Gilpin observer., 1912-08-01

we might take turns In gong
home," advanced James. Each one
Of US to make the trip every Ave
years. In that way they would have at
least one visit year. and. az Alice
says. we ought to get into line In
some way"
ut looks as II we wouldn't any Of
us reach home this year." predicted
Daniel. There's Harrington Hill. and
it's all the horses can do to pull their
load on level ground"
You'll have to get out and push
some of you." shouted the boy.
"Twould make Uncle Jerry sicker
than ever II we got hung up"
Casting aside whatever portion Of
ton boys jumped out and sought to
relieve the overworked horses.
With an easier load and additional
power behind him, the boy again took
up the reins. He glanced confidently
up the hill as he started the horses.
For fully fifteen minutes he struggled
to MI Uncle Jerry's place; then came
the surrender.
ITS no use." he groaned. We're
stuck"
This Is a pretty motel" exclaimed
Marshall. What are we going to dol"
The Kentons were slow to adjust
themselves to the situation. They
had almost forgotten that at best
country roads are very uncertain.
You wait here" volunteered Dan.
lei. "and I'll go to the village for q
team"
NO" cried Alice. lets all walk. It
isn't far up over the hill. Our bag
gage will come-sometime." And she
led the way out across the freshly
cut bayfield,.
There was a fence to be scaled. and
then they were in the midst Of in
Vulnerable woodland voices and the
| richly-blended fragrance Of the forest.
| Clambering up the steep. uneven road
| way. they came to the sugarhouse In
the clearing. Yet another climb. and
/ the end was In sight
There she is-just the same az
ever. bless her!" shouted Marshall.
nodding his head In silent approval.
Not much change is there?"
breathed Ellen
Father must be setting the pace"
\
only one that's decorated"
| I'll race you down the hill. Alice"
challenged Daniel.
With shout OF acceptance she
darted away. and the others followed
as best they could They we're all
troubled with shortness OF breath:
that was another thing which the
years had brought On arriving at
the orchard not one of them could
speak intelligibly.
Let me go and fnd them" painted
Ellen.
She stole around the corner OF the
house. only to reappear again straight
away.
| They're on the front porch waiting
for the stage" she whispered Come
on. Well go in through the house
all together"
J Quietly. they picked their way about
the familiar rooms-but not quietly
enough. Mrs. Kenton heard the muf-
fed click Of latch. and turned to
look. Five smiling faces were peer
ing at her from the doorway.
"Why-why-" she mumbled
Then the storm of their greeting
burst forth.
Where did you come from?" ques-
toned Mr.. Kenton. wonderingly. a.
soon as he could make himself heard.
up through the woods-stage II
stranded over at Harrington HILL"
babbled Alice. "How's the celebra-
toni"
There. father. you see.- moaned
Mrs, Kenton. IT told you how Il
would be. Here they've all come. and
we've got to tell them. Oh. why did
We make up that story about the csie-
brationf' .
You see. your mother has been Try
good WHILE" interceded Mr. Kentou.
'and we finally took rather question.
able way to bring 1t about Yet there
was no lie in It We said in the let.
ter that there was going to BE- Q big
celebration II you decided to come
home-Jt wasn't necessary to add that
there wouldn't be any II you didn't
come"
You poor. dear. old mother. youi-
exclaimed Ellen. II didn't care q rap
about the celebration"
Nor II" shouted the others in uni
son.
Somehow. they got the old people
f; together and formed ring about
them. Nor did they separate until
everyone in the ring had thrown out
reassuring word.
you won't have to 90 to all that
trouble next time" asserted James.
You'll have a visit from one OF us
every year after this" stated Ellen.
ITS all arranged" declared Daniel.
I'VE talked It over on the way"
"That II what should have been
done before" interposed Alice.
| "And now" cried Marshall, I'VE
are all going to have Just the biggest
| kind Of celebration"