The Dolores star., 1923-11-23
The Old Home
Week
By CAROLINE H. WILSON

'O by Mcclure Newspaper syps,c.,.


10 90 to Nedham next wet ousn'
@ ,n 'o"h newspaper that they are 20.
u nave an old home week ceIehro-
..on' "nu want all the sons and dougb-
,efs OF the old town to come bacL
nome ana help make the occasion
great success" a''on
i Know. John, but won't /, coS, co,
SIDERABLE more than We cen sr,osss ~,
replied Sarah. anxiousIy. "If we are
gong 10 meet the payments on the
"e" bungalow it Is necessary TO save
every cent. Aren't you satisfied with
our new home, John?" she asked loot
ing through the open door into ber
pretty living room, with pride in her
eyes. Ill ie'
We'll, guess you're right Sarah
III nave to give it up." He hId
hasty good-by, stuffed the nonar into
MS pocket, and deJectedly walked
down the street.
AT the office he put the paper in his
desk drawer. But at lunch time ba
took 1t out again and read 1t in the
iittie restaurant around the corner
While he waited for his order,
The good chicken pie the waitress
brought him might just as well have
Deen corned beef hash, for all John
cared. He swallowed few hurr,nd
mouthfuls and then went back to the
once to reckon up his bank accoun
wen, | guess that idea is
ploded. he sighed, tossing his ban
Dook back into the drawer. He turned
TO MS daily routine of work.
"Neyland is pretty sick man. Car
rieu TO the hospital this afternoon.
I've asked three men to take his place
and try their hand at selling, although
l haven't much faith In their abilities.
None OF them was willing to try it.
l cant let the spring trade go to my
competitors"
John prickcd up his ears rs he
heard the two members Of the firm
discussing the health of their best
salesman.
Where Is 1t you wish man to
go? Perhaps I'd do. was rather good
on swapping when was boy" John
laughed to cover his embarrassment.
The Junior partner strOked his chin.
The senior member looked John over
from head to foot as II he was some
prehistoric dlnosaur
"You might try It," at last spoke
the junior member. I'll take care of
your department. That was my line
once. Look the samples over and get
the prices. Then you can check the
trunks and get started tomorrow.
Thanks. old man, for helping out"
John put his desk In order and
looked up Neyland's itinerary. He
told his wife about his transaction that
evening.
"Well, that prevents US from going
on the old home week celebration"
said Sarah, with a sigh which John
resentfully interpreted as relief. The
next morning he started for BruntOn
to sell his first bill of goods. In the
train he pulled out his time table.
"Huckleberry trainw he muttered.
"Stops at every confounded way sta.
tion from here to Brunton. Well, If
Neyland can stand it, l guess can,
and he sank down in his seat to read
his paper.
"Plympton Scarsdale Greenbriar!"
John read sturdily on. Suddenly he
was aware Of the blare of brass
band. He looked out of the window
Just as the conductor yelled at the
door, "Nedham"
John jumped up and grabbed his
valise.
"I'm just going to step out on the
platform minute. l might see one
Of the boys"
He did, but the minute became
half hour, and the train pulled out,
unnoticed. He had guilty feeling
that he had betrayed his firms trust,
and his wife's confidence.
"Well, perhaps l can sell a bill OF
goods in Nedham," he thought, trying
to Justify his conduct TT can't be
helped now"
The streets were thronged with men,
women and children, blowing horns
throwing streamers and confetti ana
generally making merry. Popcorn ana
peanut stands were doing flourishing
business. Fakirs. selling everything
from toy balloons to fortunes. yeiied
their wares.
"Bedlam let loose" John laughed
as he neared his old home. Il want
to see the garden and the orchard'
and maybe the owner will let me
ramble through the barn"
He was full of pleasant memories
until he reached the gate On the three
sites stood three cottages. He realized
with pang that time had left its
mark. He turned with sigh.
swell, after all, 1t Isn't the mouse
one wants to see so much us oio
friends"
Amidst the din and confusion
hand touched him on the back. i
"Don't you know me, John Morris
I'm Frank Trooman; graduated lroir
Nedham high In 1910"
..,,,, .,,ro Glad 70 see you, |