The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1932-08-12
rwNU servics)

Blake's house was never forgotten by
those whe had a part in it. The re-
ward Of FIVE thousand dollars was dis
tributed according to the plan Of Shad
and his chief.
To Bumpy Brown the income on
two thousand FIVE hundred dollars for
life.
To Bony a sum sufficient for one
years board and schooling.
To Shad a certificate of deposit for
the balance.
Bumpy cooked the oysters and the
turkey and by request prepared the
mashed potatoes with unlimited allow
ances of cream and butter. Then the
cook was called to the table. He said:
"No, sir, by Jeedix, I'm too scared
an nervous. to take place in the
front ranks. Besides I'm liable to
bust out a-cryin' any minute-you've
been so good to me. I'm goin' to keep
close to the cellar door so can re-
treat if have to. I suppose I'll get
used to bein' rich an happy, but
you'll have to give me little time"
Bony said that Miss Spenlow had
"mellered up" good deal-that she
was not so anxious to keep him from
being ruined.
Bumpy was finally induced to come
and drink his coffee with them. Col
Onel Blake arose and with character
istic humor reviewed the career of
Shad Morryson. He told of the ad-
ventures at Center Pond and Morris
town and introduced him as an expert
detective. He was curious to see what
the boy would say.
It was then that Sheridan Morryson
made the little speech now quoted
from his memoirs:
"Colonel and Mrs. Blake: The little
things have done are partly due to
your faith in homeless lad and to
your interest in his welfare. For all
that thank you. must also thank
Bony for his help and friendship. !
do not forget the friendship, the kind
ness and the good heart of Mr.. Brown.
may know handsomcr men, but shall
never know a better man. There is
one whose name you know to whom
/ am more indebted than to all others.
That is debt which I can only pay,
which I shall gladly pay, with my life
and my devotion If I am allowed to do
so. / hope that / am not breaking the
rules of the court in saying this much.
I fear that I am like bee that has
been forbidden to trespass in flowery
meadow"
The colonel laughed. Then he
turned to Mrs. Blake and said: moth
er, this boy is not like other boys of
his age. He's really quite a man. If
he and Ruth want to be engaged
suppose that we may as well take
down the trespass sign"
Bees can't read, anyhow" the gen
tie lady answered with a smile.
"They would better part, if they have
to, before they are married than after
they are"
Shad went to Ruth's side. They en-
braced and kissed each other. A gale
of merry laughter had arisen. In the
midst of it Colonel and Mrs. Blake and
Bumpy and Bony came and embraced
the happy youngsters.
Again a scrap from the memoirs:
IS "Yes, it was unusual. say only
that it was good for us. We were In
the same school and college until we
were twenty-five. Our love filled the
years with happiness and inspiration
and mutual understanding. We helped
each other. We knew each other. We
had learned the gentle art of keeping
step. We were in no danger of falling
out when we were married the day
after our graduation-a trouble that
comes too often Of slight acquaintance.
Bunny Brown came with his parrot
and handsome gift Of money. Robert
Royce and his wife Carrie, and Bony,
then an able law clerk, and Betsy
Spenlow and Doctor Gorse and Mr..
and Mrs. Smithers were at the we'd
ding. We were famous pair and
people came from far and wide to
greet us.
"For twenty-five years we have lived
and wrought together. Time has been
kind to u.s. There is still gold in her
hair and the glow of the corn-fiower
in her eyes and the tint of roses in her
cheeks. I--well, I am still lover.
Have we not seen enough Of the peril
of straying to keep us in the straight
Way?"