The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1919-01-23
PHIL
BY MILDRED WHITE.
Copyright. 1917. Western Newspaper Union-l

Ihe storm was coming. James Bur-
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 encircling hills.
To the city lawyer the rough wind
Ing roads seemed almost impossible,
tmpatiently he decided to seek shelter
at farmhouse not far distant, than
hesitated undecidedly, as the sun
cleaned for moment in promise. AS
he slowed down near the gateway, q
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 we an wait inside?"
Thanks" Burrows responded, Il
think l can reach the village before
the storm breaks, and have supper
there"
The old man shook his head. Don't
believe it, he said, "were alone here,
Phil an me, but 1 reckon Phil could
pick up something for you to eat"
Turning. he cupped his hands and
called to blue-overalled figure hoe
Ing In the distance.
"Phil," he screamed, "Phil." Tho
lad bending over his work apparently
did not hear.
Never mind" Burrows said, I'll
take a chance and ride on"
| "Wonder-" the old man asked, IF
you could carry me along to the next
house down thereI See it?-the red
one7"
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
| expectedly. Great sheets of rain swept
| against him, the wind threatened to
| blow his small car from its course,
| lightning flashed whiplike around the
| hilltops Swiftly he turned about,
with difficulty, making his way back
| to the old mans house. UNLIMITED he
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 l sup
pose" the lawyer said, suggested
that | 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 Ia
conically. His eyes studied the stran-
ger Perhaps, l could find some
thing" he said suddenly, and disap-
peared in the house. His heavy boots
tracked the clean scrubbed floor, as
the lawyer followed him inside, the
rain-soaked old hat still rested upon
Pills 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
afone?" Burrows asked incredufously,
as he buttered tiaky biscuit, then
who makes these?'
"Me," the youth answered, his tone
was sulIen. Cooking. farming, ev-
ery1hing--I do 1t all, but 1 won't much
longer. Grandad's going to be married
again" sneer curled the red lips
that's where he's visiting now"
and thenl" 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
fight With grandad every day went
to school, but did the work mornings
and evenings, and l made 1t. Now"
the young voice broke Encouraging
ly, "he don't need me any more.
Sudden unaccountable sympathy
famed In the lawyers breast.
"PhiI," 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
helm me to-live."
The lawyer nodded silently. Then
with sudden passionate motion the lad
buried his face in his arms, his snoul-
ders shaking with sudden sobs
"OhI l can't CO." he cried ana
snatched the felt hat from his head
About the round childish face, fell a
mass of golden hair, angrily PM
caught the hair and drew 1t ike
cloak about her, you see she SAID,
II am his GRANDPA ughter, Phiiippa-
The overalls and boots we're but my
farming costume. l allowed you TO
think what you believed"