The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1914-12-26
At HOLLY FARM
BY VICTOR REDCllFFE.

'"hat 500" retorted stalwart. indie
Pc Ient Reuben Marsh. We'll, it won't
work"
Then you'll be in the back of his
books when it comes to dividing up the
property"
Who cares for his property" burst
out Reuben. It's him care for. He's
a jolly good father, only I'm too rough
and ready to suit him. That isn't my
fault; | was born So"
For once in his life old Godfrey
Marsh was sharp and severe with Reu-
ben when he called him to a secret in
terview in the library.
r I've blocked out your course" re
said. Il expect you to follow it,"
And Reuben was reSOlute, and to his
fathers way of thinking almost inso-
lent, as he replied sturdily:
1T can't be done, dad. One week shut
up in a store would kill me. Let me
go to road-making or caring for the
horses, but don't shut me away from
nature"
You've heard me-" pronounced his
determined sire definitely. I'm trying
to make something of you besides a
stable boy. It's obedience or"
The open road?" smiled Reuben in
quiringly. "All right You've been a
good father, but I'm not of the silky,
heightened class of Ray and Bertram.
I'll go it on my own hook, | reckon"
He'll be back in a week" pre-
dicted Mr.. Marsh to his mourning
wife after Reuben had gone.
Il fear not" quavered the anxious
mother. Reuben is too proud TO
weaken on his own course. He'll
thrive, for he is all go-aheadativeness,
but we shall miss him dreadfully."
Reuben was thinking of his mother
at just that moment. He had swung
away down the road a stout stick over
his shoulder bearing a bundle on its
end. He felt and acted like the con-
ventional outcast. He whistled cheer
lily as he strobe beyond the limits OF
the farm. A certain dreariness came
the miles and rested outside of a way
SIDE Inn about dusk.
Reuben had no definite plans as to
the future. One point, however, was
foremost in his mind: He would not
get far from nature. He loved the
woods, the hills, the farm. The next
day saw him out of the line of regular
travel in a district where farms were
few.
Early the following morning Reu-
ben saw at distance a scattered
group of farm buildings.
I'm tired of tramping," he solilo-
quized. IF there's place for me
yonder I'll just camp down for a
SPELL"
He came to the farm, big one, an
hour later. 1t was to see three men,
two women and some children grouped
together about pit. There was dis
cussion and commotion. All were ex-
cited except a girl who stood interest
eddy watching what was going on.
Reuben thought she was the fairest
creature he had ever met
"Hello-a stranger" suddenly ejac-
ulated the old man Of the group, OBJ
serving Reuben.
Yes" nodded the latter in a pleas.
ant, of-handed way. What's going
on here. may l ask"
Just take look and see," was the
reply, and Reuben pressed close to the
pit, deep. boarded-up affair.
AHA! he spoke out readily
wolves, four of them,"
las you see" nodded the old farmer
"The pests have got so thick we set
traps for 'em. Expected to catch an
occasional one, and here's four in a
bunch"
The animals were big and fierce.
They leaped about wildly in their saw
age rage, but could not scale the sides
of the smooth boarded pit.
And you want to get rid Of them?"
Queried Reuben lightly.
Got to-some way"
Reuben glanced about him till he
located heavy wagon spoke near by.
He threw off his coat and grasped the
formidable cudgel firmly.
stand aside" he ordered brusquely.
The old farmer looked shocked.
His pretty daughter. Amy, caught
her breath with quick thrill. Down
into the pit landed Reuben.
Swish-thud,-on twice, thrice,
four times. His brawny arm swung
like a fail. With cracked skulls the
savage beasts lay painting out their
last breath.
Lower a rope and haul them up in
turn" ordered Reuben.
A hand of iron, that of the old farm
er, clamped his shoulder as he in
turn was drawn to the surface.
You'll do" he cried admiringly,
and then as Reuben viewed the grateful
faces of those about him and felt the
sparkling commendatory glance of the
fair young girl, he realized that he had
at last found an environment where
his strength and courage were appre-
ciated.
IF you should be looking for a Job
now" ventured the old farmer long
ingly. and Just then Reuben met again