Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1917-11-23

heard the sound of someone choppng
wood and whistling cheerily in the
back yard of Gideon Blake, a distant
relative of his wife. Tracy reached
the fence and hailed Blake across 1t.
II say, you seem immensely happy,
neighbOr !" he called out.
"HellO! Hurrah! Glad to see you
back, and Verda will be gladden..
Happy? 1 should say 1 was. l sup
pose Verda didn't want to worry you
about it, but the three children have
all been down with scarlet fever. My
wife was sick in bed and Verda gave
up everything and was with us until
a week ago. She saved two of the
little ones the doctor had given up.
Happy! 1 could cry for joy to think
that dear, sweet little woman has
pulled us through. You know l
couldn't afford a nurse-not a stroke
of work for six weeks-but If it was
only bread and water, none Of us
would complain, all well again and all
together"
Tracy brakes eyes brightened-a
soul-warming impulse stirred him. He
lifted the turkey over the fence.
"Verda will be glad, too," he whis-
pered to himself.
"Blake," he said, In quite casual
tone, 1--WE brought you a turkey from
the country to celebrate your fortu-
nate conYaleScence,"
"But-" demonstrated Blake, and
Tracy airily waved the other bag, with
the words: ooh! we've got our full
portion. Goodbye, and good luck"
and Tracy pursued his way.
ooh, Drake!" suddenly called Blake
after him. "a man in blue auto was
at the corner grocery yesterday, the
storekeeper told me, making all sorts
of inquiries about You and Verda.
Thought I'd tell you"
"Why, this is getting positively mys-
ferrous, this inquisitive stranger with
the blue auto" ruminated Tracy, and
then he FASTENED his pace as home
came in sight. He mOmentarily
thought only of Verda, but the mystic,
the eerie, pursued. In front of the
house was-a blue auto
Tracy ran up the steps. He heard
vast hustle and shutting beyond the
door. 1t opened and Verda was in his
arms. She drew him into the room.
"And you didn't forget to bring me
the real apples from real tree that
you promised me! p she cried, discover
ing the bag, the first ecstacies of well
come over, and clapping her hands,
pleased as a little child.
and nuts, and pears, and oh,
Verda there was big, beautiful tur-
key, too, but met poor Blake and ]
thought he needed it most"
you blessed mani" cried Verda,
throwing her arms around his neck.
1--WE can afford chicken, though"
began Tracy.
mo need" declared Verda. "See
there"
She threw open the kitchen door.
Tracy Drake stared. 1t was loaded
with a pumpkin, jar of mince meat,
fruits, a plum pudding, full complies
ment for a royal holiday feast.
"Why, Verda where did you get all
that" began Tracy.
II brought It," spoke speedy voice
from the pantry, and there appeared
the owner of the blue auto.
Father" exclaimed Tracy, hope
fully, but In doubt.
1--WE been investigating both of
you," proceeded John Drake, grasping
his sons hand warmly. II got lone
some and I'm going to stay here for
day or two, and tomorrow, boy, Wen
readtust ourselves and see you started
In life as you deserve. You're bet
ter man than l am, son, and / am
ashamed of my narrOwness. And as
to this jewel of wife of yours" and
the old man completed his eXordium
| by gathering Verda in his arms and
kissing her on both cheeks.