"Can't I go, father?" interrupted Donald quickly. "I don't see why I
couldn't adjust the insurance and help about having new buildings put
up. Sandy and Douglas have good judgment, and before I started you could
tell me just what you want done. Besides," he added shyly, "I am now
through my first year at the Law School and have some little knowledge
of legal affairs--that is, I know more than I used to."
Mr. Clark beamed.
"You could go in my place perfectly well, Don, if you are willing to
give up your summer vacation to it. It would certainly be a great help.
But how about those house-parties you had planned for?"
"I can decline those, father. I'd be glad to go!" was Donald's reply. "I
always promised Sandy I would come West again some time, and I should
really enjoy another glimpse of the hills."
So it was arranged.
Within two days Donald was speeding West, and almost before he realized
it he was back at Crescent Ranch.
Then came letters for Mr. Clark.
The insurance was adjusted and with the aid of the McCullochs, Donald
was drawing up plans for new barns--barns with cement floors, and far
better ventilated and equipped than the old ones had been. Almost every
day brought to the Eastern office pages and pages of sketches for
sheep-folds and modern contrivances for lessening the labor of
wool-growing. Every line of these letters bubbled with enthusiasm. There
could be no possible question that Donald's heart was in every word he
wrote.
Summer passed and the time for the beginning of the college term drew
near.
Mr. Clark began to look for the boy's return.
Still there was no Donald!
Then came another letter:
_Crescent Ranch, Glen City, Idaho._
DEAR FATHER:
You have been so generous in letting me follow out my own wishes as
to my future, that I hardly know how to write you. I hope you will
not be disappointed when you hear what I am going to say. The fact
is, dad, after thinking the matter well over I have changed my mind
about studying law. I have become tremendously interested in
Crescent Ranch and in wool-growing, and I am wild to jump into the
work.
If I thought you approved I should like to stay out here and see the
buildings finished and then go to Kansas City with Sandy to select
more sheep. If, however, you wish me to continue my law course I am
perfectly willing to come East and take my degree.
Please wire.
Affectionately your son,
DONALD CLARK.
Donald's father read the letter twice. Then he called his stenographer.
"Lawson," he said briskly, "I want to dictate a telegram and have you
get it off right away. Here is the message:
"_Mr. Donald Clark,
Crescent Ranch, Glen City, Idaho._
"Cut out the law. Take up sheeping. Three cheers for you!
"(Signed) WILLARD PAYSON CLARK.
"Now repeat the message."
The stenographer did so.
Mr. Clark chuckled aloud.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account