Warren sheaf. [volume] (Warren, Marshall County, Minn.) 1880-current, 1916-03-01

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 from?''
up north. I'm just over a spell of
typhoid and awfully weak. Then
mother is 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
come down and hunt and fish whenever
he can get off. He's about worn him
self out working. Owns big factory"
'Well, I'm glad you all have moved
in the neighborhood, and hope you'll
like it. Ever lived in the country be-
fore?"
"Never have. but l think it's fine,
what have seen of it!' said Tom. with
enthusiasm.
Come over and see me some time
It's easier for you to come to see me
than for me to go to your house; you've
got pony, and have to hoof it 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 going?'
"'Bout mile. to the schoolhouse."
'Hop up behind me. and I'll give you
a lift. This pony rides as easy as
rocking chair rocks. Come on He
extended his hand. Joe placed one foot
in the stirrup and vaulted up behind
him. The pony was indeed Il fine one.
By the time they reached the school
house the two boys were we'll started
on a friendship. Several of the boys at
the school crowded about as they
rode up.
Say, fellers!' called Joe This is
Tom Ralston. His folks bought the old
Dean place and just moved in He's
been mighty sick with fever an amt
strong yet. but he wants to get ac-
quainted. When you get a 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.
mo; much obliged. Got to go to
town and do some errands for mother,
but I'll come over once in awhile at
recess and see you fellows. Glad to
have met you, and SO long" He way
ed a 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 in bed nine weeks
with typhoid you'd look just as bad"
retorted Joe. An if l 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
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 if we moved up in the neck
of the woods where he comes from"
"JOe's rightw exclaimed Reddy Hay
wood. When these two leaders of the
school agreed on a matter it 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.
81 can fix that all right assured
Joe. 'I'll sec old Uncle Jeff Johnson
that old darkey who lives up the road;
he'll take us. He's got some good
possum dogs. I'll tell him to come and
see you when the time is right. and
We'll go. Old Uncle RUDE that works
here on this place of yours is a good
hunter too"
ITO Be COntinued)