The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1915-01-08
At HOLLY FARM
BY VICTOR REDcLIFFE.

Scpyrlgnt, 1913, py w. G. Chapman.)
Il. won't do, Reuben Father says
you need tanning down, and he's going
tc get you a position in a town store
and sec if he can't repress some of
your surplus animal spirit, as he calls
it."
That so?" retorted stalwart, inde.
pendent Reuben Marsh. We'll, it won;
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 l care for. He's
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 Geoffrey
Marsh was sharp and severe with Reu-
ben wher he called him to a secret in
terview IN the library
I've blocked out your course" he
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 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 tryina
to make something of you besides d
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,
high-toned class of Ray and Bertram.
I'll go it on my own hook, | reckon"
Hell be back in a week." pre-
dicted Mr.. Marsh to his mourning
wife after Reuben had gone.
II fear not" quavered the anxious
mother. Reuben is too proud to
weaken on his own course. Hell
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
Early the following morning Reu-
ben saw at a distance a scattered
group of farm buildings
I'm tired of trampng." he solilo-
Quized. IF there's a place for me
yoAder III 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 a pit. There was dis
cussion and commotion All were ey-
cited except girl who stood interest.
edly watching what was going on.
Reuben thought she was the faircst
creature he had ever met -
"Hello-a stranger!" suddenly ejac-
ulated the old man of the group, OBJ
serving Reuben.
Eyes" nodded the latter in a pleas
ant off-handed way. Whats going
on here, may l ask?"
Just take a 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!"
"As 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!-once twice, thrice,
four times. His brawny arm swung
like fail. With cracked skulls the
savage beasts lay painting out their
last breath.
Lower rope and haul them up in
.urn," 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 haG
at last found an environment where
his strength and courage were appre-
ciated
IF you should be looking for "a joh
now" ventured the old farmer long
lngly, and just then Reuben met again
the witching eyes of Amy.
Il am he answered promptly.
That was thp of ~, ;Joot