The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1911-04-28

shake up the stove and unlock the
back door. until l put out the lamp
at night. But night or day I want to
hear anything you might have to say
Il know you do. Miss Selma Lue
and I wanted to come. but"
Looks like they's a special SORT
of string tied 'twixt you and me, and
my hungering for you must have
drawed you this morning. | was Jest
a-telling Mr.. Alan-why where did he
go all Of a sudden? And Bonnie and
Ethel Maud and Luella after him, I'll
be bound, II Blossom and Jim here
could walk they would be hanging on
him somewheres." Miss Selma Lcs
was intent on shifting Of young
Jim's swaddling bands and failed to
: catch the expression on the fair face
bent over Blossoms yellow head.
I which was anything but acquiescent
is Blossom then so tickle n person
that she only stays with me because
she hasn't the locomotive powers to
run away? Why. Miss Selma Lue,
think of the affection have -lavished
on herr"
Law, child. was just a-running
on: but I guess Blossom is like the
rest OF women folks. a.follering the
smiling eye Of a man as far and as
long as he'll let her. What ails Ethel
Maud now"
From around the barn appeared the
three deserters. Bonnie and Luella in
the lead with Ethel Maud trailing
sobbing behind. "'Taint nothing the
matter with her" announced Bonnie
with scorn. She's Jest bawling cause
Mr.. Alan couldn't take us up the river
with him. He says he amt coming
home till night, Miss Sellny Lue and
don't want no dinner or nothing"
Il believe he's mad cause we didnt
name the puppy for im-boo-hoo-"
walled Ethel Maud, whose intuitions
were most truly feminine.
He amt tall! Didn't you tell him
that Miss Cynthie was a-going to
name the one we're going to give her
fer him? Il was jest because you
hung on his leg and cried SO: heard
him say something about bothering
girls So shut up and let's take the
puppy down and see II Mr.. Leeks
thinks it's time to cut his tail on
yet"
"Oh-ho-ho. Miss Seliny Lue. don,
let him cut OF his tail, please! What
would the poor little dead tail dc
without the puppy? Oh h-oh--'
Now, Ethel Maud, don't cry. honey
Bonnie shant cut of the puppy's tai
until the time comes, and then you'll
have to stand IL like We all stand AZ
flictions what has to come. Dom
you want to carry Jim across the
street TO his mother? VIII you b.
right careful with him?" Ethel Maud
instantly pacified. reached out ant
clutched the bundle offered her will
an inarticulate, careJsing murmur
Miss Cynthia gasped with remon
STRANGE.
Don't worry. child; Ethel Mau'
nurses every baby on the Bluff regu
| lar. and | seen Mis- Peters let her tot,
! Jim down to Spout Spring only yester
] day. We Blur folks has to trust tn
babies to the good Lord a heap o
the time. though ] must say some o
! the mothers seem to leave 'em OF
His hands more'n Is fair"
The children trooped down tn
| street, and with little sigh OF at
solute contentment the Dlosson
I dropped her head on Miss Cynthia
arm and closed her long. fringed lid
over her wondering baby eyes.
Miss Selma Lue tenderly regards
, the picture the girl and the rosy bah
made in the open doorway, and sal
, as she moved step nearer. Hone,
= what's been a-bothering you? Woul
. It help to tell me? Is your m
worse?"