Middletown transcript., 1910-06-04

is IL poSSlole: lou TAKE b news
paper?
No. We can't afford to spend
money in that way. We have
nothing to spare for useless
things. And besides, Peter has
no time to read. When night
comes, he is SO worn down that
he is glad to get in bed.
No newspaper! Why Hannah!
You had much better all go with.
out a meal once a week, than not
have a newspaper. / don't won.
der
Uncle Ben checked himself and
became more thoughtful than be-
fore. Next day he asked Peter
why be didn't take a paper.
No time to read, and besides !
can't afford the expense.
A couple of dollars a year would
meet that.
| must pay my debts, Uncle
Ben, before think about indulg-
ing in newspapers.
You'll find a paper great say.
ing, even if it costs $40 a year.
Peter did not comprehend the
meaning of this but as he did not
ask for any explanation hone was
given.
You're hard working man,
Peter, said Benz, after two or
three days had been spent in the
family. I'll give you credit for
that. But, from all l have seen
and heard since I've been here,
Peter, I must say that you are
not a coed farmer!
You re the first man who ever
said that! quickly replied Peter,
the blood springing to his face.
That may be. Still, it does not
gainsay my words. You are not
a good farmer, Peter, and your
want of thrift shows it.
l wish ycu would explain your
self, Uncle Ben, said Peter, both
his voice and countenance show.
ing that the remark hurt him.
No man in the neighborhood
would like to say so much.
A good former. with 100 acres
OF land like yours, must get along.
You don't get along, and there
fore I say, you are not a good
farmer.
Now Peter was rather quick
tempered, and this assertion
chafed him in a tender place. He
tried to control his feelings, but
was not fully successful.
Uncle Ben, said he, in a sharp,
voice, while his face grew
still redder, ! am sorry you came,
if it was only to insult me in my
troubles.
Oh, Peter! exclaimed Hannah,
in a tone Of distress, don't speak
so to Uncle Ben.
Peter-Peter, said Ben, sooth-
ingly; you don't understand me.
Yes, l do. I've got ears and
common sense. You say I'm no
farmer, and that's
Stop, stop, Peter. didn't say
that you were no farmer. l only
said that you were not a good
farmer. Hear me patiently and
LII prove to you
I'll hear nothing more on the
Uncle Ben, shortly re-
5orted Peter. Not a word more!
When a man says I'm no farmer,
feel insulted. He might as well |
say that I'm not a man!
Peter, Peter, don't act SO! said |
Hannah, whose eyes were filled |
With tears. From the hour of
Jncle Ben's arrival, she had
loped that he would help them.
The many inquiries and the in
crest he manifested in every
member of the family, satisfied
Ter that q purpose to aid them
vas in his mind. Now her hus-
and seemed in a fair way to mar
Il by his untimely anger.
Come, come, Peter! spoke up
ne old gentleman, with some
uthority in his manner, this is
II nonsense. What I say is for
our good. Can't you understand
hat you silly fellow?
/ don't wish to talk any more
n the subject, Uncle Ben, replied
'eter, SO change it, if you please.
his was said in a way that Uncle
len did not like, so, tossing his
cad with affected indifference,
g answered:
Oh, very we'll! very we'll! Just
5 you like.
Then came 8 long silence,
roken by sobs from Hannah.
'ho, after having tried in vain to
ontrol her feelings, burst into a
OF crying. Neither husband
Or uncle said anything to soothe ]