The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1914-06-04

iamenteQ IaIneF ArS. PeUflck knew
that 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 printoa
paragraphs about his going and hes.
neighbors marveled at this unexpected
spirit of adventure that had cropped
out in the staiG Simon.
BY the time Simon's first letter. sent
from Upper Dale. twenty miles away,
had been printed in the Echo his moth
er was in mood to read the account
of his trip with bated breath and shin,
ing eyes. 4
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" mused Simon as he
trutlged along. Seems S If I'm Just
out for walk and going right back
home any minute-but maybe it'll he
two years before l ever see West Hol.
low again. But when l do. well. may
be I'll have made myself famous
enough to be called professor-hey.
Professor Pedrick Il guess Luella
Finch wouldn't snub me Them
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
over the line into the next state That
his enterprise was ridiculous under the
circumstances was matter that the
village bred man did not consider. His
desire to make a name to lay ut the
feet of fair Luella Finch quite outdis
tanced his common sense.
Now he was approaching small
hamlet perched on the mountain side
west Simon began to think about sup
per and Il nights lodging.
A farm wagon piled high with cord
wood creaked from side road. and
the red ,mittened driver offered Simon
ride.
Pm walking. for my health" added
Simon as he declined the offer witt
thanks-"that is. find it healthy t.
walk. while at the same time am ex
ploring in Observation-Disclosures Of sci
ence'
II see,' said the rustic In an awet
tone. Then reckon, as can't be NJ
help. I'll drive on. Good day. profes
Sort
"Professorr' How sweet the wore
rang in Simon's ear!
Good day. he called heartily, ant
then. remembering his need of supper
he ran after the wagon and inquired
| how far he was from the village hotel
About two miles-only there ain
no hotel no more" informed the farm
er. "It burned down last fall after th'
| Carson. he don't reckon to build agair
| before next spring"
Where can get nights lodging 2
asked Simon.
ooh, reckon Miss Lucetty Beal
| can accommodate you. She takes sum
mer boarders, and now that there ain
ITO hotel no more she's been taking al
the drunruers and such like. It's tn,
/ little white house up yonder on the hill
looks near by, but it's a mile and
| half from here. You're welcome. pro
| fessor''
There 1t was ugain-Professor Ped
| rick! What would Luella Finch sa.
now?
Simon was in IL glow Of delight as h,
tramp.. over the remaining miles tha
led to the cozy home of Lucetta Beals
Surrounded by resinous pines iapplet
with snow and with the sunshine burn
ing against the western windows. til,
scene resembled a pretty ChriStma
card as Simon neared the front door.
A little white haired lady was toss
ing crumbs to flock Of gray bird
hopping on the snow. and when sh
saw Simon and his knapsack she shoOl
the last crumbs from her fingers ant
came to the top Of the steps.
Il don't believe / know who yol
are" she ventured rs Simon remove,
his hat before her.
I'm Simon Pedrick OF West Hollow
and I'm in search of a nights lodging.
explained Simon. and then as a NOR
definite Introduction he produced th
clipping from the West Hollow Ech
describing his expedition and settinl
forth it's purpose
Come right inside, Professor Ped
rick gurgled Miss Beals. immediate
ly attaching the coveted title to 81
mons name. If you will put up wit
my poor fare for night shall be dc
lighted to have you stop with me"
AS Miss Lucetta Beals' poor fare
consisted of fried chicken and creaI
biscuits. with honey and currant jelly
as well as spice cake and wonderful
fragrant tea. Simon settled down to
evening of perfect enjoyment. Afte
the meal had been cleared away by