The Elbert County tribune., 1910-07-08

can tell them that you are offered two
dollars more a barrel than they give
you and see what they will do"
Il might do that. as mother needs
so many things. She Is an invalid.
you know. She walked over the bat
tie-held to find father when he did
not come home with his company, and
she sat In that field all night with his
head on her lap giving him little
stimulant and aiding those she could
who were conscious. Father lived a
few weeks but his injuries were fatal
and mother has never recovered from
the shock"
You poor chiid.' the man said with
catch in his voice.
mo: I'm not poor-only perplexed.
A soldiers daughter must not be
traitor to her trust" Her eyes met
his frankly.
Il see you don't remember me. Miss
Sally"
"You are Mr.. Thomas" she replied
coldly.
ITO some-but don't you remember
the boy you and your mother helped
eight years ago? l was eighteen. and
small for my age, but you gave me a
chance and showed me what I might
do. SO | went to work and now
came to tell you have not failed"
Looking at him keenly she gasped.
rs 1t 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 | have heard" he remarked.
but she is offered better price than
private party"
THAT may be. but word once
given should be kept" she answered
quietly.
''It 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 1 see about
supper. Then Jack can wheel your
chair into the house. She tripped
away, curiously taking the sunlight
with her.
"She is good GIRL the mother
whispered gently.
THAT is not hard to see," he an
swered. 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? | want them badly for
a wealthy man"
But a promise is a promise" she
whispered. smiling.
| "Ah! yes and you are better than
you were?"
Perhaps. but let me tell you. Jack
my stay here is short do not mind,
now, because you can look after Sally
little
Don't say that or shall wish that
| had come back sooner, / somehow
feared Sally would be married." he
stammered.
She does not seem to care much
for men; at least never knew her to
care for any one
| Jack wheeled the chair in slowly
and then enjoyed the evening meal.
Some days slipped by and Jack
found that Sally's eyes did not meet
his as frankly as they once did: at
times they were so kind he thought
heaven was near, then she was so cold
he feared that he had offended her.
| The apples were never mentioned and
all he knew was that they were still
| in the barn.
One bright clear day. some two
weeks later, he strayed by the open
door of the barn and saw Sally look
ing at the apples. Stepping in. he
stood beside her.
What is your decision, may ask?"
II cannot break my word, Jack.
she sobbed, "and need the money"
Hang the money. Sallyl Do you
like me-a little? Ever since l left
this house eight years ago l have wor-
ried and thought of you"
NO do not like you-a little
Jack" Her eyes were on the golden
pippins.
rs 1t possible you like me-a great
deal?" Bending over he saw her hand
tremble and big tear roll down her
cheek.
1T seems SO strange to have any
one care for me-" she said. softly.
why do you carer
II really do not know. except that
you are the only woman in the world
to me-"
What Will mother say?'
"She will not be surprised" he mur-