American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1917-03-29

stopping and sizing him up. Joe liked
bis looks. but thought be was remark
ably puny in appearance.
You're Joe Weston, the champion
corn grower. aren't your he said. Joe
nodded. II saw your picture in the
papers. but l thought you were a heap
bigger than you are. I've wanted to
meet you"
much 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 a 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 a winter home. He
can't stay here all the time. but he will
come down and hunt and fish whenever
be can get of. He's about worn him
self out working. Owns a big factory"
wei, I'm glad you all have moved
in the neighborhood. and hope you'll
ike it Ever lived in the country be-
fore?'
Never have. but | think it's fine.
what / have seen OF itP' 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 a 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 going?'
Bout a mile, to the ~schoolhouse."
Hop up behind me. and I'll give you
a lift. This pony rides as 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 a fine one.
By the time they reached the school
house the two boys were well started
on a friendship. Several Of the BOYS at
the school crowded about as they
rode up.
Say, fellersl' 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 20
over and see him"
Wish you would" added Tom.
Some Of the gang viii be over Sat
urday. sure" announced Reddy Hay
wood PLEASED to meet you. Won't
you light an rest your saddleT' Reddy
was doing the elegant as host for the
school.
NO; much Obliged. Got to 90 to
town and do some errards for mother.
but III come over once in awhile at
recess and see you fellows. Glad to
have met you. and so longr' He wav-
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 be 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 I 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 a Yankee boy. and the
decent thing is for US. all to act like
gentlemen an make him welcome to
our n~eighborhood like we'd appreciate
his doing if we moved up in the neck
of the woods where. he comes from"
"Joe's right" exclaimed Reddy Hay.
wood. When these W 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.
II can FIX that all right" assured
Joe. I'm 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
wen go. Old Uncle Rube that works
here on this place OF yours is a good
hunter too"