Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1918-01-22
PHI.
By MILDRED WHITE

rows let out the speed Of his red car
: hoping to reach the village five miles
below before the rain should descend
, The sky grew darker as thunder rolled
about the encircllng hills.
. To the city lawyer the rough wind
: Ing roads seemed almost impossible
lmpatiently he decided 20 seek shelter
! at a farmhouse not far distant, than
hcsitated undecidedly, as the sun
cleaned for a moment In promise. As
he slowed down near the gateway, a
bent old man peered up at him.
Good morning. uncle" the lawyer
greeted. but the old man did not re-
turn his smile.
bad evening, mister" he replied,
"gOin' To have one of our blOwups
] Better stop, hadn't ye an wait lnsldei"
Thanks" Burrows responded, II
think | can reach the village before
the storm breaks, and have supper
there"
The old man shook his head. Don't
believe IT," he said, "we're alone here,
Phil an me, but I reckon PHI could
pick up something FOR you TO eat"
Turning. he cupped his hands and
called 10 a blue-oyeralled figure hoe
ing in the distance.
"Phll," he screamed. "Phll." The
lad bending over his work apparently
did not hear.
"Never mind" Burrows said, an
take a chance and ride on"
Wonder" the old man asked, III
you could carry me along TO the next
house down there? See ltI-tls red
oneY"
Certainly" the lawyer agreed, and
the former seated himself IN the car
with evident pride.
When Burrows had disposed of his
companion, the storm descended I'M
eXpectcdIy. Great sheets of rain swept
against him, the wind threatened 10
blow his small car from its course,
lightning flashed whiplike around the
hilltops. Swiftly he turned abou
with difficulty. making his way bags
20 the old mans house. UNLIMITED hc
sheltered his car In the great white
barn, and dashed breathleSsly up the
steps Of the porch.
phil" was there before him, evil
IDENTIFY the youth also had rushed to
safety. His fresh face shone startled
beneath the brim of his old felt hat
at the strangers approach, but he went
on stolldly scraping the mud from the
soles of his rubber boots.
"An old man-your father / sup
pose" the lawyer said, suggested
that l wait here until the storm has
abated." Burrows smiled. "He also
intimated that you might pick up
something for me TO eat, I'm furiously
hungry"
The boy lounged In the doorway.
THAT was grandad," he answered la
conically. His eyes studied the stran-
ger. perhaps, could find some
thing" he said suddenly, and dlsap-
peared In the house. His heavy boots
tracked the clean scrubbed floor, as
the lawyer followed him inside, the
raln-soaked old hat still rested upon
Phil's head, as he deity placed tempt
ing food upon the table. |
''Sit down." he said at last abruptly, !
and himself dropped into wide armed
chair at the opposite end Of the wood
en- table.
you and your grandfather live /
aloneI" Burrows asked incredulOusly, !
us he buttered a flaky biscuit, then
who makes theseT
"Me," the youth answered, his tone
was sullen. Cooking, farming, ev-
do II all, but won't much
longer. Grandad's going 10 be married
again" sheer curled the red lips
that's where he's visiting now"
And then?" the lawyer asked inter-
ested, what are you going to dor
Phil shook his head despOndently.
Don't know" he replied. Never had
a chance to prepare for anything. had
a fight with grandad every day l went
TO school, but did the work mornings
and evenings, and I made Il. Now"
the young voice broke discouraging-
~, che don't need me any more"
Sudden unaccountable sympathy
famed In the lawyers breast.
"Phil," he said, III you will come
with me-tOmorrow. III give you a
start in the world. Help is scarce at
this time, need you in my office"
Crimson spots glowed In the lads
round cheeks, quickly he rose to his
feet. "You mean" he said, that you'd
take me there to the city, that you'd
help me tO-liye."
The lawyer nodded silently. Then
with sudden passionate motion the lad
buried his face In his arms, his shout
ders shaking with sudden sobs.
"ohi can't CO." he cried and
the felt hat from his head.
About the round childish face. fell a
mass Of golden hair, angrlly Phil
caught the hair and drew II like a
cloak about her. "You see" she said.
Ill am his granddaughter. Pkilippa-
The overalls and boots were but my
costume. allowed you 10
,htnk x,hat nan haliavadn