Fred S. Lincoln

“ That blessed baby goes an' sets up a-yellin' in t'other room, an' he looks up smilin' kinder weaklike, an' then I knowed what he'd come fer; so I calls Faribee an' she brings the baby in, an', when it kep' on a-cryin' an' stickin' its little fists in its eyes, Faribee says: 'That ain't no way to be a-greetin' of your pop first time you see him. Young ladies should be a-havin' of better manners,' an' Brandt, he smiles again more happier an' looks at her, not knowin' jest what to do. 'I s'pose I should be takin' her home,' he says. 'I don't 'low you will,' says Faribee, speakin' up prompt. ”

“ He concluded that he could not wait much longer if he was to get to Ashville before dark, and to drive there after dark through the irregular country, with its steep hills and loose stones, was not to be thought of. ”

“ But the country railway station and agents and such things have nothing to do with Silas Dole, the landlord (commonly known as "Jolly Si" because of his good nature and his bouncing way of showing it) ; though the stove has much to do with him, because, with the chill evenings coming on, it had again resumed its importance as the central point from which many legs of various lengths led out like spokes to a wheel of good fellowship. ”