the barnyard and round

We watched the long line of wagons pass through the end of the barn on the way to the back fields, and as I stood slightly in advance of the others I heard Mr. Fairman wonder in a low tone if I proposed to run for the legislature.

"Just like a thing your Uncle Philip would have done!" murmured Aunt Sophy to Marion.



A fleeting spasm crossed Mr. Fairman's facethen his calm serenity returned. I fancy that Uncle Philip had better be dropped, or Aunt Sophy's husband's admiration for me may lapse.

On the last wagon rode Abner Davis. He returned my salute with respectful solemnity, and I could scarcely repress a smile of triumph as I recalled his derisive remark that I was not a regular farmer. Paul, some latent boyish instinct stirring within him, ran after the wagon and clung to the tailboard, an unheard of feat for him.

"I wonder what kind of a farmer Abner Davis will call you now bounce house rental," said Marion, voicing my complacent pride.

At that moment loud guffaws, Abner's unmistakable laugh and his companion's, reached us from the wagon that had rounded the barn, and Paul came dashing back, breathless.

"Father," he called out, gleefully, "I heard him say that any man who would give half of such a fine crop to――"

"To what?" I asked, with eager interest as Paul stopped for breath .


"―to―the church―when――"

"Oh, hurry, Paul!" cried his mother.

"―potatoes were such a price―was――"

We waited in suspense, various flattering allusions to my generous gift suggesting themselves as that mischievous boy stopped to spin around on his heels and laugh in elfish glee.

"Was what?" we cried in chorus.

"―A da-r-r-n fool!" shrieked Paul.