Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1927-01-13

4
Whats in that big bundle7" asked
Elviry, pointing to the huge paper
parcel in Lydia's lap
Nothing" she said shortly, looking
at the rope portieres in the doorway.
II got new ones in the East" said
/ Elviry, following her glance. "Shells
strung together. But I put 'em up
/ only when we have parties. Who
made your shirtwaist, Lydiar
II did," answered Lydia, not with
out pride.
IT thought So" commented Elviry.
II don't suppose your fathers had a
raise, yet. He amt that kind. Does
he pay Levine any rent for that cot
tager'
"Of course, every month I" exclaimed
Lydia, Indignantly.
"Ohi l just askedl Your fathers
been talking strong for him at the
pillow factory, they say, and we just
wondered. He's old enough to be your
father. but you're getting to be
young lady now, Lydia, and it's very
bad for your reputation to be seen
with him. You haven't any mother
and must speak"
| II don't see how John Levine's rep
utation about Indians or pine lands
can hurt me any," protested Lydia,
angrily, ''and just think you're the
impolitest person / know"
The front door slammed as she
spoke and Dave Marshall came in.
"Hellol Well, Lydia, this Is sight
for sore eyes, Thought you'd forgot
ten u.s." He looked from his two wom-
en- folks to Lydia. "What've you two
been saying now?" he asked gruf1y.
Elviry tossed her head Nothing
at all. You said that Lydia and Amos
ought to be warned about Levine"
Eyes, I cid" exclaimed Dave, with
| q sudden change Of voice. "You tell
| your father to come round and see me
this evening, Lydia. I don't like his
attitude on the reservation question.
Tell him II can't change his views
any other way, I may have to bring
pressure with that note"
Lydia buttoned her coat with trem-
bling fingers.
Eyes, sir, I'll tell him." she said.
We'll pay that note up, somehow.
Even it can't be allowed to keep US
from believing what we believe" Her
voice strengthened suddenly whats
the use of being an American If you
can't believe what you want to? I'm
not going to tell my father to come to
see you. I'll answer right now. Wen
think and say what we please and
you can do whatever you want to
about that nasty old note"
Dave suddenly laughed. There,
Elviry, that's what I mean about Ly-
dia's being the real thing. You can't
help my being your friend, Lydia, no
matter what happens But grimly,
'ePll call in that note unless your IA
ther shuts up"
"Good-byp exclaimed Lydia, alb
ruptly and she marched into the hall,
head held high, and closed the outside
door firmly behind her.
It had been a long time since she
had known the heavy sinking of the
heart that she felt now She had an
utter horror of repeating Marshall's
message to her father. Money worry
made Amos frantic.
In the midst of one of her longest
signs Billy Norton overlook her.
"WellFLydia."
Hello, Billy" said Lydia, looking
up at the young man soberly. Billy
was q sophomore in college. BILLY,
is there any way girl like me could
earn SCOOP" she asked him.
"Golly, not that know of! WhyT
ooh, just asked. I wish was
man."
Billy looked at the scarlet cheeks
and the blowing yellow curls. IT
don't" he said. whats worrying
you, LydT
Nothing" she insisted. Then, anx-
ious to change the subject, she asked,
"What're you studying to be, Billyw
"a farmer believe q farmers the
most independent man in the world.
And that's what I want to be, indie
pendent-call no man boss"
"That's me, too, Billy" cried Lydia,
pausing at her gate. That's what I
want to be, independent That's what
real Americans are"
Lydia did not tell her father that
night Of Marshall's threat He was in
such a tranquil mood that she could
not bear to upset him. But the next
day she gathered her courage together
and told him. To her surprise. instead
Of walking the floor and swearing. he
gave q long whistle.
$50 it's that serious, Is It? I won
der just what he's up tol The old
crook! Huh! This will be nuts for
John, though. IF he doesn't come out
this afternoon I'll go look him up this
evening""
Lydia's jaw dropped. "But, daddy,
you don't seem to realize we'll have
to pay 5000 the first of January" she
urged, her voice still trembling.
For the first time Amos looked at
her carefully. "Why, my dear child,
there's nothing to worry about" he
exclaimed "Now." his voice softened,
"you stop worrying. Levine and I'll
take care Of this"