Evening star., 1940-06-23
Il Short Story Complete on This P0Sf

COrralled at the nome ranCn Tor branding ana
dipping. neCessitating crew of twenty men
And that day, of all days, the cook failed to
show up, having squandered his months wages
on liquor the night before
took over his Job at four o'clock in the
morning. Breakfast was late and. because OF
the pile OF greasy dishes to be washed dinner
was later still At midafternoon | was des-
perate. To make matters worse, my small son
had just cut himself on a pairing knife and was
wailing SO loudly that missed the sound of
footsteps on the porch.
A shadow fell across the kitchen floor and
looked up to see shabby giant standing there.
He said, in cultural voice. II work for some
grub" | was about to refuse when saw his
eyes. In that rugged, almost fierce face, it
was shock to find them deeply blue, with
childlike shyncss in their depths.
agreed to give him food, and while got it
together the man squatted on his heels, made
soft clucking sound in his throat and motioned
to Sonny. The boys SMALL stained face
broke suddenly into smiles and he advanced
shyly.
The big man drew back in mock terror as
Sonny came closer. His face worked erotesquey.
Don't hurt Lars" he quavered. Lars afraid
Sonny shrieked with delight.
When the meal was ready told the boy to
come for his nap, but he clung to the big mans
ann, announcing stubbornly, Il want to stay
with Lars"
A curious thing happened. Lars said, NO"
He scarcely brcathed the word yet Sonny to
whom mapping is an occasion for argument and
tears hesitated but a moment and came cheer
fully to my side.
dropped on the bed beside him, intending
to stay but moment - and the next thing
knew the supper bell was Changing. rushed to
the kitchen. 1t was orderly, shining, and Lars.
towel about his waist, was dishing up the
food. And such food.
After supper, Jim, my husband. scolded me;
Nancy, wish you'd quit taking such chances.
The fellow tramp. He might have cut your
throat. He's going down the road tomorrow
But when morning came, with such meal as
the Rocking Ok had not known in many day,
could see that Jim was weakening, and when
Lars volunteered to milk, the big man had job,
For all his bgness, Lars was as transparent
as child. In those first months he seemed
of an approaching motor, the clop-clop of a
horses hoofs - and his blue eyes would mar
row. the muscles beneath his rough shirt would
tense. He'd stand perfectly still, listening -.
poised for flight, but unafraid.
0oNNY adored him. Wherever happened to
be l could hear his childish treble mingled with
Lars's cultural English. He had an uncanny in
huence over the child. I'd say. Time for bed,
Sonny" and he would appeal to the big man,
Must l, Lars? Must II" Lars's ''Ja," always
brought him to my side.
discovered, to my amusement, that Jim was
Jealous of Lars. One night when Sonny had
been particularly unmanageable | dryly sug
gested that we call him.
mo! BY golly!" Jim shouted. 'If can't
manage an ornery six year-old alone, III jump
in the erik" Later he said, 1T gets under my
skin the way that fellow manages Sonny.
believe the kid would jump off the barn roof
if Lars told him to-
II one of or small corrals, huge old cotton
wood vas struck by lightning and its branches
si1tcrcd. Jim said the tree must be cut down,
50 Lars set out one morning with an AK. Sonny,
as usual was at his heels. "No,' the man
warned, Sonny stay here. Tree make big
smash