The Elk Mountain pilot., 1916-11-09
The Turmoil
BOOTH HARRINGTON
Copyright 1915, by Harper d Brothers)

from funeral. No wonder the Sc
quence evaded Bibbs Sheridan!
His father had gone when he came
downstairs Went on down to g office,
jes' same" Jackson informed him.
Game sat breakfas' table, all by
'mself; eat nothin'. George bring nice
breakfas'. but he dim eat thing
Yessuh, went on downtown, jes' same
he yoosta do. Yessuh, 1 reckon putty
much ev'ything goin' on same as it
yoosta do"
1t struck Bibbs that Jackson was
right. The day passed as other days
had passed. Mrs Sheridan and Edith
were in black, and Mrs. Sheridan cried
little. now and then, but no other
external difference was to be seen.
Bibbs went for his drive, and his
mother went with him, as she some
times did when the weather was pleas
ant. Altogether, the usualness of
things was rather startling to Bibbs.
During the drive Mrs. Sheridan
talked fragmentarily of Jim's child
hood. But you wouldn't remember
that" she said, after narrating an epi-
sode. You were too little. He was
always good boy just like that. And
he'd save whatever papa gave him,
and put it in the bank. 1 reckon it'll
just about kill your father to put some
body in his place as president of the
Realty company, Bibbs. 1 know he
can't move Roscoe over; he told me
last week he'd already put as much on
f.n nd In
and not go crazy. oh, it's a pity"
She stopped to wipe her eyes. ITS a
pity you didn't run more with Jim,
Bibbs, and kind O. pick up his ways.
Think what it'd meant to papa now!
You never did run with either Roscoe
or Jim any, even before you got sick.
OF course you We're younger; but 1t
always did seem queer-and you three
bein' brothers like that. I don't be-
together for a good talk in my life"
Mother. I've been away SO long"
Bibbs returned, gently. And since l
came home L He was busy, you see,
and 1 hadn't much to say about the
things that interested him, because
don't know much about them"
ats O. pItyi oh. it's pity"' she
moaned. "And you'll have to learn to
know about 'em now, Bibbs.
haven't said much to you. because
felt 1t was all between your father and
you, but I honestly do believe 1t will
just kill him IL he has to have any
more trouble on top of all this! You
mustn't let him. Bibbs-you mustn't!
You doE't know how he's grieved over
you, and now he can't stand any more
he just can't! Whatever he says for
you to do, you do it, Bibbs, you do it!
1 want you to promise me you WILL"
81 would II could" he said. sor-
rowfully.
mo, no! Why can't you?" she
crieL, clutching his arm. He wants
you to go back to the machine shop
and all on earth he asks is for you to
go back in a cheerful spirit, so it won't
hurt you! That's all he asks. Look.
Bibbs, we're gettin' back near home,
but before we get there want you TO
promise me that you'll do what he
asks you to. Promise me!'
In her earnestness she cleared away
her black veil that she might see him
better, and 1t blew out on the smoky
wind. He readjusted it for her before
he spoke.
"Ill go back In as cheerful spirit
as l can, mother" he said.
"Therer' she exclaimed, satisfied.
That's good boy. That's all l want
ed you to say
Don't give me any credit he said.
ruefully. "rhere isn't anything else
for me to do"
NO. don't begin talkin' that way!"
mo, no." he soothed her. Wen
have to begin to make the spirit n
one. We may" They were
turning into their own driveway as he
spoke. and he glanced at the old house
next door. Mary Vertrees was visible
in the twilight. standing upon the front
steps, bareheaded, the door open be-
hind her. She bowed gravely.
1--WE may'-what?" asked Mrs.
with slight impatience.
What is 1t mother?''
"Of all the queer boys,'' she cried.
"You always were. Always! You
haven't forgot what you just promised
me, have you?"
NO" he answered. ns the car
mo, the spirit will be as
as the flesh will let 1t, mother.
1t won't do to behave like"
His voice was low. and in her move
ment to descend from the car she
failed to hear his final words.
Behave like who, Bibbs?''
Nothing"
But she was fretful in her grief.
You said it wouldn't do to behave like
Behave like who?''
at was just nonsense" he explained.
turning to go In. An obscure person