The Hardin tribune-herald. [volume] (Hardin, Mont.) 1925-1973, 1934-03-16

and made him comfortable; and rain or
shine he might be seen, any morning
at about eight o'clock, on his way to
school. But his progress was likely to
be interrupted, for he was always quick
to see this matter or that into which
to thrust his hand.
On this particular morning, however,
his delays were not of his own devising.
Just as he emerged from his own front
door, young Trafton Hood from Bos-
ton stopped him. Levi Hood had been
buried in Fair Oaks cemetery IN the
hill above town two days before, and
Uncle Frank was treasurer of the
trustees of the cemetery, so that it was
on a matter Of business young Hood
came to see him now. He wished to
write a check in payment for the lot
and the expenses of interment and to
finance perpetual ARE Of the grave.
They parted in the briefest possible
time, and Uncle Frank, the check which
was to figure so largely in what fol-
lowed safe in his shabby old wallet,
went ON afoot toward school.
But presently he stopped again, for
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men, old or young, who would not
pause for a word with Helen. She was
young and she was fair, and her eyes
were deep and friendly eyes. She came
just now swiftly along the street from
the direction Of the postoffice, and
Uncle Frank said with the grave dignity
behind which he was apt to mask his
deep friendliness:
"Good morning, young woman!"
She lifted her hand in a gay gesture.
Till" she returned. 1.-The top O. the
morning to you, Uncle Frank"
you're early abroad" he comment
ed. with a bird Of your feather, the
worm is bound to be either a man or
some pretty new clothes!"
"Both!" she assured him laughingly.
IT walked down to the bank with Ted.
He likes me to. And I'm hurrying home
to pack. Going to Boston OF the boat
this afternoon. Shopping!"
He surveyed her with a critical eye.
Must be for furniture?" he suggest
ed.
1T isn't furniture, yet" she confess
ed, her color bright. Ted isn't quite
ready! It is clothes"
"Such matters" Uncle Frank ad-
mitted with twinkling eyes, remain a
mystery to me! So Ted isn't quite
ready?" He was always thus frankly
interested in other folks affairs.
HE wants a house of our own, first"
she explained, a faint trouble in her
eyes. WED have to live with his faith
er otherwise!"
"And quite right, too," said Uncle
Frank. II would not care to live with
Amasa!"
Then a car came down the street
and he watched its approach, and sud-
denly he stepped into the road and held
up his hand. The car stopped and Bill
Magaw leaned out and called:
Morning, Helen! Hullo, Frank!
What's on your mind?"
you've a soft front tire, Bill" Frank
told him, and Bill grinned.
"Sure, I know" he agreed. Don't try
to run my car for mel" And he called
to Helen: Look out or he'll be telling
you how to wear your hats!"
Been making out my shopping list
for me already" she assented laugh
ingly, and she watched Bill as he drove
away, and Uncle Frank watched her.
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suggested, "the matter of a new house
would not delay him long!"
20, Bill would buy me a dozen
houses-if I let him." she admitted
smilingly.
Uncle Frank considered this; and he
said experimentally: bills an able
man! Money hasn't spoiled him. He
gave up a good business to run for
county attorney. Likely to win, too, it
seems to me-"
rs this a campaign speech?" she
asked, mischief in her eyes. "Are you
his manager or something's"
He chuckled. "Well, I always liked
Bill" he declared.
"I-like Ted" she told him with a
gentle gravity, and Uncle Frank nod
ded.
$50 do I, Helen" he agreed. you're
right. Bills older, and he's already
proved himself-in so many ways. But
give Ted time"
II hope he doesn't want me to give
him too much time," she whispered.
"Bills-a little overpowering! And I
don't want to be overpowered." She
protested wistfully: II just want Ted.
But he's so stubborn sometimes!"
And Uncle Frank threw back his
head and laughed in a great muse
ment. If you want him I'll back you
to get him young lady," he exclaimed.
II wouldn't give him a chance in ten
to get away" He made a gesture of
dismissal. Get along with you now!
I can't stay here chattering!"
Nobody asked you, sir, she said"