The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1915-05-27

II occurred to Eric, and not for the
first time. that Mr.. Presbrey seldom
missed the opportunity to censure him,
even though he meant to be kindly and
considerate.
Yes, Mr.. Presbrey," he said quietly,
Il am afraid so. 1 be hurrying
along"
You shouldn't keep your aunt wait
ing" said Mr.. Presbrey genially, lift
ing his cane high enough to poke 1t at
the youth in playful reproof.
CChetwynd, h now and then ut
tered something pointedly original, once
remarked that Mr.. Presbrey carried a
cane so that occasionally he could be
in touch with the earth.)
Eric hurried on. He looked back once.
with a frown on his face, taking in Mr..
Presbrey's stiff back as that gentleman
moved off up the street. Mr.. Presbrey
looked pack in the same instant.
He's always looking to see II I'm
In the narrow path" thought Eric, ran
cor in his soul.
He and Mary spent the greater part
OF the sultry afternoon on Stone Wall,
where she dawdled Owe a novel while
he tried to concentrate his mind on one
or two studies that had been haunt
ing him since the spring examinations.
But his thoughts were OF other things,
o harsh and pleasant. Thoughts,
NAAShBAllo. VI Joau "cIc uDDGl-
most in his mind. 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 told 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
unkind news he had obtained through
Joan. He secretly was debating in his
mind the wisdom OF revealing Joan's
rosy plans for the coming school year.
Persistent reminders Of Adam Cars
strange words and his even more mys-
FERROUS attitude also forced their way
through the labyrinth OF thoughts that
confused n distressed him.
At last, in a burst Of confidence
perhaps II 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 emphatically enjoined
silence on her part for the time being.
Mary was in ecstasies. She forgot her
book and her troubles, and he laid aside
his own affairs while they discussed
hopes. possibilities and obstacles.
Toward evening they strolled home
ward, both wrapped in the cloak OF op-
timism that lies IN 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
fulgent warmth on ancient Mr.. Carr.
whose sunset was clouded.
The old man was feeding the souri,
rels; a dozen OF them sCampered about
his feet, or clambered owe his person
in rank security. A certain listlessness
marked the old mans movements. The
sprightliness was zone from the wrin-
killed., nut brown face. He delivered the
peanuts in a dreary, disinterested way
and fOFprDf his lille 0hnarP,tI rl,,cIy
Hello" called out Eric from the gate.
The old man looked up. His face light
ed in an instant.
Como in," hea called out to them.
Where have you two been a-keepin'
yourselves for the last week? ?" he de-
manded irascibly, as they approached.
He scattered the nuts broadcast and
arose to welcome his visitors. The
cause OF his depression was revealed:
he had missed these CHEEKY young
sprites, and he had been lonely.
Did you miss us, Uncle Jabe?" asked
Mary penitently.
You're a pair OF derned ingrates,"
announced Jabez sourly. belying the
Joy that shone In his sharp little eyes.
I might aided right here a dozen
times over and you wouldn't "a
knowed anything about ter cared"
But o didn't die said Eric calm
ly. Say, isn't that a new squirrel?
rye never seen him before" pointing to
a shy. alert little fellow on the edge
OF the group.
Third time he's been around" said
Jabez, immensely gratified. II was
wondering If you'd notice him."
Where's Mr.. Adam" asked Eric
abruptly.
Amt you seer him? He went out
along Stone Wall a couple Of hours ago.
lookin' for you, Eric. He must "a missed
you"
We were near Buds Rock all after
noon. 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 s~erenely.
Hes the derndest Teller I ever see
fer keeping his businss to hisself. Hell
10! Yender he comes now. I reckon
he's been huntin' fer you out there all
afternoon"
That's strange" said Eric. Hes
usually pretty good at finding what he
looks for"
Adam Carr slowly approached from
the direction Of Stone Wall. A vague,
indefinable 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 were out on Stone Wall.
We'll. he's ound YOU amt h % OBJ
served Jabez, in his driest a Give
Adam time and he would find what he
looked for, that was Jabez's inward
contention.
CONTINUED next week.