversation and both would have missed it.
Dan seldom replied, but he was left alone
could be heard singing gospel hymns in loud cheer
full voice.
By eight o'clock the log in position. Mr.. Sill
self on the chopping block.
Bring the saw, Danny"
eyes, subj"
Dan returned with the long, two-handed cross-cut
saw Mr.. Sill laid it in position, and Dan took his
place on the other side OF the log.
"Now. Ready"
EYES, sun
"No you amt neither. Stand back! Stand boek!"
heo;n Dap the
right.
Not that way! Not that way! Back! There!"
And Mr. Slls voice sank satisfied level.
Seated the choppng block, he steadied the
with hand, but it clear that all the work
done at the other end.
For few moments there silence, except for the
singing OF the steel in the wood. Gradually Dan ap
preached the log and little by little the shortened
his side Nearer, Then Mr. Sill lifted his
voice again.
Set back! Get back! Stand yonder!"
Dan sought the spot. growing confused and stupid
as Mr.. Sill grew louder and impatient Moving
too far away, he ordered nearer and coming too
near, he was ordered back
"The trouble with you, Dan, is you don't know
nohin" he declared he seated himself after of
these trips. -" Hold it higher! Higher"
Only once had Dan shown spirit and replied in
kind. That long time ago, and the result had
been al instantaneous reversal of their positions.
Meekness lei rpon Mr. Sill and, during the rest OF
that day. whenever re addressed Dan it was with some
difference in his tone.
He hall rose more thI g enngly.
Higher! Higher I tell you ..sher. You're too
low! THERE" And he saving went OH.
Reckon I'll have to find another man. and you'll