The Dolores star., 1924-08-29

reHection upon tHe WISuom OF CHiiulsH
preferments.
What are you going to do with
himT
Eat him up, guess. Daddy said
there was enough wasted about our
house to keep n pig. so we got one.
Aren't you going TO take me up?"
"Of course. But first we must put
teddy in his place"
I'm to go home at five O'clock" the
boy said. when he had got properly
settled
The hours slipped by all too quick
| ly, and II the lads presence did not
contribute to good plowing, 1t at lenst
made cheerful plowman. II was
plain that Zen had sufficient confidence
/ in her farmer neiEhbor to trust her
| boy in his care. and his frequent ref
erences to his mother had an interest
| for Grant which he could not have
analyzed or explained. During the aft
ernoon the merits OF the pig were sung
and resung, and at last Wilson, after
kissing his friend on the cheek and
whispering. 81 like you. Uncle Man
on-the-H ILL.," took his teddy bear un-
der his arm and plodded homeward.
The next morning he came again,
but mournfully and slow. There We're
tear stains on the little round cheeks.
why, son. what has happened?"
said Grant. his abundant sympathles
instantly responding.
''Teddy's spoiled" the child sohbed.
II set him-on the side of-the pig
pen, and he felld in, and the big pig
ct him-ate him-up. He didn't zact-
ly eat him up, either-Just kind of
chewed him, like"
well that certainly Is too bad.
But then, you're going to eat the pig
some day, so that will square 1t, won't
it:"
II guess 1t will" said the boy,
Frightening. Il never thought of that"
But we must have teddy for
Prince. See, he Is looking around,
waiting for 1t. Grant folded his coat
into the shape of dummy and set
1t upon the names, and all went mer-
rily again.
That afternoon, which was Satur-
day, the boy came thoughtfully and
with an air Of much Importance. Delv-
Ing into pocket he produced an en-
velope, somewhat crumpled in transit
1t was addressed, 1.-The Man-on-the-
HILL"
Grant tore 1t open eagerly and read
this note:
Dear Man-on-t -the-Hil: That is
the name Wilson calls you, SO perhaps
tv-III La
to be home tomorrow, and will you
come and have dinner with us at six?
My father and mother will be here
and possibly one or two others. You
had clash with my men-fok once
but you will find them ready enough
to make allowance for, even II they
fail to understand. your point of view.
Do come. zen.
"P.S.-It Just occurs TO me that
your associates in your colonization
| scheme may want TO claim your time
on Sunday. II any Of them come out,
bring them along. Our table Is an
extension one, and Its capacity has
never yet been exhausted"
Although Grants decision was made
at once he took some time for refiec.
tion before writing an acceptance. He
was to enter Zen's house on her invi-
tation, but under the auspices, so to
speak, Of husband and parents. That
was eminentfy proper. Zen was
sensible girl. Then there was ref
erence to that ancient sQuabble in the
hay meadow. 1t was evidently her
plan to see the hatchet buried and
friendly relations established all
round. Eminently proper and sensible.
He turned the sheet over and wrote
on the back:
Dear Zen: Delighted to come. Nav
have couple of friends with me, one
of whom you have seen before. Pre-
pare for an appetite long denied the
| joys Of home cooking. ID. G."
1t was not until after the child had
gone home that Grant remembered he
had addressed Transley's wife by her
Christian name. That was the way he
always thought of her. and 1t slipped
on to paper quite naturally. Wen, 1t
couldn't be helped now.
Grant unhitched early and hurried
to his house and the telephone. In
few minutes he had Linder on the
| line.
Hello. Llnder? l want you to 20 to
a store for me and buy teddy-bear."
The chuckle Mt the other end of the
line irritated Grant. Linder had
strange sense OF humor.
Il mean 1t. A big teddy, with cleo
tric eyes, and deep bass growl, II
they make 'em that way. The best
you can get. Fetch 1t out tomorrow
AFTERNOON, and come decently dressed.
for once. Bring Murdoch along II you
can pry him loose"
| Grant hung up the receiver. "StupId
chap. Linder, some ways" he NUT.