The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-10-21
HOUSE At CR0SSRoAD
Priscilla Found Lots of Friends
at Old Home.
ey MARIE r. WHITING.

| the station at PrattSvllle, woman
stepped out on the rear platform as if
eager to finish her journey. She had
barely reached middle age. but the
years had not passed by her lightly. and
the lines of her countenanceindicated a
temper not sweetening with the seas
ons. AS if shaking the dust Of travel
forever from her feet, she stepped
briskly to the station door and looked
about her.
It was not pleasing prospect-the
low one.room building. and about It..
fields burned a dull brown. while to
the SOUTH the road leading to the
village shimmered in the summer
heat. At the lower end OF the plat.
form was a carryall. harnessed to a
white horse. The driver. thin. wiry
man in blue oyeralls. met the new
Corners stare uneasily
BE you Miss Baxter?" he asked
doubtfully.
"'Tain't written on me anywhere
Is it," she returned.
II dunno but what tbs written on
your face The Baxters all have
look alike. n you're Fannie Baxter
I'll drive you right down to the cross
reads | came down a-purpose for
that"
Some folks never know their busi
ness. Do you think you are here to
meet me?" she returned
1--WE been here every day for two
weeks. She asked me to. You just
make yourself comfortable and I'll
hand your trunk over"
mind you don't smash what's left
OF IT," she called after him, as she
climbed stiffly into the back seat II
reckon Frances is as good name as
Fannie" she said to herself land II she
don't get around to ride in her own
carryall she must expect somebody
else will"
As they logged slowly down the
dusty road, Miss Baxter closed her
eyes and tried to rest. Her journey
half way across the continent had
, left her nearly exhausted, and she
was too weary to try TO understand
the drivers chatter.
"Will you stop talking nonsense and
drive me to a respectable boarding
place." she asked.
Mr.. Slocum threw the reins over
the dashboard and turned about with
an injured air This is free ride"
he said with some dignity. I'm do.
ing It for her sake, and for her sake
won't take you further'n this house
for any amount Of money"
II reckon we've got weary spell
OF sitting. then" and Miss Baxter
leaned back on the faded cushions. -
II prepared to wait the day Of judg
ment
You're welcome to IT," said Mr..
Slooum, making himself comfortable
on the front seat
Az the afternoon shadows grew
LONGER, Miss Baxter had plenty Of
time to survey the house. It seemed
to her that she had never seen 30
pretty a cottage. It surely was a
shame to have II idle To find place
like that for herself had been her
dream coming east. II only she dared
but Mr. SlOcum's voice interrupted
her thoughts
Here comes the minister down the
road know his colt Suppose we
leave this difference to him. If he
says stay. why you get out, and If he
says drive on, I'll take you wherever
you want to go"
I'm willing" agreed Miss Baxter.
1T does seem pity for likely place
to 70 TO ruin. standing empty"
Az the roam came nearer Miss T'ax-
ter sat up very primly. At last. she
told herself. her assertion that she
had no right to the house would be
regarded. but to her surprise the min.
lister answered slowly: sister Baxter,
your feelings do you credit. but holy
people at their death have visions.
and she said you'd surely come. She
wanted II above all earthly things
The whole village will be glad you We
taken the house"
Miss Baxter had never been dshon.
est but the allurement of the cottage
was strong upon her. For moment
she hesitated then she stepped brisk
out Of the carryall Il tell you what
I'll d." she said Il hate to see
things going TO ruin and I'll live in
the house and keep the place up. I'll
nay fair rent to the minister and he
can put e In the bank against the day
when he thinks have no right here.
As long as stay. am to be- let alone
and no questions asked"
IF you are as honest as that. YOU
must BE- some like her after all 3"
commented Mr. Slocum. but amt it
queer idea about the money!"
When make bargain mean it.
questions and all Does every one in
prattville talk all the timee You can
fetch my trunk right in; I'll say good
evening to you BOTH" and the two
men were left alone. a trifle bewild-
cred by the turn affairs had taken.
Within the house, Miss Baxter went
slowly from room to room. Surely