Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-13
Eoening Story
WIEN TOM CHASED THE cows.
BY LEILA ESMOND.
Copyright 1916, by the Mcclure News
paper Syndicate9

paper SyndlcateJ ,...
Tom Mabon was cultivating the corr
when across the expanse OF golden
brown loan with tho shoots Of tender
green came a terrified scream. He
dropped the hoe and ran toward the
road from which the sound had come
but all he could see was Long stretcn
Of dusty yellow In both directions and
in the near distance four or hve Here
fords grazing peacefully along the
fence.
He listened intently. but hearing
nothing more turned to go back. some
Of the Strauss kids playing under tins
hazel bushes, I suppose. but 1t ola
sound as though some one was In NOR
tai agony" ..: ~s=
He had scarcely gone a dozen rect
when some one called despatringly, 'Oh
please don't 60 away" 49,
Tom turned and saw girl learning
over the fence toward him. her hands
outstretched in supplication. She was
pretty and we'll dressed. her hat and
shoes almost matching the dust color OF
the road. Beside her on the ground was
a travelling bag.
whats wrong?" he called, coming
back in a couple Of bounds. SIS anybody
did anything hurt you?" He looked
quickly in every direction for a fleeing
highwayman, or q crouching lion, or
something of that sort. The girls hys-
terra would warrant nothing less.
"It's-it's those cows" she shivered.
They're coming this way! And cant
run. for II do they'll chase me and !
can't climb fence! o. do hurry up and
do something!"
For Tom was standing motionless
and, indeed, open mouthed. He wasn't
quite sure he had heard Alright to begin
with. and IL he had he wasn't certain
whether she was making a fool Of him
or posing for a movie. like the crowd
that had been there in tho fall.
"Oh. pleased" t
This brought him to his senses. There
was no mistaking the frightened agony
Of her tone The girl was almost scared
to death. $3.50.
sure, I'll chase 'en. Don't be fright
ened. They won't hurt you. They got
out Of the pasture some way. The gates
been left open, I guess. why, you're
shaking life leaf! That's too bad! But
they won't hurt you in ten years. Why,
they're afraid Of you"
He picked up stick and went after
the black ana white bugaboos peaceful.
ly eating the Juicy young grass In the
fence corners. Get back, there, Posey;
90 along there! Molly, hike! soctt-the
whole bunch OF you'll"
The COWS turned slowly with eyes Of
hurt surprise and went quietly back the
way they had come through the gap in
the fence and into the pasture Tom
swung the big gate shut and fastened
It, There was a twinkle in his eye as
he went back to the girl sitting beside
the road. Her own eyes were shut and
she was breathing quickly. ~ 4
Are they gomez" she whispered.
yes. They won't eat you now" It
was impossible for him to keep the note
Of fun out Of his voice.
She flushed angrily and sprang up.
TITS just as natural for me to be afraid
Of cows as 1t IL for you farmers to
dodge trolleys and taxis in the city, "
she retorted. anyway, you've no bust
ness letting them roam around loose!"
She picked up her bag and brushed It
her dress. I'm hunting Maybens. Will
you please tell me where they liver
That's our house." answered Tom.
III you give me your bag I'll take you
over. Did you see mothers advertise
ment for; summer boarders?" .
s. yes"
1--WE didn't want her to do" he
began. and then changed it. "She wants
money for some orphan fund and has
chosen this way Of getting it. Mothers
q wonder!" y
But II he had any notion Of starting
conversation with the newcomer he was
mistaken. A short Indeed" was her
only reply.
To herself Carolyn Wilson was say =
ing, IT ought to be able to pay expenses
here! The people promise we'll II this
one is sample. can send in q story
every day to the paper and, besides, ]
shall have plenty Of time to recuper
ate. I hope the family is large 50 I'll
have lots Of material to write about
There ought to be a pa and ma and
some girls and little kids This sup
pose Is big brother"
Carolyn's hope was verified. The fam
lily was large and every one Of them
proceeded Immediately to make her feel
at home. Each one in his own particu-
lar way did what he could to make hel
stay pleasant. particularly Tom, on
whom the girl had made a deep impress
sion. Her face was always between him
and the corn rows, In the clouds when
he looked up and in his dreams when he
slept. 4, .s..
fCarlyn wrote mornings and slept ir
the afternoon. but after five o'clock
,..t-s-... ~, elnl-. =