The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1918-10-11
| VACATION ON FARM
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Copyright. 1918. by the Mcclure Newspa-
per Syndicate)
BY MRS. NELLIE GORDON.

murray DeulOu sat III the WluuOW VI
his club, gazing listlessly out at the
hurrying crowds.
The frown on his face deepened as
he mentally reviewed the terse ad-
vice the doctor, whom he had just Wis
tied, had given him.
Murray, lad, you have too much
money for your own benefit" he had
said He was an old friend and was
privileged to be frank. "Get away
from the bright lights and your cro-
MES and get into the country. Fresh
air, regular hours and bit of work,
toe" he added, with sly twinkle, "are
what you need. If you keep on at the
rate you have been going l can't an
swer for the consequences he fin
ished, relapsing again into seriousness.
Boshr' unused Murray, doc is a
calamity bowler. There's nothing
wrong with me-"
But, even as he argued with himself,
he realized that the doctor had told
the truth Being rejected from every
branch of the war service at which he
applied confirmed the Doctors verdict
as well as the feeling of lassitude
which he tried to fight off.
His eye CHANGED to fall on news
paper spread on the table near by, on
which a large picture of Uncle Sam
with nrms outstretched pleaded, BE
a Patriot. Go to Work on Farm"
The listless expression on Murray's
face changed to one of interest, and
he exclaimed, "Why not?" and rushed
out of the room, much to the amaze
ment of the other occupants.
=
At desk in tiny office in one of
the downtown buildings sat rather
frail, pretty girl, eating meager
lunch and scanning newspaper.
A frown marred her forehead as she
seemed to be doing some mental figur-
ing. NO" she decided, hopelessly. II
can't afford a vacation, and I'm so
afraid that won't be able to stand |
the heat"
She turned back TO the paper, and |
for the first time she noticed the out |
stretched finger of Uncle Sam pointed |
straight at her, it seemed, with the |
words underneath: BE Patriot.
Spend Your Vacation ON a Farm"
Renewed hope showed in every line
Of face and figure, as she reached for
a sheet of paper to slip into her type
writer,
Ruth Merton" she told herself,
you are going to be farmerette."
In the dining room of a tiny farm
house Murray Benton paused to OBJ
serve himself, respondent in new over
alls and jumper, before joining thenew
BOSS"
AS he started to leave the room he
heard feminine voices under the win i
dow.
"Farmerettes," he shifted. scorn-
fully. But the conversation that float
ed up to him made him stand stock
still.
ibid you see the new arrival, girls?n
laughed one. Isn't he sketch?n
Looks like an animated string bean,
doesn't he?"
Whats he doing on a farm, any
ways?" questioned another. Doing
women's work, when he ought TO be
wearing khaki or blue"
So the anything but fattering com
ments flew fast and furious, while
Murray, the most popular and sought
after man in his set, listened above
them
Suddenly one little girl, who had not
spoken before, flashed up you girls
should be ashamed of yourselves, max
ing fun of the poor chap. III you had
looked at him you would have seen
that he is in a rundown condition,
not fiji for active service. How do we
know but what he is here recuperat-
ing, SO that he can join later on? You
might at least have given him the ben
eft OF the doubt" And she walked
away, head high and cheeks flaming,
as her outhurst was as much sur
prise to herself as to her companions.
AS she walked down the little lane
hurrying footsteps sounded behind her.
AS she turned she met the smiling eyes
of Murray Benton.
'Miss Merton (you see, have found
out your name from the 'boss') | want
to thank you very much for your kind
defense of an unknown. And / want
also to tell you that you guessed right Fl
when you said l wasn't fit. I've tried
every branch, and they've thrown me
down, so guess that all I'm good for
Is women's work. as your friend said"
Perhaps a summer out of doors will I
Put you into condition again." she
answered.
Il hope So" lie answered. 81 do
want to get into real service. but
glancing at her in manner that made :
her color very charmingly-Pm mighty
glad that happened to come here"
On cool October day Doctor Gren- n
Vile stood looking down on the busy r
street when resounding whack on his
shoulder made him vince, and he q
turned to see who his boisterous Wis K
ltor was.
AT sight Of the tall, bronzed young 2,
man in khaki, he gasped: N
Murray Bentonp
Sergeant Benton, at your service" 4
III xtt,t IL