Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1918-11-01
HOUcE AT CROSSROAD
Priscilla Found Lots of Friends
at Old Home.
BY MARIE r. WHITING.

Pb L0P 'ItbT0OOD Train WNeeIeu lIltO
the station at Prattsville, a woman
stepped out on the rear platform as II
eager TO finish her journey. She had
barely reached middle age. but the
years had not passed by her lightly, and
the lines Of her Observation-Disclosures
temper not sweetening with the seas.
oEs As II shaking the dust of travel
forever from her feet, she stepped
briskly to the station door and looked
about her.
1t was not pleasing prospect-the
low. one-room building, and about II,
fields burned a dull brown, while to
the south, the road leading to the
village shimmered in the summer
heat. At the lower end of the plat
form was a carryall, harnessed to a
white horse. The driver, thin, wiry
man in blue overalls, met the new
comer's stare uneasily.
"Pe you Miss Baxter?" he asked
doubtfully.
"'Tain't written on me anywhere,
is IT." she returned.
81 dunno but what It's written on
your face. The Baxters all have a
look alike. II you're Fannie Baxter.
I'll drive you right down to the cross
'oads. ! came down a-purpose for
that"
Some folks never know their bust
ness. DO you think you are here to
meet me?" she returned
1--WE been here every day for two
weeks She asked me to. You just
make yourself comfortable and I'll
hard your trunk over"
Mind you don't smash what's left
OF It." she called after him, as she
climbed stiffly into the back seat. 81
reckon Frances is as good name as
Fannie" she said to herself "and II she
don't get around to ride in her own
carryall she must expect somebody
else will"
As they logged slowly down the
eyes ard tried to rest. Her Journey
half way across the continent had
left her nearly exhausted, and she
was too weary to try to understand
the drivers chatter.
"Will you stop talking nonsense and
drive me to a respectable boarding
placer" she asked
Mr. Slocum threw the reins over
the dashboard and turned about with
an injured air This is a free ride"
he said with some dignity. I'm do
Ing 1t for her sake, and for her sake
! won't take you furthern this house
for any amount Of money"
II reckon we've got weary spell
Of sitting, then" and Miss Baxter
leaned back on the faded cushions, as
II prepared to wait the day Of judg
ment.
You're welcome to It," said Mr..
Slocum, making himself comfortable
on the front seat
As the afternoon shadows grew
longer. Miss Baxter had plenty Of
time to survey the house. 1t seemed
to her that she had never seen so
pretty cottage It surely was a
shame to have It idle To find a place
like that for herself had been her
dream coming east II only she dared
but Mr. Slocum's voice interrupted
her thoughts
Here comes the minister down the
road ! know his colt Suppose we
leave this difference to him. II he
Gays stay, why YOU get out and II he
lays drive on. I'll take you wherever
you want to 60"
I'm willing" agreed Miss Baxter
1T does seem pity for likely place
20 go TO ruin. standing empty"
As the roam came nearer, Miss Bax
ter sat up very primly. At last she
told herself her assertion that she
hGd no right to the house would be
regarded but to her surprise the min
ister answered slowly: SISTER Baxter
your feelings do you credit, but holy
people at their death have visions
and she said you'd surely come She
wanted 1t above all earthly things
The whole village will be glad you've
taken the house"
Miss Baxter had never been dlshon.
est but the allurement Of the cottage
was strong upon her. For a moment
che hesitated then she stepped brisk.
out Of the carryall. 81 tell you what
I'll do" she said 81 hate to see
things going to ruin and I'll live in
the house and keep the place up. I'll
pay fair rent to the minister and he
can put 1t in the bank against the day
when he thinks have no right here
As long as / stay, am to be let alone
and no questions asked"
IF you are as honest as that, you
must be some like her after ALL"
commented Mr. Slocum. but amt II
queer idea about the money!"
when l make a bargain l mean II,
questions and all. Does every one in
Prattyille talk all the time? You can
fetch my trunk right In; II! say good
evening to you BOTH" and the two
men were left alone. trifle bewild
cred by the turn affairs had taken.
Within the house. Miss Baxter went
slowly from room to room. Surely
she had never hoped for 80 pleasant
home At last she sat down BY the
front window and tried to make her
good fortune seem real She was
aroused by light step on the thresh.
cid, and sweet-faced woman stood
in the doorway.
Don't get up" said the stranger.
I'm Priscilla West your nearest
neighbor Ben Slocum told me you'd
come. and I'm so glad you are in the
house"
You'll find lots of friends ready
made waiting to give you the wei
come for her sake. l brought you
over Just a little lunch, some biscuits
and honey and cold ham and caraway