The Silk Industry of Japan

N ARKANSAS PROPHET A XEIV-YEARS STORY AN ARKANSAS PROPHET I F you would find the warmest spot in a little village on a cold day, watch the old codgers and see where they congregate. Thats what the stray cats do, or perhaps the codgers follow the cats. However that may be, both can be depended npon to find the open door where comfort is. They will probably lead you to the rear end of the village store, the tobacco-stained dramingroom, where an old stove dispenses hospitality in an atmosphere like unto which, for genial disposition, there is none so unfailing. From November to May the old stove in the back of Chris Rowtons store was, to its devotees at least, the most popular hostess in Simpkinsville. And, be it understood, her circle was composed of people of good repute. Even the cats sleeping at her feet, if personally tramps, were well connected, being lineal d6sckadants of known cats belonging to families, , . iri regnhr standi Many, indeed, were natives of the shop, and had come into this kingdom of comfort in a certain feline lying-in hospital behind the rows of barrels that flanked the store on either side. It was the last day of December. The wind was raw and cold, and of a fitful mind, blowing in contrary gusts, and throwing into the faces of people going in all directions various samples from the winter storehouse of the sky, now a threat, n promise, or a dare as to how the new year shoald come in. lc Blest if Doc aint got snow on his coat Rainin when I come in, said one of two old men who drew their seats back ft little while the speaker pushed a chair forward with his boot. Reckon I got both froze and wet drops on me twix this an Merediths, drawled the newcomer, depositing his saddle-bags beside his chair, wiping the drops from his sleeves over the stove, and spreading his thin palms for its grateful return of rarnl steam. Sleetin out onr way, remarked his neighbor, between pipe puffs. And then he added I-Iows Merediths wife coming on, doctor Reckon shes purty bad off, aiut she The doctar. was Elling his pipe now and he did bf ansmtW i nkDr d - l k - tp l b ut presently he said, AN ARKANSAS PROPHET 5 as he deliberately reached forward and, seizing the tongs, lifted a live coal to his pipe Merediths wife dont rightfully belong in a doctors care. She aint to say sick shcs heartbroke, thats what she is but of cose that aint tl thing I can tell her-or him, eitl er. This has been a mighty slow and tiresome year in Simpkinsvillc, hc added in a moment, an Im glad to see it drawin to a close. It come in with snow an slect an troubles, an seems like its goin out the same way-jest like the years have done three year past...