Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1915-05-27

1t occurred to Eric, and not for the
1lrst time. that MIR. Presbrey seldom
missed the opportunity to censure him.,
even though he meant to be kindly and
considerate.
Yes, Mr.. Presbrey,' he said quietly,
am afraid so. l must be hurrying
along"
You shouldn't keep your aunt wait
ing, SAID MIR, Presbrey genially. lift
ing his cane high enough To poke it at
the youth in playful reproof.
lChetwNnd. who now and then ut
tered something pointedly original, once
remarked that Mr.. Presbrey carried a
cane so that occasionally he could be
IN touch Witr the earth)
Eric hurried on. He looked back once,
with a frown on his face. taking in Mr..
freSbrey stiff back as that gentleman
moved off up the street. Mr.. Presbrey
looked back III the same instant.
He's always looking to see if I'm.
in the marrow path" thought Eric, ran.
cor in his soul.
| lie and Mary spent the greater part
OF the sultry afternoon on Stone Wall,
where she dawdled over a novel while
he tried to concentrate his mine on one
or two studies that had been haunt
lns MIN since the spring examinations,
bu his thoughts We're Of other things.
poth harsh and pleasant. Thoughts,
delicious thoughts, of Joan We're upper
most in his MIN Then, there was the
cruel disappointment in connection With
the prize, of which Mary was in ig-
norance. She had not seen his draw
ing. He had not old her of Chetwynd's
foul trick. He could not, in justice to
himself, relate the story of his amazing
Interview with their uncle, nor would
his tender heart allow him to repeat the
unllind news he had obtained through
as Hh rl.at lrb p Al, n ny,- 10, l,.
mind the Wisdom of revealing Joan's
rosy plans for the coming school year.
Persistent reminders of Adam Cars
strange words and his ever more mys-
FERROUS attitude also forced their way
through he labyrinth of thoughts that
confused and distressed him.
At last. in a burst of confidence
perhaps 1t Was pity he felt for the
sweet faced girl who sat beyond him all
unconscious of the fact that he watched
her with troubled eyes-he told her Of
Joan's plan. but empbatically enjoined
sllpnce on her part for the time being.
Mary was in ecstasies. She forgot her
book and her troubles. and he laid aside
ms own affairs while they discussed
hopes. possibilities and obstacles.
Ioward evening they strolled home
ward. both wrapped in the cloak of OPP
tlmlsn that lies on the shoulders of
youth. Arriving at the upper gate to
the Seaman's Home on Lords Point.
they paused to shed some of their eff
urgent warmth on ancient Mr.. Carr,
whose sunset was clouded.
The old man was feeding the squir-
rels; q dozen of them sCampered about
his feet. or clalnbered over his person
In frank security. A certain listlessness
marked the old mans movements The
sprlghtliness was one from the wrin-
kled, nut brown face. He delivered the
peanuts In a dreary, disinterested way
! and fn1,pnf bio a,..t, " chill l..-r -t--,
"Hello,' called out Eric from the gate.
The old man looked up. His face light
ed in an instant.
Come in he called out to them.
Where have YOU two Deer a-keepin'
yourselves for the last week ?" he de-
n,ahoed lrasclpiy, as they approached,
lie scattered the nuts broadcast and
arose to welcome his visitors. The
cause of his depression was revealed:
lie had missed these CHEEKY Young
]sprites, and he had been lonely.
Did you miss us, Uncle Jabe?" asked
Mary ~penitently.
Your a pair of derned ingrates,'
announced Jabez sourly. belying the
JOY that shone in his sharp little ewes.
II might aided right here a dozen
times over and YOU wouldn't IA
knowed anything about ter cared"
"hnt YOU didn't die" said Eric calm
~. say, isn't that a new squirrel?
W never seen him before pointing to
a shy, alert little fellow on the edge
of the group.
time he's been around" said
Jabez, immensely gratified. Il was
Wondering If you'd notice him.
Where's Mr.. ADAM asked Eric
abruptly.
Amt vol seen him? He went ont
;tlons stone Wall a couple of hours ago.
lookin' for you, Eric. He must "a missed
YOU
were near Buds Rock all after
noon. What did he want?" There was
a trace of excitement in Eric's voice,
You might as Well ask me how fer
1t is to Jupiter replied Jabez serenelv.
Hes the derndest Teller / ever see
FER keeping his businss to hisself. Hell
10! Ycnder he comes now. | reckon
he's been huntin' fer you out there all
afternoon"
That's strange" said Eric. Hes
usual pretty good at finding what he
looks for"
Adam Carr slowly approached from
the direction of Stone Wall. A vague.
lndefinable feeling OF unrest came over
Eric. as OF one who is being spied upon
Something seemed to tell him that
Adam Carr had been watching him all
the time they We're out on Stone Wall.
We'll. he's found YOU. amt hep" OBJ
served IabeZ, in his driest way. Give
Adam time and he would find what ne
looked for, that was Jabez's inward
contention.
(Cootnued next week.