Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1927-06-16

lCeQ 20 come next week VnurSQdy ION
some ten weeks. But 1t was Ettie'i
part to hold the banner high and Sc
screen some Of William Penn Pulsi.
fer's shortcomings, and 1t was Claude's
part not to peep through the rents In
the banner lest he might see the
naked truth.
Elite sighed as she looked over
toward Claude Dabbs, who had Toots
and the others on his knees and all
about him.
Il declare, Claude Dabbs, seems q
shame you're an old bachelor, and you
so fond Of 'em. Ought to have had a
dozen Of your own"
Things are uneven in this fine
world, Ettie," was Claude's comment,
as he looked up the road, along which
Jenny and Ned were tearing at full
speed. "Got fine young man visit
Ing me. My adopted nephew. Here
he comes" He walked toward the
gate, followed by all the children.
Presently Elite, looking up from the
washing, saw that he was coming back
again, accompanied by the children
and the young man. Jenny had been
tied to the last remaining gate post.
Elite ungraciously acknowledged
Claude's introduction, though her mind
was perfectly cordial toward the
young man, it being no part Of coun-
try etiquette to look either pleased or
gracious on such an occasion, lest ad-
vantage be taken. What advantage,
and why, no one knows, but custom
has apparently decreed that they who
make their living from the soil, shall,
despite natures generous teaching, In
stinctively distrust their fellow man.
Claude briefly outlined to Elite the
situation at the White house and con-
cluded by asking:
could you do days general house
work and cooking, Elite, for the new
folks up there?"
my land, what's come to their
cook?" asked Elite, country fashion,
refusing to commit herself until she
had had all the facts spread out be-
fore her.
Ned said easily: "They left because
they thought it looked lonely. Servants
leave nowadays, don't they, without
any reason"
Here Claude looked up and took
hold Of the situation, lest the ener-
getic little bundle Of nerves leaning
against her washtub might take ex-
ception to this offhand city persons
way of explaining case.
my nephew, here, says there's just
young girl up there, trying to run
that big house herself and keep her
mother quiet. I don't know anything
about them, Elite, but it would be real
neighborly to help out. I'll send Ned
to take you there tomorrow morning
If you can manage it"
"I'm busy" acknowledged Mrs. Pull
sifer, "but If it's a case Of real need
cessity, I could CO."
THAT'S real good of you, Elite, -
Claude said heartily, and indicated to
Ned they'd better go. Ned hurried
down the lane to unite Jenny. Claude
paused to say to Elite, as he sep
arated himself gently from clinging
little hands: 'The way I look at it.
the mother probably won't do any
thing, and it's good deal to fall on
the shoulders of girl
wont hurt her none," shifted Mrs
Pulsifer, ''but Of course all them
Glover followers pay good money, and
it's real mist place. own, Claude,
kinda like to see what they've done to
the house. It certainly is a pretty
home"
Eyes, amt it," Claude agreed appre.
ciatively. "Well, I'll send the boy
round at half-past eight, Elite, to take
you to the-I declare I don't know
their name. They came while was
in New York"
"That's good mornings work
son." he said amiably as he mounted
the wagon seat beside Ned. Not for
worlds would he allude to Dorothy
Selden and her revelations, for that
was, as Dabbs would have phrased
1t, up to Ned"
If it was, Ned showed no signs OF
being about to introduce the lady into
the conversation.
II say, O. M, there's something I'd
like to fix up with you before we get
~ts;Sy2aB