Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1927-06-23

That night Ned lay awake think
ing of Dorothy Selden's temperance
in his life, and how little it meant to
fim now. When he slept he dreamed
of a blue-eyed Rapunzel who let down
her hair.
Claude Dabbs, also wakeful, puz-
zling how to keep Ned interested in
Peace Valley, finally slept; to dream
of beautiful woman named Johnston
pursuing him, accompanied by gigan-
tic dogs all answering to the name of
Peter.
Ned again surprised Claude by ris-
ing early and cheerfully setting out
for Pulsifer's farm. However, Will
diam Penn Pulsifer and his son Penny
had decided to work, for awhile, near
by. Because of this, Elite felt that
she must supply them with hot din
ner, and so could not come to the
White house until one o'clock.
Ned agreed to come again at one
O'Clock if Miss Johnston still wanted
her, and took his way to the White
house. 1t promised to be an amusing
day, he thought, as he knocked at
the kitchen door.
"Blue Eyes," with flaming cheeks,
opened the door. This had been a
terrible morning of starting open
fires, lighting a kitchen range, and
trying to find things in strange
kitchen, in a strange house.
Ned proceeded to explain Mrs. Pulsi-
fer's absence.
Mary listened, murmured her
thanks, and praised Mr.. Dabbs for his
kindness in sending help. She would
be glad to see Mrs. Pulsifer that aft
~ernoon.
"What will you do now" Ned asked,
anxiously looking at the pile of dishes
on the table before her. LET me help
YOU"
Mary opened her mouth to annihi-
late this pushing young person, but at
that moment the telephone bell rang,
and with a little nod of dismissal, she
hurried to answer it.
Ned looked idly about him. Then
the great idea came to him. He
grinned, snatched up bingham
kitchen apron from the back of a
chair and tied 1t across his chest. He
turned the hot water on a pan full of
dishes and reached for the dish mop.
He knew that camp, motor boat and
army experiences would stand him in
good stead now. He would show this
girl what an excellent job he could do.
He commenced to wash dishes In il
slow, orderly fashion.
At the telephone, Mary was talking
to Mr.. Dabbs. She had closed the
door. No sound from the kitchen
reached her. Yes, she told him, she
was Miss Johnston, and his nephew
had gone. She was ever so much
obliged. If Mrs. Pulsifer could come
at noon, it would be a great help.
Mary left the telephone with shin
ing eyes. How kind these country
people were Imagine grocer TAX
ing all that trouble in the city! She
must tell mother 1t would amuse her,
if the headache was not too bad.
With a little run she took the stairs,
three steps at time, and softly
opened the door OF the great front
bedroom.
1t was lovely room, darkened now,
beautifully arranged and furnished.
Nothing in it was as beautiful as the
woman who was lying upon the bed,
staring at the ceiling She looked
scarcely older than Mary herself.
Tumbled masses of red hair spread
over the pillow. She turned her face
quickly from Mary.
Mother, I'm going to bring you
some tea and toast in a jiffy, unless
you feel like coming down."
81 don't want anything. Don't
trouble" came In soft murmur from
the bed
''Oh. mother, don't take it so hard