The Coolidge examiner., 1937-05-06

, ther doesn't. I'm asking for fight
ing chance, that's ALL"
For a moment her hand increased
its gentle pressure on his arm.
you'll grant me that, won't
you?" she asked softly.
She left him standing on the ve-
randa under the roof of vines. He
heard her footsteps advancing along
the hall, up the stairs. The night
was very still. A door closed soft
ly.
Shingles, mortar. fence rails,
flooring, white wash, pine shaw
ings, moss-green paint, estimates,
figures, carpenters, m sons,
scythes, pruning-shears, crew re-
cruited from the village to cut down
the tall grass and rioting weeds,
long hours, aching muscles, mis-
takes, dissension, small triumphs-
the work of rehabilitating the rid
ing academy was under way.
Jim was bewildered at first doubt
full of his own judgment, inexperi-
enced. often discouraged. He re-
allied his appalling ignorance in
any one of variety of matters vi
tai to the project and the necessity
for concealing that ignorance from
the men who worked under his di-
rection. But he had a way with
him. The older men, the carpen-
ters and the masons, liked him;
the crew recruited from the village
respected his physique, his willing
ness to pitch into any sort Of job
that the exigencies of the moment
demanded-and that was half the
battle.
He had to do the Job thoroughly
and well. Mr.. Vaughn kept
shrewd eye on his progress, ap-
pearing at unexpected moments.
making suggestions, advising, en-
cours. ging, throwing weight of re-
sponsibility on Jim, watching him
with calculating expression.
Gradually, as progress became
apparent, his anxiety lessened and
his interest increased. He ate heart
lily again, slept soundly, woke re-
freshed and eager to get back to
the job. The more pleasant aspects
Of the situa ton were ahead of him.
He would enjoy bargaining for
string of horses, buying saddles and
equipment, rounding up couple of
stable-boys.
He had thought that the new job
would terminate any close contact
with the family at ''MeadoWbrook."
The farmers nephew, stocky
young fellow named Ralph. had TAX
en- over Jim's former duties. He
was released from any work about
the estate, from marketing lists.
feminine pickering, vegetables, the
mail, the wheel of the sedan. But
he had not escaped the Vaughns.
Tommy thinks he'd like to work
here afternoons" Mr.. Vaughn said
to Jim as they stood together one
morning watching one of the car
penter's assistants nail shingles on
the roof of the stable.
Jim thought that he could account
for the change in Tommy.
DO you think it's a good idea?"
he asked.
Excellent. Is there anything he
can do?"
'Oh, yes" Jim smiled. "He can
work with the weed-cutting crew.
; Wen start to white-Wash the fence
7 tomorrow. I'll keep him busy"
, The station-Wagon careened into
!, the activities at the old riding acad-
| emy the following afternoon. Tom
my emerged from behind the wheel
I wearing new dungarees and an ear
, nest expression.
well, here am" he announced,
unnecessarily. where shall be-
gin? What'll do?"
Jim regarded his latest recruit
. with tWinkling gravity.
do you really want to work."
h. asked.
Il certainly do" Tommy replied
with emphasis. Il got sort of tired
of loafing. Besides there's too many
, women around the house. Anyway,
l need exercise. Got to get myself
in shape for soccer this fall. And
could use little extra jack.
That's why l told Dao l wanted a
: job"
. Come clean, fellow"
Tommy fidgeted, looked down at
his shoes, working shoes unmistak-
able, thick-soled, clumsy, new.
well, l thought Dad might like
it," he confessed. He's always rub
bing me about being lazy. / thought
; if shelf Dolly-should raise fuss,
it might help some with Dad if
was working"
Jim produced a pail of white
wash and a brush. Start there in
+ the shade" he said briskly. "You
a aren't used to the SUM-"
r Tommy looked with disfavor upon
r the pail and the brush.
$ Il don't suppose there's anything
else l could Co." he said hope
v fully. Il mean singing white-wash
q is" e.
"A mans job," Jim said de-
cisively. The white-wash is fol
e the fence" he added, mot to dec