The Holly chieftain., 1919-03-20
IRVINE hACHEL
AuIltcR o.
9EN HOLDEN pRl AND l. pARReL or THE REsseD lslES
KEEPING UP WITH LIZZIE ETC, ETC.

had Travelled through the two towns.
Damn, little sOuled. narrer con-
tracted-" Uncle Peabody, speaking in
a low, sad tone, but with deep feeling,
cut off this highly promising opinion
before it was half expressed, and rose
and went to the water pail and drank.
"As long as we're honest we don't
care what they say" he remarked as
he returned to his chair.
IF they won't believe us, we ought
to show 'em the papers-ayes," said
Aunt Deel.
Thunder an Jehu! I wouldn't go
round the town tryin' to prove that
amt thief" said Uncle Peabody. "It
wouldn't make no dffer'nce. They've
got to have somethin' to play with.
If they want to use my name for
bean bag let 'em as long as they do it
when amt lOokin'. I wouldn't Won
der If they got sore hands by an by"
Inever heard him speak of 1t again.
Indeed, although knew the topic was
often in our thoughts it was never
mentioned in our home but once after
that. to my knowledge.
We sat for long time thinking as
the night came on.
That week letter came to me from
the senator, announcing the day of
Mrs. Wrlght's arrival In Canton and
asking me to meet and assist her In
getting the house to rights. l did so.
She was a pleasant-faced, amiable
woman and most enterprisfng house
cleaner. 1 remember that my first
task was mending the wheelbarrow.
II don't know what Silas would do
II he were to get home and find his
wheelbarrow broken" said she. ut Is
almost an inseparable companion of
his"
The schoolmaster and his family
were fishing and camping upon the
river, and SO lived at the senator's
house with Mrs. Wright and her moth
er until he arrived. What wonderful
house 1t was. in my viewl / was awed
by Its size and splendor, its soft car
pets and shiny brass and mahogany.
Yet it was very simple.
hOed the garden and cleaned its
paths and moved the dooryard and did
some painting in the house.
The senator returned to Canton that
evening on the Wntertown stage. He
greeted me with fatherly warmth.
Again I felt that strong appeal to my
eye in his broadcloth and fine linen
and beaver hat and in the splendid
dignity and courtesy of his manners.
1--we had good reports of you, Bart,
and I'm very glad to see you,' he said.
II believe your own marks have
been excellent in the last year." I ven-
tured.
"Poorer than I could wish. The
teacher has been very kind to me-" he
laughed "What have you been study
ing?"
Latin II always mentioned the
Latin first), algebra, arithmetic, gram
mar, geography and history"
He asked about my aunt and uncle
and told him of all that had befallen
us, save the one thing Of which had
spoken only with him and Sally.
Il shall go up to see them soon." he
said
The people of the little village had
learned that he preferred to be let
alone when he had just returned over
the long, wearlsome way, from the
scene of his labors. So we had the
evening to ourselves.
Mrs. Wright, being weary after the
days work. went to bed early and, at
his request. sat with the senator by
the fire for an hour or so. have al
ways thought 1t lucky circumstance,
for. he asked me to tell of my plans
and gave me advice and encourage
nent which have had marked effect
upon my career.
l remember telling him that wished
to be lawyer and my reasons for it.
He told me that n lawyer was either
pest or servant of justice and that
his chief aim should be the promotion
of peace and good will in his commun-
ity. He promised to try and arrange
for my accommodation In his office in
the autumn and meanwhile to lend me
some books to read while / was at
home.
Before we 20 to bed let us have
settlement" said the senator. "Will
you kindly sit down at the table there
and make up a statement of all the
time you have given me?"
made out the statement very neat
ly and carefully and put it in his
hands.
"That Is well done." said he. II shall
wish you to stay until the day after to-