West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1916-07-06

meSt you"
"sfuch obliged" said Joe. "who are
your
Excuse me for not telling I'm Tom
Ralston. Father bought that big old
plantation OF Major Deans down the
road about two miles. We've only been
here couple OF weeks"
Where you fromr'
up north. I'm just over a spell Of
typhoid and awfully weak. Then
mother IL not strong. and we wanted
to get away from the hard winters up
there, so father bought this old house
and plantation for winter home. He
can't stay here all the time. but he will
come down and hunt and fish whenever
he can get OF. He's about worn him.
self out working. Owns q big factory"
well, I'm glad you all have moved
In the neighborhood. and hope you'll
Ike IT. Ever lived In the country be-
forer'
Never have. but I think it's fine.
what have seen OF itr' said Tom. with
enthusiasm.
Come over and see me some time
It's easier for you to como 10 sec me
than for me to go to your house: you've
got pony, and have to hoof 1t or ride
one OF the work horses"
Sure Will. and thank you for asking
me. It's kind OF lonely until one gets
acquainted. How far you goingY
Bout mile. to the schoolhouse."
Hop up behind me. and I'll give you
lift. This pony rides rs easy as a
rocking chair rocks. Come ont" He
extended his hand. Joe placed one foot
In the stirrup and vaulted up behind
him. The pony was indeed fine one.
by the time they reached the school
house the two boys were well stnrted
on friendship. Several OF the boys nj
the school crowded about rs they
rode up.
Say, fellersr called Joe. This IL
Tom Ralston. His folks bought tho old
Dean place and just moved I'm. He's
been mighty sick with fever an Amt
strong yet, but he wants TO get nc
quainted. When you get chance go
over and see him"
wish you would" added Tom.
Some Of the gang will be over Sat
urday. sure" announced Reddy Hay
wood. PLEASED to meet you. Won't
you light an rest your saddle?" Reddy
was doing the elegant as host for the
school.
No; much obliged. Got to 20 to
town and do some errands for mother.
but I'll come over once I'm awhile Mt
recess and sec you fellows. Glad TO
have met you. and 30 longv He wav.
ed farewell. and the pony sped down
the road.
The boys talked him over and decid-
ed he would do" Several expressed
the opinion that he looked sort Of
Sissy" and feeble.
IF you'd been I'm bed nine weeks
with typhoid you'd look Just as bad"
retorted Joe. AN II 1 hear Of any
BODY imposing on him until he gets
strong enough to take care OF himself
they've got me to whip. He's a
stranger an Yankee boy, and the
decent thing Is for us all to act like
gentlemen an make him welcome to
our neighborhood like we'd appreciate
his doing IL we moved up I'm the neck
OF the woods where he comes from"
"Joe's right!' exclaimed Reddy Hay
wood. When these two leaders of the
school agreed or matter Il was set.
tied In so far as that crowd of boys
was concerned.
In two weeks Tom had got strong
enough to stand considerable exercise.
with the daily horseback rides and the
fresh. invigorating air OF the country.
He was very much possessed with the
Idea OF going on a possum hunt.
Il can fix that all right" assured
Joe. TN sec old Uncle JEFF Johnson
that old darkey who lives up the road;
he'll take u.s. He's got some good
possum dogs. I'll tell him to come and
see you when the time IL right. and
well go. Old Uncle Rube that works
here on this place OF yours Is a good
hunter too"