The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1911-07-22
THE BARN RAISING
BY BELLE MANDATES


7 am not so sure about that" she
replied. when I smell new mown
hay, I have heeting vision OF a big
boy with a gentle touch who used to
carry me on his back through helds-'
Il was that boy" he declared.
Then draw up chair to our lively
fire"
she likes the fireplace. Keene,-
said the old man in childish eagerness.
She says it's the most beautiful fire
in the world"
"Of course" she asserted. looking 1T
Keene. 'It makes me Ioathe steam
and coal?"
That night Keene went home with
his pulses throbbing. She was not
offended, then, and from the fireplace
proposition it looked as If she were
going to follow out his suggestions.
The next morning he met her driving
her grandfather over the place
Isn't it dear old farm?' she cried.
''Keene," said the old man delight
edly, she loves the fence. She doesn't
want it down"
Want it DOWN." echoed the girl.
looking at Keene. 1T ia SO pictur-
esque! And 1 like the idea Of fencing
In your possessions. I'd go farther If
had a home; I'd build a wall around
it,
'1 was afraid you'd think Us old
fashioned suggested her grandfather.
Maybe. now. you'd Ike some new
chairs and sofys."
why, grandfather, you couldn't buy
such beautiful old things anywhere. 1t
would spoil the place;to put anything
modern in it, wouldn't it," appealing
to Keene-
Indeed it would" he replied, his
/ heart warming.
The next day he met Stephen driv-
ing from town. There was slight
! flush IN his wfthered cheeks and a
| light in his dimmed eyes.
She's decided the farm back to me,
Keene." he said with a sob. she said
1 had worked out my life on it. and
that it belonged to me. OF course
shall win it to her. but it IS mine,
now"
She has made him a man again"
Keene told himself, his heart full Of a
tender reverence for the generous
young grandchild.
Each day brought some new evil,
dence of her thoughtfuIness for the
old mans comfort and happiness.
Towards Keene, himself, she ever
showed a gracious air Of good fellow
ship.
Next Thursday" she announced
one day, 'Is grandfather's birthday
and ! am going to give him barn, a
big. red barn."
This had been a Iong-felt want OF
the old mans, and he was greatly ex-.
cited over the prospect
Wen have a barn raising" he de-
cided.
What is that?" asked Ruth won
deringly.
When the old man had explained,
he added, with a sigh, 1T amt what
it used to be. They have new tangled
machinery and just a few men who
bring their own dinner with them"
| How was it in the oIden timer"
TT was a great event. Men came
from miles around, 25 or 80 of them,
with their families. We set long
tables and most always killed a sheep.
Your grandmother made a few dozen
pies. and in the evening We had dane
ing and games"
Wen have just such a one this
| time" she cried ecstatically.
Forthwith they began to plan ac-
! cordfngly. This renewal Of an old
custom was looked forward to In the
whole district, and when the eventfuI
day arrived, Keene was the first one
on hand He caught the infection OF
the old mans delight and helped to
make the day a success, and the din
ner was one never to be forgotten
What wonders she has worked"
| thought Keene, looking at the happy
young hostess. How glad 1 am
gave her the keynote. She is so good,
she could not help being generous to
him, but she might not have grasped
the situation SO quickly If I had not
| written to her. 1t is sweet In her
never to have alluded to it in any
way"
His courage was inspired to the
point he had been yearning for since
| that first glimpse Of her by the fire
! side. When, after the departure Of
the guests, he was left alone with her,
| he opened his heart to her, and she
shyly responded to his love.
wen live here in the dear old
home with grandfather" she pleaded
when he was saying goodnight
Tomorrow" he thought, as he was
walking home, 81 viii speak to her Of
the letter"
When he went into the house he
found a missive from the dead letter
ONCE. Opening it, he found his letter
which had been misdirected He
4 watched it burn
.T VIII never tell her." he concluded.