Roanoke Rapids herald. [volume] (Roanoke Rapids, N.C.) 1914-192?, 1920-04-23
HEARTS OF
GOLD
By T. B. ANDERSON

NSsbJikhts AvEss hcstoTu newspaper
In half century Bloxton had
scarcely changed. Farms, stores and
residents passed from generation to
generation, few moved away, few
strangers came to remain. 1t was an
old-fashioned, steady going town, re-
verlng its ancient landmarks, and in
terest conferred in community welfare
solely.
There was an ideal homelikeness
and comfort to Its one hotel that
charmed Ralph Disston, and certain
genlallty In the greetings of people
he had never met before. At the end
Of a week the tall, handsome young
man, with the pallor of frail health
In his face, disclosed the object of his
visit and was welcomed with open
hands and hearts.
Disston had been employed In mer-
camille lines In the city, and his labors
had resulted in breakdown. Physl-
clans had advised life in the open,
and 1t seemed possible when he was
apprized that his half uncle, Reuben
Page, at Bloxton, had left him the
farm that had been In the family for
over seventy years. What ready mon
ey the latter possessed had been dis
tributed among his sisters.
Disston found the old farm neglect
ed and run down. But that could
readily be attended to, John Paxton,
his nearest neighbor, told him. Per-
haps, too, an acquaintance with
Gladys, his daughter, had good deal
to do In influencing Disston. She was
sun-browned, wholesome young
woman Of twenty-five, brisk, indus
trious and happy spirited, and she act
ed as guide and adviser in taking Diss-
ton over his newly acquired domain.
People warmed up to him after he
made 1t known that he was the heir to
the Page farm. Then Disston made
the community more friendly than
ever when two men, Ezra and Ben
Cooper, brothers, called upon him.
"Your uncle has let us each occupy
fifty acres where the farm touches the
creek since we were boys, free gratis"
Ezra Cooper told Disston. II suppose
we've got to pack up and leave now?"
mot at my request" replied Disston
promptly. II would miss having you
people around to help me out when
make blunders. You can stay right
where you are on the old arrange
ment."
Disston made an arrangement with
the Cooper brothers to work the crops
on shares until he secured better
grasp of the situation. The hue Of
health came into his face with pure
air and plenty Of 1t, substantial food
and companionable evenings spent
among his neighbors. 1t was Gladys
who indicted him into driving the old
heavy team that went with the place,
and with her mother did much In
making the interior of the house pre-
sentable.
One night the stables of the place
caught fire. Neighbors saved some
farm machinery, but the horses and
the two wagons were consumed. The
loss was greatly felt by Dlsston, for
he had not the money to replace these
necessary adjuncts to successful
farming. Everybody syInpathized
with him, and there were tears in the
eyes of Gladys as she stood by his
side viewing the ruins Of the old
barn. Disston had TO arrange with
neighbor to do what carting was re-
quired and the setback seriously i'm
peded his plans.
Dlsston detected symptom Of sup
pressed excitement in Gladys as she
came over early one morning and
asked him to 60 with her to secure