The Columbus dispatch. (Columbus, Miss.) 19??-1922, 1920-05-05
HEARTS OF
GOLD
By T. B. ANDERSON


yerlng its ancient landmarks, and In,
terest conferred in community welfare
solely.
There was an ideal homellkeness
and comfort TO It's one hotel that
charmed Ralph DIsston, and certain
geniallty 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. Physi-
clans had advised life in the open,
and It 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 mp to him after he
made 1t known that he was the heir to
the Page farm. Then Dsston 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 nowT'
mot at my request replied Disston
promptly. II would miss having you
people around to help me out when
| make plumbers. You can stay right
where you are on the old arrange
ment."
..,isston made an arrangement with
the Cooper brothers 10 work the crops
on shares until he secured a better
grasp Of the situation. The hue of
health came into his face with pure
air and plenty of 1t, substantial food
and companlonable evenings spent
among his neighbors. 1t was Gladys
who indicted him into driving the old
heavy team that weAt 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 ane
the two wagons were consumed. The
loss was greatly felt by Dlsston, fol
he had not the money to replace THESE
necessary adjuncts to successful
farming. Everybody sympathizet
with him, and there We're tears In thu
eyes of Gladys as she stood by hi
side viewing the ruins of the OLE
barn. Disston had to arrange with ,
neighbor to do what carting was re
CURED and the setback seriously Inn
peded his plans.
Disston detected symptom of sup
pressed excitement in Gladys as sh'
came over early one morning ani
asked him to go with her to secure
some flowers just beginning to bloom
He was somewhat surprised at this In
fringement On working hours on th'
part Of this practical little girl farm
err the more so when she dallied afte
gathering the flowers and two hour
sped away.
"Now, let us get back to the hous
through the little grove" she spok
as they regained the vicinity of tn
house and then, just as they cleare'
tRls, she exclaimed In a joyful tones
"Now look What do you sect"
What Ralph Disston saw held hin
spellbound. In the yard was brand
new barn wagon of the latest type
Attached to ii were two superb blacI
horses, young. strong, shapely. AM
mails and vehicle were decorated wit
ribbons, and as they approached then
they saw card attached to the wago
which read:
"From true friends to the neN
farmer"
"Dear Mr.. Dlsston,' spoke Gladys
"there is not a person In Bloxton VIII
has not Joined in this gift. They a
ways help when ANYBODY Is In tror
ble--just as you did with the Coope
boys"
1t took all the morning for Ralp
Disston TO get over the vast surpris
of the day. He had certainly com
among people kindly and loyal as ow
brothers and sisters, and he felt sir
cerely In his heart that his lines ha
indeed fallen In pleasant places.
'Well. what do You think of
friendsY' submitted John Paxton con
Ing over from his home. II tell 20
when these whole-hearted Bloxtouits
, take fancy to a man, he's fixed Il
life. Next thing they'll be finding
: wife for you. heyT
Il hope they do" rejoined Dlssto