The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1910-02-22

two reached the cottage of the boys
grandmother.
The owner was on the porch. a
clear eyed. capable woman of sixty
who studied the strangers appear.
ance as he preferred his request.
Il have taken a fancy to your
grandson, madam" he added, land !
would like to engage his services az
a guide and companion. He knows
where the best fishing can be found
and feel quite sure I can make him
useful. l will pay him SO week II
that is satisfactory. and the money
for both board and the boy is ready
for you in advance"
| The woman smiled.
You have very forceful way, v
she said. land 1 don't see how I can
refuse you. Come in and look at the
room and see If it will suit you. AS
for the boy. he's a good boy, but I'm
afraid you'll find 1t isn't worth all that
money. Anyway, I'll take care OF IT
for him. This way, sir"
nv name is Robert Brett.
madam"
= am Mrs. Martha Sterrett, sir"
An I'm Artie Howard, ladies and
gentlemen" said the boy. AT which
they all laughed and the stranger
put his bag down in the sweet SMELL
ing spare room and his stay in the
Sterrett cottage commenced.
That night the stranger posted a
brief letter in the little office that
| took up corner OF the leading gro
Gerry store.
1t was addressed to John Morton
dealer in tackle. 81 Hunniker street,
New York City" and it contained this
statement: Fishing unexpectedly
good Big catch assured. Must take
time, however"
The next morning the man and
boy were up and out early. The man
bore fine jointed rod that lie had
taken from his bag and a box con-
tanning the latest paraphernaIia of the
sport. And the boy carried a tooth
some lunch in a covered basket. They
were going TO make a day OF it.
The boy led the way along the will
low road and then branched off across
the fields, following the bank of the
creek.
The stream entered the gorge pres
emily and wound among the hills.
narrowing here and there, now catch
ing the sunlight and now gurgling
in the shadow.
AS they approached tho gorge a
heavy man came across the field and
passed the stranger and the boy at a
little distance. He had a gun lying
across his arm and he stared hard at
the two.
The stranger did not look around.
His soft hat was down low on his face
and he plodded beside the boy with
his eyes on the pathway.
That's tn prodigal," whispered
the boy; "th' one l was tellin' you
about"
ayes"
ale ave us a mighty hard look. "
said the boy.
Looks don't hurt" said the
stranger.
He's got a gun that would hurt, "
grumbled the boy
But the stranger only laughed.
And where do you think the prod
iSal was going?" he asked
Il dunno" the boy replied. Gle
just seems to be scoutin' round. I
| guess he carries the gun cause he
likes it, There amt really much of
anything to shoot around here.
Doesn't he do any work on the
farm"
No. The old man does the work
| an Jed loafs around
and is there no particular place
where he keeps himself?"
i've seen him four or five times
mp back OF his house where the gorge
winds in. He was sittin' there lookin'
round, with the gun leanins against
tn rock-an when he saw me he
| shook his fist "
Not a pleasant fellow. the prod
igal?"
Nope"
They trudged along I'm silence
Presently the man nudged the boy.
There is somebody watching us
from the bushes mp there" he muir
INJURED Don't look yet. It's the
prodigal. Throw stone across the
creek and glance up when you throw
it. BE careful.
The boy did as ne was told.
"It's Jed. nc whispered. ale must
have cut across and headed us of
How did you know ne was there?"
The man laughed
u saw the pebbles falling" he
said II guessed the rest"
The boy stared
You're a good guesser," ne said.
The catch OF fish that day was very
small. but this did not lesson the
strangers good nature The boy was
delighted at his flow Of spirits.
I'D be glad to work for you for
nothin'" he told the man. and the
man laughed merrily
You mustn't try to- beat down the
market price of labor. my boy he
said. ct will never do. begin to
think that SO week ISN'T enough
for such n bright and faithful lad
In fact, seem to see something more
coming % you. Pretty soon hope to
tell you how you can earn IT,"
The boy stared al him again.
"Three dollars is mighty good nay
for boys around here, he graycly
said.
And I'm we'll aware that you are
mighty good boy" laughed the
stranger.