Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1914-08-28

Il. and the store Will take care OF you
comfortably. Now, don't say another
word, because I've made up my mind,
and I'm going"
When Simon Pedrick talked like his
lamented father Mrs. Pedriek knew
thar further opposition was useless, so
she buckled on her armor of helpful
ness and sent her son away with plen-
ty of warm clothing In his knapsack
and her blessing ringing in his ears
Now that Simon had turned his face to
the north and the weekly Echo printed
paragraphs about his going and her
n~eighbors marveled at this unexpected
spirit of adventure that had cropped
out in the stald Simon.
By the time Simon's first letter, sent
from Upper Dale, twenty miles away,
had beer printed in the Echo his moth
er was in a mood to read the account
of his trip with bated breath and shin
ing eyes.
Now. on this crisp January morning.
Simon Pedrick threw back his broad
shoulders and took in deep breaths Of
the fine air.
Simon knew that he never felt better
in his life, for once he was free from
restraint and the ever present RESPONSE
bility of the ice cream parlors.
What Simon Pedrick did not know
was that his too abundant flesh was
melting from his frame, the life in the
out of doors. the hard exercise in the
open air. the plain food and the long
restful nights were doing their work
and making Simon Pedrick into the
man that nature had intended him to
become. AS the fat disappeared Simon
became better looking, his fat gave
place to firm. hardened muscles and a
healthy color famed his cheeks.
Funny. how | almost forgot what
I'm going after" unused Simon as he
trudged along. Seems s If I'm just
out for a walk and going right back
home any minute-but maybe it'll be
two years before l ever see West Hol-
low again. But when do. well. may
be I'll have made myself famous
enough to be called professionally.
Professor Pedrick u guess Luella
Finch wouldn't snub me thenl"
Thinking about Luella Finch plunged
Simon into deep gloom once more.
This was nearing the end of his fourth
week of tramping, and he was well
ove the line into the next state. That
his enterprise was ridiculous under the
circumstances was a matter that the
village bred man did not consider. His
desire to make a name to lay at the
feet of fair Luella Finch quite outdis-
tanced his common sense.
Now he was approaching a small
hamlet perched on the mountain side.
and as the sun was declining In the
west Simon began to think about sup
per and a nights lodging.
A farm wagon piled high with cord
wood creaked from a side road, and
the red mittened driver offered Simon
a ride.
Pm walking for my health" added
Simon as he declined the offer with
thanks-''that is, l find it healthy to
walk, while at the same time / am ex-
ploring in Observation-Disclosures of sci
ence."
81 see." said the rustic in an awed
tone. Then I reckon. as / can't be no
help. I'll drive on. Good day. profess
sori''
"Professor" How sweet the word
rang in Simon's ear,
"Good dayr' he called heartily. and
then, remembering his need of supper,
be ran after the wagon and inquired
how far he was from the village hotel.
about two miles-only there amt
no hotel no MORE" informed the farm
er. 1T burned down last fall after the
last summer boarder went. and Hi
Carson. he don't reckon to build again
before next spring"
Where can | get a nights lodgingr'
asked Simon.
"Oh. | reckon Miss Lucetty Beals
can accommodate you. She takes sum-
mer boarders, and now that there amt
no hotel no more she's been taking all
the drummers and such like. It's the
little white house up yonder on the hill
looks near by, but it's a mile and a
half from here. You're welcome, pro
fessor!,
There it was again-Professor Ped
rick! What would Luella Finch say
now?
Simon was in a glow of delight as he
tramped oyer the remaining miles that
led to the coy home of Lucetta Beals.
Surrounded by resinous pines dappled
with snow and with the sunshine burn
ing against the western windows, the
scene resembled a pretty Christmas
card as Simon neared the front door.
A little white haired lady was toss
ing crumbs to a flock Of gray birds
hopping on the snow. and when she
saw Simon and his knapsack she shook
the last crumbs from her fingers and
came to the top Of the steps.
II don't believe l know who you
are" she ventured as Simon removed
his hat before her.
I'm Simon Pedrick Of West Hollow.
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