The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1928-06-01

tall fair-haiied girl, drew Beatrice
aside and whispered:
listen, dear; have the most won
derful scheme. must talk ii over
with you. Let's get rid of the boys
It's something we can devote our
lives to-"
"Tm sure it's splendid scheme 1t
you though, of It," said Beatrice.
weakly. Silently she cursed herself
for the pretty speeches which came
so readily to her lips at such times.
AS soon as the boys were out of
hearing Jean turned to her friend
excitedly:
"Bea. did you ever raise chickensT
"N-no-never," was the answer.
"Would you love TOT"
I'll don't know" she faltered.
They're kind of cute when they are
little and furry"
"Oh, they're wonderful There is
nothing to compare with them-in all
stages" Jean clasped her hands and
her eyes became wider and brighter
as though she were picturing to her.
self millions of chickens of every con-
ceivable color and breed"
Beatrice looked at her friend In
mild-eyed establishment. Much as she
liked chickens on the rare occasions
when she saw them, she would not
have believed that any feathered crea-
lures were capable of arousing so
much enthusiasm In the breast of
Jean, the calm and serene. Appar-
emily it was worth while to cultivate
barnyard acquaintance.
"Where did you get to know chick
ems so well?" she ventured.
"Wherew Jean turned. $50 well?
| don't know anything about them ex-
cept what / read in the Farmers
Monthly yesterday, but it made me
realize that my vocation in life Is to
raise chickens and you, Bea, dear, are
to help me. Well buy little place
outside the city and raise really good
looking chickens-quite the best as
sortment."
at does sound rather NICE" said a
meek voice, "but how do you suppose
We'll be able to look after them?
never lived within two miles of
chicken in my life"
"Oh, that's easy" returned Jean
promptly. "You don't need to know
anything about them. That will come
in time. Well just buy books. a good
big stock and, and" vaguely-"some
eggs and we'll-just start in and raise
chickens"
"All right-if it's as simple a.. that"
said Beatrice.
Sand you'll promise to make your
country proud of you as one of the
two greatest chicken fanciers q think
that's what Wen be called) in the
world?"
81 promise. Come over tomorrow
and We'll make final arrangements"
AS usual, upon sober reflection next
day, Beatrice was filed with remorse
and uneasiness, India, Bohemia and
chicken farming didn't mix. About
noon she phoned Jim and explained
the situation.
isn't it awful?" she asked. "You
must think; can't"
Awful is too mild a word" said
tie young man. ''I'm doing some
thinking all right and I'll be over at
four o'clock to offer suggestions"
Promptly at four Jim arrived. Nora,
Jean and Ruth were on the porch
with Bea. The air seemed charged
with electricity.
"May speak with you alone few
minutes, BeatriceT he asked.
'Why surely, if the girls will ex-
cuse me-" she replied
They walked out to the sunroom
at the back of the house. They re-
turned in ten minutes and Jim an
nounced:
Beatrice has something to tell
you
Then Beatrice. looking very thrilled
and excited, said: "Jim and | are
engaged. We won't be married for a
year, but 1 just wanted you all to
know that I'll be so busy getting ready
l won't be able to do any of the love-
10 hoI vlo