Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1919-06-16
NEIL HAS A MONTHS VACATION
CHAPTER CXXI.


TT HE armistice had been signed
The war was over. How Neil and
other men who had worked as he had
lived through it never shall under
stand. 1t was not only the soldier in
the trenches who took his life in his
hands willing to give it readily if
necessary. But men at home, men
who carried the financial burden of
the war, men who supplied the where
withal to fight, and who could not for
a moment sleep at the post.
Frederick insisted that Neil take
a rest, but first he called him into
his private office.
Glow much have you saved,
Forbes?" Neil told him. He was dunn
founded. "However did you do it,"
he asked.
"We have lived very simply. Bar
bara has done all she could to help.
Our entire expenses have been COW
cred by one hundred dollars a month
thanks to her-ever since we left
New York. The rest is in bank UNI
til l have enough to clear up my in
debtedness to Scott and others.
Frederick said nothing more just
then anent our finances, but insisted
upon Neil taking a months vacation.
He advised Maine or Canada, some
entire change. Neil said nothing, but
came to me with his plan which was
to simply stay at heme and get ac-
quainted with his family
| of course get full salary, so it
will mean saving if l remain here.
Then l am so tired long just for
YOU and the quiet of home"
| agreed with him that it would be
for the best. l was as anxious as
he to get our debts paid. More, per-
haps, as l hoped that were he free
his buoyant spirits and happiness
would return. He was old far be-
yond his years, his boyishness had
all disappeared. He had been tried,
had been burnt in the fires and even
though he never again would be
found wanting, the effect had been
terrible upon him.
Robert was delighted. Many pre-
cious hours did he and his father
spend together, taking long walks,
or sitting on the porch talking of
what Robert should be when he grew
up. Once overheard his father tell
him:
"Never think that mony is every
thing, my boy. 1t is all right to plan
to be a good business man to earn
and have your share of the good
things of life. But never do it at the
expense of another Selfishness, in
difference to others brings sorrow in
its train always-in some way. want
my son to be respected, honored,
because She is honorable" Tears filled
my eyes as l heard, not so much be-
cause of the words, as the sadness IN
the tone.
81 want to be like you father, :"
had been the boys answer.
81 pray you may never be like me.
| pray you may be far better man
than ever have been. Some, day
when you are older l shall tell you
story. When you are old enough to
understand"
| crept quietly away. Was Neil
never to be at peace? Was he always
to carry with him the knowledge
that he had nearly shared the COM
mon fate of criminals because he had
done wrong?
Father and mother visited us dur
ing Neil's vacation. They were de-
lighted with our little home, and l
knew happier than when they visited
us in town. They knew very little
of what had happened, simply that
Neil had lost most of ahis money and
was starting over again. Neil frankly
told of his work with Frederick, of
of what he hoped to do now that the
war was over.
"a simple life is the BEST" father
said, as we sat in the little living
room after dinner. 81 am sure you
will be happier if you do not try for
too great riches. They take wings
and fly away as you have seen. Love
a few friends, enough to live COM
fortably, what more does anyone
need?"
It was so like dear father to talk
like that. He never preached, never
questioned. But when he expressed
himself it always was in language
that disclosed the sweetness of his
nature. His simple theory of life.
We had made few friends in our