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


her years, she had never given over the idea
of winning another husband but it had never
| entered her head that she could possibly Sc
cure SO young and estimable ,prize as Joe
Chickweed.
Joe made it a special proviso in his proposal,
that they should be married privately the day
before the marriage of Sparks with the wild
secret till that wedding had taken place. To
this the widow readily agreed, although it was
hard task sometimes for her to restrain the
enjoyment she experienced, and prevent the
secret being discovered.
The evening before the nuptias of Sparks
and Melinda at length arrived, and all the pre-
parations for the ceremony on the ensuing
day were completed. When darkness had
fairly set in, while Melinda was so occupied
with the company and conversation of her
soon-to-be husband as to be completely obl-
yious to all else, Mrs. Martin cautiously left
the house, and meeting Joe near at hand, she
fastened with him to the residence of the
Chickweeds. The minister, who had been
duly admonished to secreSy was in attendance
and in less than half an hour afterwards Joe
was married man, and the no-longer widow
was on her way back to her room-parting
from Joe with single but very enormous
kiss, with which he was content to satisfy him
self considering What was to follow from so
doing on the morrow.
The wedding passed of next day to the en-
tire satisfaction of all parties. The affair took
place in the morning at the residence of the
bride, and at the hour of noon all the guests,
with the exception of Joe Chickwecd, who
had been formally invited, had departed.
Why he remained so long it puzzled the newly
married pair 70 surmise, as they had not sup.
posed he wou1ssbe present at all. Joe took it
very easily, however, and seemed quite unem-
barrassed by the occasional bantcrings of the
happy Sparks.
81 s'pose." said Joe, addressing himself to
the newly made husband, as they were all as
sembied in the parlor together-ssI s'poSe you
win take up your residence in the village right
away-buy you nice house and live fashion
ably,''
ooh, no. replied Mr. Sparks-ssdon't know
as shall.''
'sWhat! Well, now, l calc'late you don't
have an idear of settling on a farmi-you aint
used to that kind of work, you know
'sDon't know but l may" said Sparks, as
suming a careless air and tone; :scoming on
hot weather, You know, and living in town is
bore in summer. Yes, think shall try coun-
try life for while l amt in the best of
health, and farm life may improve me-"
sWell, !" responded Joe, deliberately, s:can't
say that I'm sorry you're going to stay with
US. think myself it would be to your bene-
fit to work on a farm for a while; and We'll
try TO make it as comfortable for you as we
can.''
Mr.. Sparks looked at him, and Mrs. Sparks
looked at him then they looked at one anoth-
er and laughed.
.sNo doubt" remarked Mr.. Sparks, @you
will make a very agreeable neighbor-very a.
greeable indeed.''
'sOh, WI be nearer than neighbors, a good
sight-of course We WILL said Joe, glancing
with look OF intelligence toward the former
widow.
Again Mr.. and Mrs. Sparks glanced at ono
another, but this time they didn't laugh.
s'What do You mean 70 they asked, simul-
taneOusly.
ssOh, excuse me; forgot that you didn't
know what has transpired. The fact is, the
widow, here, and myself. taking a mutual lik.
ing to each other, were married last night
We should have invited you to the wedding,
but we knew you were so engaged"
ssWhat married ?'' cried young Sparks
sprnging to his feet, while look OF horror
overspread his features. His wife sat pale as
ghost, utterly unable to speak a word.
ssCertainly, married. said Joe, cooly.'
sis this SO 2" he inquired, turning to the
late widow.
ssYou may rely upon all he says" she re-
piled.
s.Then have been swindled-imposed upon
deceived And you knew of this also, and
led me on 20 he continued, in violent tone,
addressing his wife. ssYou to get me, while
this internal cheat gets all the property 20
ssNo-it's not so,'' exclaimed Melinda,
bursting into tears; 81 knew nothing of it.
And thought You married me for yourself,
and not for money-you pretend to have E.
nough of that yourself,''
Reuben Sparks smiled a sickly and scornfuI
smile.
'sIt's even as l thought; his moneys so
deep in bank that he never'll be able to dig it
out,'' remarked Joe.
s'You scheming rascall" gasped Sparks,
looking as if it would be the height of plea
sure TO eat him entirely up, body and bones
ssOh, fire away it don't hurt any and Eve
got long lease of the farm
ssYou scoundrel. 20