The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1916-03-23

N0v.1 Joe went to town, taking the
$77.70 for the corn. Added to the $125
he had got for seed, it made total Of
$202.7O for the prize acre.
He was a bit worried as to whether
he had acted fairly by Mr.. Somervill,
in refusing $3.50 bushel for the corn
The old merchant heard him through
then, placing his hands on Joe's shout
ders and looking him straight In the
eyes, he smiled
"Son, don't you suppose I've heard Of
this long ago? And don't you suppose
I was proud of you for acting with
such scrupulous honesty and good faith
with your customers? I've got plenty
Of money, Joe, in moderation, and I'd
rather have had you do just exactly as
you have done than to have some one
give me check for $1,000"
"1'm-I'm much obliged, sir. 1t just
seemed right, and 1 was going to pay
you the difference out Of my part If II
was wrong"
Whenever anything seems right to
you, my boy, you go ahead and do it,
Your ideas are straight"
Mr.. Somerville had figured up &C.
counts with Joe's father. Mr.. Weston
had also realized well from his cotton
and corn: but not taking the care Joe
had, his yields were not half as large
per acre. Still they were treble what
he was accustomed to make.
well, I've come In to settle up and
see about that bet you made that you
n Joe'd make more Off your four
acres than would off.n twenty-five"
he said.
1t was a different Tom Weston that
confidently challenged Mr.. Somerville
from the morose, surly, envious, whis-
ky drinking ne'er-do-wen of the year
before.
Nov, look here, Tom, didn't mean
In competition with brand new Tom
Weston. l meant that no account chap
We used to know"
There you go now, trying to craw
fish! Be little sport now and stand
the racket laughed Tom, who was
enjoying the situation hugely.
Make him stick to It, daddyv' ad-
vised Joe.
"Well, wait until that prize money is
decided
mo, stree! We weren't talkin' about
no prizes. We were considerin' straight
farmin' an sellin' stuff off the ground"
That's right, daddy. We didn't know
anything about any prizes when he
said that Don't let him out talk your
well, well have a showdown, then
Joe and have taken in to date a
total, counting $50 worth of turnips
sold, of 1913 altogether"
Gee whiz, that's farmin' some,
tell you! l thought l had you beat
world without end, amen
well, we have some cOttonseed and
some cowpeas that will add something
and pay all expenses"
Eve won't count them, as that is
part Of our outfit, or our operating
capital" said Joe.
"All right" said Mr.. Somerville.
what did you make, Tom"
"Six hundred and sixty dollarsy'
BEAT US SAT, by GeOrge!" answered
the merchant. "Well, Tom, old boss,
I'm mighty near as proud of you as
am Of Joe-proud of him for a fine
partner and you for q fine man that's
coming to your senses. I'll gladly pay
the bet"
"Mr. Jones'" he called to a clerk.
take these gentlemen over to the
clothing department and fit each Of
them with the best hat In the house
and charge to my account"
After the hats had been got Mr..
Somerville and Tom Weston and Joe
walked over to the Office Of the county
of education and found
that official In.
"Look here, professor. When are
you began Mr.. Somerville.
"Just got the last report In this m orn
ing. l tell you it was job getting re-
turns from the fifty-eight boys in this
county"
"Well, got any news for us?"
eyes, have. Mr.. Joe Weston, l
want to congratulate you now. I will
announce in the paper tomorrow that
you have won the first prize for this
county"
"Wh-who was nextT gasped Joe.
oscar Henderson, but he did not |
come within ninety bushels of you.
Really you have done remarkably well, |
amazingly well, and you ought to
stand good show for the state prize,
"I'm calling a public meeting at the |
courthouse next Wednesday to award |
the prizes, so you better be on hand"
When they got outside Of the door |
Mr.. Weston shook hands with Joe SOL |
EMMY.
"Son, I'm powerful proud of ye," was
all his father could say as he placed |
his hand on Joe's shoulder.
well, by gracious, we beat 'em!'
exclaimed Mr.. Somerville as they
reached the street. He was really more
excited than Joe was. "Come on over
and get that suit Of clothes and outfit
promised to the winner"
"Mr. Somerville, l think that suit
ought to go to Oscar Henderson. You
and were partners on this farming