The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-01-02

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
I'D in a store would kill me. Let me
20 to road-making or caring for the
horses, but don't shut me away from
nature"
You've heard mel" pronounced his
determined sire definitely. I'm trying
to make something Of you besides a
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,
heightened class of Ray and Bertram.
I'll go it on my own hook. reckon
He'll be back in a week." pre-
dicted Mr. Marsh to his mourning
wife after Reuben had gone.
Il fear not" quavered the anxious
mother. Reuben is too proud to
weaken on his own course. He'll
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, stout stick over
his shoulder bearing bundle on its
end.
Early the following morning Reu-
ben saw at a distance scattered
group of farm buildings.
I'm tired of tramping," he solilo-
quized. IF there's a place for me
yonder I'll 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 pit. There was dis
cussion and commotion All were ex-
cited except a girl who stood interest
eddy watching what was going on.
Reuben thought she was the fairest
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. What's going
on here, may ask"
Just take look and see" was the
reply, and Reuben pressed close to the
pit a 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!- twice, thrice,
four times. His brawny arm swung
like fail. With cracked skulls the
savage beasts lay painting out their
last breath.
Lower a rope and haul them up in
turn" 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 had
at last found an environment where
his strength and courage were appre-
ciated
If you should be looking for a job
now ventured the old farmer long
ingly, and just then Reuben met again
the witching eyes of Amy.
Il am" he answered promptly.
That was the beginning of an ideal
life for the wayfarer, who had found
his mission and right environment at
last
One year to day after his leaving
the old home. Reuben returned to visit
his old father and mother. his bride
upOn his arm
Married, happy and settled, father"
he said cheerily, and Mr.. Marsh could
not gainsay him. and kissed his blush
ing daughter-in-law tenderly. If you
had made me lawyer as you planned,
l would probably have whipped all my
rivals in court A dentist Id have
broken my patients jaw first time A
merchant, I'd have pinned away. Sim.
pie. natural Reuben. only a farmer,
but the happiest one in all the wide
world"
Gal IA lAnpreO