Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1926-03-11

u
Eve saw your tent, and thought We
would welcome you to prairieland."
"That is good Of you." said a we'll
modulated English voice, but some way
the voice seemed to break just there.
and the lips of the newcomer went all
a-tremble. The next we-knew she and
Jean had their arms about each
Otner.
"Oh, how horribly stupid of mer'
the stranger exclaimed, In moment or
two, disengaging herself and dabbing
her eyes with little lump Of hand
kerchief. Zone gets bit-a bit lone
~. in spite of everything. You will
think am rather bad pioneer. My
name Is Mrs. Alton, and I'm SO glad
you came, Miss-Miss-"
Jean introduced herself and the
others of our party, and then we clam
bered down out Of the wagon.
Gerald and have been very much
alone" Mrs. Alton explained Ger
aid doesn't seem to mind 1t a BIT
rather glories in 1t, think. Already
he has made some great explorations,
but always under Sandy's watchful
eye. Sandy is great comfort. Aren't
you, sir?'
She turned to the dog, who sedately
held up one paw In acknowledgment
Of her remark.
"Gerald. / should have told you, has
Just turned three. I am widow"
Mrs. Alton ratified on, as though not
wishing to stress the point-"and
Gerald and have our way to make In
the world He is tired now, and asleep
after great days roaming, but shall
wake him before you CO."
"Oh, please donti" Jean entreated.
Let us see him as he sleeps" and
without waiting for an invitation she
gently made her way into the little
tent.
Don't you think me clever?" Mrs.
Alton asked. when we had at last dis
covered it.
1t consisted of trunk, with the lid
turned back, and about half the con-
tents removed. In this She had laid
a little mattress, and on the mattress
slept a beautiful Toy, his face still
rudy from his wrestle with the prai-
RE winds; his lips cherry red and
slightly parted; his little arms thrown
| jauntily above his head. Jean leaned
and touched the breathing lips with
hers, and so did Marjorie. and little
later ! saw tears on the cheeks of
both. 1t was then remembered that
these girls had not seen child since
we left Regina In the spring, and the
| mothering instinct in them, pent up
| through all those lonely months, now
burst forth In sweet silent tears. ]
began to realize that Gerald Alton
was to be one of the important mem
| bers Of the community.
isn't he lOvely-lovelyr' Jean was
murmuring as though unable to tear
herself from his side. Mrs. Alton, !
am sure you have placed US all under
a debt of gratitude. This community
simply had to have a baby"
| After that, conversation came cas-
fer, and we found ourselves talking
about farm life, and the problems Of
the homesteader. Mrs. Alton drank In
every word with avidity; she was
eager for Information on the most
casual affairs
II am so frightfully stupid!" she
exclaimed "You see, know nothing
about farming, and l suppose 1t was
very wild notion that l should take
q homestead. l did 1t on Gerald's ac-
count. / shall manage some way. and
In three years-by the time he must
start to school-the farm will be
mine. Then l shall sell it or mort.
gage 1t to give him an education"
"By that time we may have school
next door," suggested. "People will
fow in here In crowds, once they
make start. Have you plans for
carrying on the work Of the farm
II have two men following with
boards to tuild house; just very
tiny house, in keeping with my purse
Then / hope to hire neighbor to do
some blowing, and will plant some
corn next spring. shall raise chick
| ems, and have great garden-l know
all about gardening" she added
naively, with sudden return of con-
fdence. "You should have seen my
English roses!"
We had not the heart to tell her
that there lay great gulf between
| English roses and Canadian cab
bage patch. and she ratified on. evil
IDENTIFY glad of someone to watch with
sympathy the mirage castles which
she was building on her horizon.
"For myself, am quite penniless,"
she confessed, thrusting her upturned
| palms toward Us with little impul-
| sive gesture. Gerald Is my re-
source, as well as my responsibility.
He has hundred pounds year. We
shall invest it~in this farm. ! am
sure we are going to prosper wonder
| fully.
| "All the world seems to circle
around Gerald" she added, as though
1t were an afterthought.
She made Jean and Marie sit down
on box on which she had spread a
| steamer rug. Jack and stood at the