Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1910-08-04

bWOT0uI iOOhiuB buHibhA INV AAs - -
"and usually keep my word"
well, business is business and yo'
can tell them that you are offered tw'
dollars more a barrel than they Civ
you and see what they will do"
Il might do that, as mother need
so many things. She Is an invalid
you know. She walked over the bat
tle-feld to find father when he die
not come home with his company, ant
she sat in that field all night with hi
head on her lap giving him a little
stimulant and aiding those she could
who were conscious. Father lived q
few weeks but his injuries were fatal
and mother has never recovered from
the shock"
you poor child" the man said with
q catch in his voice.
mo; I'm not poor-only perplexed'
A soldiers daughter must not be a
traitor to her trust" Her eyes met
his frankly.
II see you don't remember me, Miss
sallyY"
"You are Mr.. Thomas" she replied
coldly.
ITO some-but don't you remember
the boy you and your mother helped
eight years ago? was eighteen, and
small for my age, but you gave me a
chance and showed me what might
do. So l went to work and now I
came to tell you have not failed"
Looking at him keenly she gasped.
rs It you, Jack? You dear boy, I'm
SO glad to see you" And she held out
her hand.
They walked to the house together
and the mother smiled at them with
kind eyes.
sally has sold all her pippins.
Jack" she said In her soft voice.
80 / bave heard" he remarked.
but she 10 offered a better price than
the Fruit Company will give her, BY a
private party"
THAT may be, but word once
given should be kept" she answered
quietly.
at Is fine and bright for you, on the
piazza here; the air is so soft and
warm. You are looking very much bet
ter" His glance wandered to Sally
and he saw the little lines that care
and the struggle with Fate had writ
ten on her fair face. Had she been
selfish, the lines never would have
been etched by the acid Of care.
Smiling, Sally looked at Jack. Nov,
mother, you make that boy give an
account of himself, while see about
supper. Then Jack can wheel your
chair into the house." She tripped
away, curiously taking the sunlight
with her.
"she Is a good GIRL" the mother
whispered gently.
"That is not hard to see," he an
Bwered. She has always been good
to every one but herself"
II suppose So" Tears filled the
mothers eyes.
81 wonder what she will do about
these apples? l want them badly for
q wealthy man."
"But a promise is a promise" she
smiling.
"Ah! yes and you are better than
you were?"
"Perhaps, but let me tell you, Jack,
ny stay here is short-I do not mind,
now, because you can look after Sally
/ little"
Don't say that or shall wish that
had come back sooner. somehow
cared Sally would be married." he
"She does not seem to care much
or men; at least / never knew her to
ARE for any one"
Jack wheeled the chair in slowly
md then enjoyed the evening meal.
Some days slipped by and Jack
ound that Sally's eyes did not meet
lis as frankly as they once did; at
lines they were so kind he thought
heaven was near, then she was 30 cold
10 feared that he had offended her.
rhe apples were, never mentioned and
IL he knew was that they were still
n the barn.
One bright clear day, some two
weeks later, he strayed by the open
loor Of the barn and saw Sally look
ng at the apples. Stepping in, he
TODD beside her
''what lie your decision, may ] askr
II cannot break my word, Jack"
he sobbed, land need the money"
Hang the money, Sally! Do you
Ike ms-a littlef Eve. since / left
his house eight years ago ] have wor-
led and thought Of you"
mo, do not like you-a little
lack" Her eyes were on the golden
,ippins.
'Is 1t possible you like me-a great
lealr Bending over he saw her hand
remble and a big tear roll down her
heck.
at seems 30 strange to have any
me care for me-" she said, softly.
Why do you care?" Ii
Il really do not know, except that
ON are the only woman In the world