Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-05-26
JOE CHICkwEED's CoURTsr1IP

JOE CHICkWEED'S COURTSuIP.
AND now He WAS CUT OUr.
81 yow!' said Joe Chickweed, as he stood
before the parlor mitror, putting the last touch
10 his well-oiled hair ssif let the night pass
without finding out just how / stand with Me-
linda Martin, then I'm a COW. The critters
always acted so pesky skittish that there's
been no getting around her. like her, and
she knows it, and I'm inclined to think She
likes me; but she likes more than one string
to her bow, and l amt sure but she'd skip me
any minute if she could make a better bar
gain. Maybe I'm doing her an injustice, and
l hope am but she acts sometimes 'tarnally
like real coquette, and don't know what TO
make of her. But tonight" he added fit
ting an immensely high and an immensely
wide brimmed hat upor his shining head, ssto-
night I'll settle the matter-I'll cross the Ru-
bicon, if | get my boots full of water. Melin-
da amt bad spec, and might do worse most
anywhere else"
EsDo tell if it's como to thati'' exclaimed
old Mrs. Chickweed who had entered the room,
unnoticed by her son, IN time to hear his last
sentence-sswell, I've all along had a notion
lEaI you WAS allilln III tilat ere UiEectlOn-
Joe turned red from his eye-winkers to his
ankles, and looked very sheepish. He worked
very busly, too, for few seconds, with brush
fpg some imaginary dust from place between
the shoulders of his coat, which he couldn't
reach, but he said nothing.
.sThere amt nothin' to be ashamed of Joe -
continued the loquacious old lady, apparently
L. oh eI,a
had "and you spoke gospel truth when you
said you might do worse elsewhere Melin-
da's nice gall"
s.Well," said Joe, gaining some courage
from his mothers manner, ssI'm glad you
think So for I'm bound to make her my wife,
ff-''
ssIf what ?" asked the old lady.
ssWell, if cvcrything's favorablc.''
sDon't you fear anything's agin it. You
inst do your duty, Joe, and Melinda's yourn.
Remember the farm.'
sit is a fine farm-no mistake 20 said the
yonng man, earnestly
ssNo better farm of its size in the whole
county than the Widdcr Martins - said Mrs.
Chckweed, in an emphatic tone.
ssNo, think not.''
sAnd then see how it is stocked two yoke
of the best steers in all these parts, besides
her two hosses, sayin' nothin' of the rest of
the critters. And, of course, they'll all go
with Melinda when the Widdcr's dead, and be-
fore, too !; for you will go right onto the farm
as soon as you marry, and take charge OF eve
rything.''
ats a good opening, that's fact,' said
Joe; ssbut 1 put higher value on Melinda
than on all the property"
ssAnd well you should though the farm and
Gxin's amt to be despised.''
ssOh, amt one to despiSe 'em."
Joe laughed and left the room, and soon at
ter he left the house, and made his way as ex-
peditcly as the gloom of evening would permit
toward the residence OF the Widow Martin.
A light was burning in the front room, but the
window curtains were closely drawn, so that
he could not get view into the apartment as
he PASSED along the yard. He knocked at the
door, and was admitted by the widow in per-
son, who, after inquiring benevolently after
his health, ushered him into the parlor.
It was already occupied by two PERSONS
Melinda and Reuben Sparks, the latter young
man who had recently returned to SprIgville
from California and who looked upon
with special disfavor by the young farmer.
Joe was welcomed by the young lady, but
not so cordially formerly, and by no means
so cordially as Joe thought his due. He was
greeted by Mr.. Sparks in a sort of joking, con-
descending way that raised his ire inwardly.
However, the conversation that followed was
apparently agreeable to all parties, and the
evening wore away till the widow retired,
when Mr.. Sparks intimated that it was per-
haps time Tor him to be returning, as it was
quite little walk to the village. Melinda at
once asserted that il was very early indeed,