The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-01-05

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 a store would kill me. Let me
90 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 trying
to make something of you besides
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.
Ill 90 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 distance scattered
group of farm buildings.
I'm tired of tramping." he solilo-
quized. III there's a place for me
yonder I'll just camp down for
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.
YES" 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, deep. boardedup 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 EN- 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 say.
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
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,
our times. His brawny arm swung
ike a fail. With cracked skulls the
savage beasts lay painting out their
asst breath
Lower rope and haul them up in
urn" ordered Reuben
A hand Of iron, that of the old farm.
'r. clamped his shoulder as he in
urn was drawn to the surface.
You'll do" he cried admiringly,
md then as Reuben viewed the grateful
aces of those about him and felt the
parking commendatory glance of the
air young girl. he realized that he had
It last found an environment where
lis strength and courage were appre.
lated
III you should be looking for a Job
low" ventured the old farmer long.
ngly. and just then Reuben met again
he witchng eyes of Amy.
am he answered promptly
Inat was the beginning of an ideal
lfe for the wayfarer, who had found
lis mission and right environment at
asst
One year to day after his leaving
ne OLD nome. Reuben returned to visit
lis old father and mother. his bride
pon his arm
Married. happy and settled. father"
e said cheerily, and Mr. Marsh could,
lot gainsay him. and kissed his blush
ng daughter-in-law tenderly. If you
lad made me lawyer as you planned.
would probably have whipped all my
ivals in court A dentist. I'd have
roken my patients jaw first time. A
merchant, Id have pinned away. Sim.
lie. natural Reuben, only a farmer,
ut the happiest one in all the wide
;orld."
Gal IA lAnu-eO