The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1911-06-16
Uncle Johns Sense of Hurnor
tCOpyrisbt. 1874. b. Associated Literary Press)
By RUBY BAUCHMAN

'soeissed Literary PressD
mids of oranges, opened before her.
Mr.. Livingston might listen until
nightfall or hoarseness silenced Uncle
John: she escaped and found refuge
from the situation, IL not from herself.
in her quiet hotel room.
Refreshed by bath and fortified by
fresh gown she awaited the arrival
of her uncle and aunt. Uncle John
came into the parlor excitedly discuss
ing the probability Of finding her here
as he opened the door.
Margaret murmured something about
having stepped into a side aisle to
look at some very beautiful prunes
and thus losing her way. Uncle John
assured her Of his regret. Aunt Eliza
was silent. The stranger looked I'M
comfortable. almost embarrassed.
Mr.. Livingston is stopping here.
too. so he'll take dinner with us" ex-
planned Uncle John. as they departed
to make ready for that meal.
Wondering how II would all end she
made her way with her chattering
relatives to the table In the small din
ing-room. She was grateful for the
chilling presence OF a black and white
automaton of a waiter. lie seemed. in
some way. a means OF postponement
OF the moment of judgment.
And what time do you put the corn
crop usually" she heard Uncle John
say. With unbelieving ears she heard
the answer:
| oh. at the end OF the rainy season
In February or March. as a rule"
lowa's rainy season. In March!
Margaret gasped In anticipation OF
Uncle Johns scathing remarks. Uncle
John had spent his boyhood on an
Iowa farm. But he only inquired fur.
Their:
j didn't suppose the ground would
be ready to work so early In the
spring"
"Oh. yes, it's muddy sometimes. and
} disagreeable to handle-too soft in
fact"
Margaret closed her eyes and caught
glimpse OF an Iowa corn field in
March-the grayish- yellow stalks
sticking up through four or five feet of
snow drift. Maliciously. 1t seemed TO
Margaret. did Uncle John lead the con,
e fused young informant through tortu,
Gus ways OF misinformation.
From cocktail 10 demi tasse the in
QUESTION lasted. with an almost over
whelming desire To scream. Margaret
finally led the procession OF four from
the dining room along endless, red
carpeted corridors TO the little sitting
room. A change. even a scene OF the
torture. was a welcome rest
Il thought your nephew. Mr.. Jenk
ins. was coming to take dinner with u:
tonight" she said by way OF converse
ton to Aunt Eliza. to whom she sup
posed the amply proportioned shadow
beside her on the window curtain be
longed.
He did" slowly answered the voice
Of the blunderer about corn crops and
Iowa harvests.
In wild-eyed amazement Margaret
faced him.
and-you are" she gasped
Yes. he did and am
And the fruit ranch and the
Words failed her in the recollection Of
Uncle Johns minute description OF the
Jenkins homestead.
, Yes" very carefully. as one on un
safe treading. but I'm not the mis-
Ogamist. Uncle John"
l. And Uncle John made Aunt Eliza
: keep still. Those two old geese are
I up in their room laughing their ole
. eyes out lie loves n joke better thar
a good meal OF Aunt ELIAS own cook
2 ing"
!, Uncle John loves a joke! Why.
j thought Uncle John had no-and nov
he'll think-youll all think"
Uncle John has asked me to go FOL
; a visit with them and you to theil
ranch in order that ! may tell yoI
think. Shall I?'