The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1916-07-08
CCopyright ISIS, By Harper 8 BrOthersl

were in black. and Mrs. Sheridan cried
q 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 cpl
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. / reckon it'll
just about kill your father to put some
body in his place as president Of the
Really company, Bibbs. 1 know he
can't move Roscoe over; he told me
last week he'd already put as much on
Roscoe as any one man could handle
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 were younger; but it
always did seem Queer-and you three
bein' brothers like that. l don't be-
Ilieve ever saw you and Jim sit down
together for a good talk in my life"
Mother, I've been away so long"
Bibbs returned, gently. "And since 1
came home I He was busy, you see,
and l hadn't much to say about the
things that interested him. because 1
don't know much about them"
IT'S a pity! 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 1
felt it was all between your father and
you, but l honestly do believe it will
just kill him if he has to have any
more trouble on top of all this! You
mustn't let him, Bibbs-yOu mustn't
You don'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 if I could" he said, sor-
rowfulIy.
''No, no! Why can't you?" she
cried, 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 ne asks. Look
Bibbs, were gettin' back near home
but before we get there l want you &c
promise me that you'll do what be
asks you TO. Promise me!'
In her earnestness she cleared away
her black veil that she might see hin
better, and 1t blew out on the smoky
wind. He readjusted it for her before
he spoke.
'I'Il go back in as cheerful a spirit
as 1 can, mother" he said
"Therew she exclaimed, satisfied
That's a good boy! That's all want
ed you to say"
Don't give me any credit he said
ruefully. There isn't anything elst
for me to do
mo. don't begin talkin' that way!'
"No, no." he soothed her. "We'l
have to begin to make the spirit (
cheerful one. We may" They were
turning into their own driveway as b.
spoke, and he glanced at the old hous,
next door. Mary Vertrees was visibl,
in the twilight, standing upon the from
steps, bareheaded, the door open be
hind her. She bowed graVely.
"sWe may'-what?' asked Mrs
Sheridan, with a slight impatience.
what is it mother?"
"Of oil the queer boysr' she cried
''You always were. Always! Yol
haven't forgot what you just promise,
me, have you?"
NO" he answered, as the ca
stopped. mo. the spirit will be a
cheerful as the flesh will let it. mother
1t won't do to behave like"
His voice was low. and in her move
ment to descend from the car sh
, failed to hear his final words.
Behave like who, Bibbs?"
Nothing"
But she was fretfuI in her grie
| You said 1t wouldn't do to behave lik
somebody Behave like who?'
ct was just nonsense" he explained
2 l don't think much of lately
Behave like who?" she repeatet
e and upon his yielding to her petulaI
t insistence. she made up her mind thu
] the only thing to do was to tell D
i Quincy about it
n Like Bildad the Shuhiter' was VIII
n Bibbs said.