Evening star., 1955-05-09
THE STORY OF CHAPTER NINE
Davv Crockett Asurpds for the croeketts
By EADowCRoFT

It was a bluStery March evening nearly two
years after Davy had escaped from Adam Myer, tne
WAGNER. Several wagons stood in the yard OF Pa
Crockett'S tavern. Inside the tavern the wagoners
were sitting before the fire, spinning yarns and
waiting for their supper.
Ma Crockett was bustling about, getting the
evening meal. Becky and Jane were setting the long
table. Wilson was cleaning rifle. Joey was mend
ing moccasin. And Pa was talking to one OF the
men.
He broke off in the middle of sentence as the
door opened A tall, dark-haired boy in shabby
clothing stepped into the room D.
"rd like to spend the night here if you've room
enough" the boy answered.
Then draw up stool to the fire and warm your
SELF" Pa said.
The boy glanced around quickly. Crossing the
room, he sat down by the fire with the wagoners.
They looked at him curiously, waiting for him to
explain where he had come from. But he stared
into the flames without word and, after minute
or so, they began talking again.
Soon Ma Crockett said supper was ready. The
young stranger followed the wagoners to the table
His plate piled high with food. But he didn't
seem to want to eat mouthfu
Becky watched him from the other. side of the
table with puzzled frown. Suddenly the boy wnked
at her and grinned broadly. In an instant Becky
was on her feet.
"Davy!" she cried joyfully "Ma Pa! That's
our Davy! knew him the minute he grinned!'
For an instant Ma Crockett peered at the boy in
astonishment. Then she threw her arms around
him. Pa set down the dish he was holding with
thud. Wilson jumped up and began to pound Davy
on the back Joey grabbed him around the neck,
while the wagonerS looked on, wondering what the
excitement was about.
Jane pulled on Davys arm. Little Sally shouted,
"Davys home! Davy's home!" at the top of her
voice There was such confusion that no one could
hear what anyone else was saying.
Then Pa banged on plate with his knife.
"Quiet down. now" he commanded. "We got
other folks sitting here besides us Crocketts."
He put his hand on Davys shoulder and turned
to the wagoners.
ITS my boy, home again, and growed SO big
didn't know him." he said proudly Its my son
Davy. He's been gone so long we thought he was
dead, didn't we, Map"
Ma Crockett nodded. She smiled happily and
dabbed at her eyes with the corner of her apron AS
for Davy-he had been planning this surprise for his
family for long time. Yet now he had such big
lump in his throat that he could hardly speak.
Of course, everyone wanted to hear his story
right away. Even the wagoners So Davy told about
his journey to Virginia with Mr.. Cheek. About his
work on John Gray's farm. About his trip to Balti
more. And about the wagner, Adam Myer.
"Soon as got away from that rascal Myer, I
decided to come home" he said. "And I've been on
the way ever since"
1T sure took you a long while to get here"
Wilson declared.
1T sure did" Davy exclaimed "And had to
do all kinds of jobs afore could start made beaver
hats for a halter and worked in villages, and I
helped on farms and"
He stopped long enough to finish his pie
"And sometimes I got paid and sometimes I
didn't" he went on, wiping his mouth on his hand
Anyway, saved up some money and then 1 lit out
for home as soon as could
Travelling on foot seemed mite slow, though.
So Just grabbed comet by its tail and sailed
the sky till saw the Holston River. Then dropped
off right here"
The wagoners laughed aloud at this And even
Pa couldn't help smiling.
care you going to stay home now?" Becky asked
her brother hopefully.
Davy nodded He looked at his father.
I'm all ready to face up to that whipping ran
away FROM Pa" he said. "I' take it any time you
want to give it to me-"
Pa Crockett shook his head. Hard knocks and
working for strangers had done more for Davy than
any hickory stick could do.
you don't need whipping now," he told his
son. You're most man."
Davy threw back his shoulders proudly. II aim
to work for you now like would" he promised.
And he meant what he said. Before long he had an
excellent chance to prove it.
I owe Abe Wilson $685." Pa told Davy one day,
several weeks after the boy had returned. "Abe's
growing about that money like bear with sore