Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1915-04-21

Selma stared.
Its the very handsomest one I ever
saw, and I've handled some trees in
my day. You see." he continued. "it's
so situated that we could take it up
and transplant it easily. and it would
make grand windbreak for
II won't sell-not for a millionw in
terrupted Selma jealousy, although
her common sense told her that the
price Of the tree would bay her mea-
ger food for three years.
II won't SELL" she repeated finally.
The Tree Man reluctantly turned
away.
'1'm sorry. ma'am." he said. "Of
course trees only a tree, after all,
and dollars are dollars. Almost any
thunderstorm might bring stroke of
lightning that would split it up"
"As If l hadn't thought Of that"
walled Selma. Il never used to mind
thunderstorms, but now a flash Of
lightning sets me all Of a-tremble. I
could spare the house sooner
"Well, guess I'll be going along"
murmured the Tree Man. cts too bad
your folks didn't set out this whole
hillside in spruces. There'd be a lot
OF money coming to you now, and
transplaning 'em isn't like killing
trees for timber, you know. Goodby,
ma'an, and if you're ever over our way
come and see our nurseries,
'"Thank you," said Selma. I'D like
to come"
She watched the Tree Man until he
was out Of sight. She saw him turn
several times and look back at the
the spruce. At least Selma thought
he was looking at the spruce; but, in
fact, he was looking at Selina's slim
figure outlined against the dark back
ground Of the doorway. He was a
lonely man, and the picture haunted
him. All his life he had dreamed of
woman waiting his coming just like
that.
Before dawn the next day there
came a violent thunderstorm. The
lightning played with evil persistency
around the old Hobbs place.
20 Lord, spare the tree!" prayed
Selma, with her face pressed against
the dripping windowpane.
Then came the blasting stroke.
The spruce tree was spared, but the
remnant of the old homestead received
the deadly bolt.
By superhuman exertion Selma drag
ged her most precious belongings to
the shelter of the spruce tree by the
gate.
Down there under the dry protec-
ton Of its branches Selma Hobbs
swayod gently in the old Boston rock
er that had been her fathers. favor
lite seat. Gathered around her were
pieces of treasured furniture, clothing,
| old china and pictures. Nothing had
| been consumed that she spent mo.
ment In regretting.
1t was gray daylight when the Tree
Man came h1rrying through the gate
and saw Selma Hobbs sitting under
the spruce tree just as though she
| lived there
'"Thank Cod" he said devoutly, that
you are safe! l couldn't keep you out
| of my mind this morning after heard
that bolt, so 1 just got up and dressed
and harnessed my horse, and I've come
right over to see''-
He hesitated and Redeemed, for his
| deep interest in Selma was as unac.
countable as it was unexpected by the
lonely little woman.
you're very kind" said Selma,
placing a chair for him, and then she
blushed too.
They talked about the fire and Sell
mas future plans. She would go and
insurance was paid, when she would
have tiny cottage built.
II believe I'll try raising some spruce
trees" said Selma timidly at last.
II was thinking of that" he said
gravely, "but don't decide until you
see me again.
Selma promised.
OF course it required great many
interviews to decide such momentous
question as confronted Selma, and
then, after all, something. happened
that changed all Selina's plans and in
cidentally the plans of the Tree Man
The something was Selina's wedding
under the spruce tree. Now the hill
side IS clothed with dark seeding
spruce, but always the guardian spruce
stands near the cottage, where it waves
its arms gayly to Selma while she
stands In the doorway and waits fol
the coming Of her Tree Man.