The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1912-02-08

meadow tomorrow mornin'" The
voice at the other end of the table
was atrocious in its affected country
accent
"All right Pap" Marshall agreed.
genially- Then he added, with sig
nihcant glance at the bald head of
the speaker, but L was thinkin' some
that the uplands ought to be seeded
down"
Under cover of that he escaped to
his room and sat down 20 write, ex-
planning his intended change of vaca-
ton.
His thoughts shunted while he sat
with poised pen and meditative air.
de dallied again with comparisons OF
Greenville firefies and BROADWAY
lights, Mary Garvis and the luXury-
fr1nged Miss HanscOm.
There was a favorite picture on the
sabie before him. Mary Garvis had
snapped view of his mother in the
buggy. Marshall tucked it in behind
another picture and then fetched it
right out again. II didn't strike him
right to relegate his mothers face to
such oblivion.
Immersed in his letter, at last he
"a AoO0 W hnOCh. OuDS
Thompson was there. Invited in, b,
gravely took his seat on the edge @.
a chair and turned his hat rim througl
nervous fingers. Once he started to
speak and failed. Trying again with
out success, the color mounted heavily
to his face.
Il had chance to steal fifty dol
lars this morning." he finally bIurted
out. Il didn't take it. but"
Then Marshall listened while the
boy told tale of populations. 1t
WAS tale of wanting better clothes,
the theater, restaurants. He had lied
about being promoted and spent mon
ey to prove the lie. Marshall remem-
bered the boys proud mother and
shook his head
'And now" he queried, gently kind
while the boy studied the floor.
Now I'm going to back up"
Thompson vehemently declared. I'll
take what's coming to me and start
over. My mother will stand by me
maybe-there used to be a girl,
you see. / wish to glory L never had
got the notion she was too plain and
slow for me. Maybe she will help
me 20 start over"
UNI" Marshall unused, absently.
one WAS the SuuO-UOSGO KIND with the
big mouth, eh?"
Thompson seemed astonished to find
that the chief clerk knew anything
about her. He looked up quickly to
see Marshall drumming fingers on the
table, with lips pursed Shoughtfully.
Its bad business, Ben" Marshall
( suddenly declared. "You are no better
| than any common thief that skulks
the streets unwashed. A stone cell,
| prison bars and stripes are rightfully
yours because you have earned them.
| The boy trembled but offered no
| protest. The chief clerk continued
| quietly:
But believe your talk about back
ing up. For your mothers sake and
in the name OF the plain giT1 I'm going
to lend you money to make up. Now
son." Marshall crossed overvN beside the
breaking down boy and laid a hand
on his shoulder softly, we've been
fools; but We'll work hard to wipe i;
out. Well back up, as you say; and
! chen we'll stay backed up, beside truth
honesty and the good plain people"
Marshall went back to the table
where the picture Of his mother faced
him. Picking up the half-finished let
ter, he destroyed it and threw the
| pieces into a waste basket. Then he
turned to usher out his subordinate
who was trying to stammer some
heartfelt, humble thanks.
Get down to thee office early tomor-
row morning, Thompson" Marshall re-
quested. Tell Mr.. Mason that 1 took
train for Greenville this evening tc
spend my vacation. Tell him" Mar
shall chuckled to relieve the tension
cell him if you want that 1 was in a
hurry to help with the August CROP
of daisies. He won't know the differ
| ence."