The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1918-02-01
By BOOTH HARRINGTON
Copyright, 1917. Wheeler Syndicate. Inc.)

"But--"
"That's all, said"
Sam was crushed.
Next day he communicated the BIT
ter substance of the edict to the other
members, and gloom became unani-
nous. SO serious an aspect did the
affair present that it was felt neces-
sary to call special meeting of the
order after school. The entire men,
bership was in attendance; the door
was closed, the window covered with
a board, and the candle lighted. Then
all Of the brotherS-except one-be-
gan to express their sorrowful appre-
tensions. The whole thing was
spoiled, they agreed, if George Bas-
sett had to be taken In. On the other
hand, If they didn't take him in,
"there wouldn't be anything left" The
one brother who failed to express any
opinion was little Verman. He was
otherwise occupied.
Verman had been the official paddler
during the limitations of Roddy Bits
and Maurice Levy; his work had been
conscientious, and 1t seemed to be TAX
en- by consent that he was to continue
In office. An old shingle from the
woodshed roof had been used for the
exercise Of his function in the cases of
Roddy and Maurice, but this afternoon
he had brought with him a new one,
which he had picked up somewhere. 1t
was broader and thicker than the old
one, and during the melancholy proph-
ecieS of his fellows, he whitfield the
lesser end Of it TO the likeness of a
handle. Thus engaged, he bore no APP
pearance of Dependency; on the con-
trary, his eyes, shining brightly in the
candlelight, indicated that eager
thoughts possessed him, while from
time to time the sound of q chuclile is
sued from his simple African throat.
Gradually the other brothers began to
notice his preOccupation, and one by
one they fell silent, regarding him
thoughtfully. Slowly the darkness Of
their countenances lifted a little I:
something happier and brighter began
to glimmcr from each boyish face. All
eyes remained fascinated upon Yer
man.
"Well, anyway" said Penrod, in a
tone that was almost cheerful "this
is only Tuesday. We got pretty near
all week to fix up the 'nishiation for
Saturday"
And Saturday brought sunshine to
make the occasion more tolerable for
both candidate and the society. Mrs.
Williams, going to the window to
watch Sam, when he left the house az
ter lunch, marked with pleasure that
his look and manner were sprightly
as he skipped down the walk to the
front gate. There he paused and yod-
elcd for a time. An answering yod
el came presently; Penrod Schofield
| appeared, and by his side walked
| George Bassett. George was always
neat but Mrs. Williams noticed that
! he exhibited unusual gloss and polish
| today. AS for his expression, it was
/ q shade too cOmplacent under the cir
cumstances, though, for that matter
| perfect tact avoids an air of triumph
under any circumstances. Mrs. Will
liams was pleased to observe that Sam
and Penrod betrayed no resentment
whatever; they seemed to have ac
copied defeat in Il good spirit and tC
be inclined to make the best Of
George. Indeed, they appeared to bt
genuinely excited about limit was
evident that their cordially was eager
and wholehearted.
The three boys conferred for few
moments; then Sam disappeared roun(
the house and returned, waving his
hand and nodding. Upon that, Penrot
took Georges left arm, Sam took his
right, and the three marched off tC
the backyard in companlonable way
which made Mrs. Williams feel thai
It had been an excellent thing to inter
fere little in Georges interest.
Experiencing the benevolent warmth
that comes of assisting in good &C
ton, she assembled to an apartment up
stairs, and, for Il couple of hours, EN-
ployed herself with neetlle and threat
in sartorial repairs on behalf of he
husband and Sam. Then she was in
terrupted by the advent of coloreC
serving-maid.
"AIiz Williams, reckon the hous'
goin' fall DOWN. said this pessimist
arriving out of breath. "That s'let,
o Mist Sans suttenly tryin' to pull
the roof down on ow haids"
"The roof" Mrs. Williams inquired
mildly. "They aren't in the attic, ar
they?"
"No'm; they in the celluh, but the,
reachin' fer the roof! new did hea
no sech q rumpus an squawkin' al
squawlin' an fallin' an whoopin' ar
whackin' an bangin'! They troO
down by the outside celluh do, nee
bang they bus loose, an bee
goin' on ev' since, wuss'n Bedlun! e
they anything down celluh ain brok
by this time, 1t cain be only jes' til
. foundashun, an l bet that amt goir
stan much longer! I'd gone down ar
stop 'em, but I'm 'fraid to. Homes
! Miz Williams, I'm fraid o. my life 6