The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1911-04-21

shake up the stove and unlock the
back door. until put ont the lamp
at night. But night or day want 70
hear anything you might have to say
Il know you do. Miss Selma LuA
and wanted to come, but
Looks like they's 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 d sudden? And Bonnie and
Ethel Maud and Luella after him. I'll
be boundl II Blossom and Jim here
could walk they would be hanging ON
him somewheres. I" Miss Selma Lue
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.
which was anything but acquiescent.
rs Blossom then SO tickle a 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 her!"
tLaw, child, was just a-running
on; but guess Blossom is like the
rest of women folks, a-follering the
smiling eye of a man as far and az
long as he'll let her. What ais Ethel
Maud now?"
From around the barn appeared the
three deserters, Bonnie and Luella in
the lead with Ethel Maud trailing
lsobbing behind. 'Taint nothing the
matter with her" announced Bonnie
with scorn. She's Jest bawling cause
Mr. Alan couldn't take as up the river
with him. He says he amt coming
home till night, Miss Seliny Lue. and
don't want no dinner or nothing"
| II believe he's mad cause we didn't
name the puppy for him boo hoo ="
| walled Ethel Maud. whose intuitions
were most truly feminine.
| ssIe 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? It 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 If Mr.. Leeks
thinks it's time to cut his tail OF
yet"
Ohio no, Miss Seliny Lue, don't
let him cut OF his tail. please! What
would the poor little dead tail do
without the puppy? Oh oh- oh = Z
Now, Ethel Maud. don't cry, honey,
Bonnie shan't cut on the puppy's tail
until the time comes, and then you'll
have to stand it like we ell stand af-
| fiictions what has to come. Don't
you want to carry Jim across the
street to his mother? Will you be
right careful with hin1?" Ethel Maud.
instantly pacified, reached out and
clutched the bundle offered her with
| an inarticulate, care3sing murmur;
Miss Cynthia gasped with remon-
STRANGE
Don't worry. child; Ethel Maud
nurses every baby on the Bluff regu-
lar, and seen Mis- Peters let her tote
Jim down to Spout Spring only yester.
day. We Blur folks has to trust the
babies to the good Lord heap Of
the time, though must say some OF
the mothers seem to leave 'em ON
His hands more'n is fair"
The children trooped down the
street, and with a little sigh OF ab-
solute contentment the Blossom
dropped her head on Miss Cynthia
arm and closed her long. fringed lids
over her wondering baby eyes.
Miss Selma Lue tenderly regarded
the picture the girl and the rosy baby
made in the open doorway. and said
as she moved a step nearer, Honey,
what's been a-bothering you? Would
1t help to tell me? Is your ma
worse?"
tTO BE CONTINUED0