The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1921-02-17
THE SQUIRREL
BY mApeE WESTON.


900 " k,c.1ooc % % 1890. 90
1900 = ocoooo'1oococoo ooooD
tCopyrighl isgo. Western Newspaper uuionl
Mr. Nathan Bennett was exceeding
~ annoyed That had become his
chronic condition since buying the
Groundley place He had always
hoped 10 be the owner OF the plciur-
esque old mansion In It's beautiful park
setting from the days when he had
passed on his way 20 school
Misehievous Nat Bennett loved
10 llnger IN those days before the i'm.
4 pressiye gates OF the entrance. watch.
ing the squirrels scamper across the
lawn. There was little resemblance
10 the mlschievous Nat. In this digni.
fed and austere Nathan. But amhi-
ton had brought It's own reward and
Groundley place was his own. He hat
started to enjoy himself there with
something of the old-time enthusiasm.
when he became aware Of disagree
able and interfering neighbor
Miss Abigail Stevens had not mel
lowed" with age. Nathan Bennett re-
membered her as a younger woman Of
meddlng nature.
Looking, upon the night Of his arriv-
n! az his new home. across 20 the white
house that was hers. he decided that
TO ignore her presence there would be
oil that was necessary to keep the
peace Soon Nathan found his mis-
take. When Abigail Stevens was not
Frightening his white chickens away
from her side Of the fence, she was
i throwing dangerous sharp stones In
/ the direction of Niger, his camna-
tured dog. an animal too accustomed
TO friendly companionship, 10 know
the meaning Of fear And when
Miss Stevens was not engaged In en-
dangerlng his live stock she amused
herself by pennlng certain complaints
against himself and his household In
general.
Mrs. White, the housekeeper had a
new grievance each evening. The
busy man riding to and fro from his
city office actually dreaded these home
comings. Niger, upon one evening,
had exhibited ptifully bruised paw,
while one by one valuable chickens
were reported missing. But now the
calamity had happened-Fannie was
gone
Nathan Bennett, in purchasing
the home Of his boyhOod dream,
had overlooked the misfortune Of lone
illness. In Nathan's life OF endeavor
love Lad found no part. and Fannie
was the creature who comforted him
with her prankish ways and faithful
affection. Fannie was a gray, park
squirrel. II was Mrs. White who made
the announcement of Fannie's loss
when Nathan returned from busi-
ness trip. "She's been gone four
days" said the woman, "and ! saw
her last on Miss Stevens roof. She
went IN by the attic window
The woman knew that no further
warning was needed.
Angrily Nathan walked through the
garden that evening. Fannie had beef
wont to come TO him with a ehirp Of
welcome. running up his arm TO her
reward of nuts. Tonight no Fannie
came. Fuming inwardly, he went IN
doors. this time himself TO write a
note. "If Miss Stevens did not at once
produce his squirrel. she might be pre-
pared for all sorts of-lmposslble-
punishments" Miss Stevens at once
responded TO his letter. II was an I'M
expected communication. She would |
az once set the squirrel free. would !
he 20 down" she wrote, "to the south |
garden wall TO receive her" Miss
Stevens was sorry-very sorry to have
coaxed his pet away.
"Coaxedw muttered the astonished |
Nathan. and In apologize manner |
made his way TO the south garden |
wall. A young woman stood upon the |
opposite side OF the wall on her arm |
perched gray squirrel Fannie's
bright eyes regarded him pertiy. the /
girls brighter eyes twlnkied al him.
Il dld not know she was a pet squlr-
rel" the girl explained. Il am Gail 1
Stevens visiting my aunt ! coaxed 4
your Fannie through the window be-
cause ! was lonely and she was 50 en-
tertalnIng"
Il can readily understand" Nathan 4
BeGnet said smiling. 'that YOU would (
enjoy the relief Of cheerful conpan-
i0nship."
Aud as the ciri straichfened her
arm 10 transfer the squirrel - his,
Nathan Bennett ciasped suddenly The
outsirefehed hand. And IN that clasp
was the promise. strangely sweet, OF
loneliness DO more.