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

whereupon Mr.. Sparks was induced to rema in
cretly enraged that Melinda should be so taken
up with the company of the young sprig.
California became the topic of conversation,
and Reuben Sparks shone brilliantly in his
descriptive accounts of the country, and what
he had done there
''Then you weren't in the diggin's?'' in.
quired Joe, in response to some thing his rival
had uttered.
''By no means, replied Sparks, loftily. 81
left digging to those that were used to it I
hadn't taste that way.''
s'Oh, then you stopped in town %
''Certainly."
Cuisines, s'pose, first rate thcre.''
eyes. A young man of talent will soon
engage himself in profitable employment
''Then l s'pcct you must have done extra
ordinary well" said Joe, in tone he inten
dcd should be sarcastic.
"OhH' replied the other, laughing in a
meaning way, and winking with one eye at
the young lady-who appeared to s.take,'' and
enjoyed it accordingly-s'as for that matter,
! can't complain. 1 think l improved nv
chances-I rather think l did. No, don't
complain, by no means"
''Then why didn't you stay Ionger9 You
weren't gone but a short time you should
have staid year or two more, and made your
self independent"
''Pcrhaps am independent already I say.
perhaps. OF course, 1 can't tell you the exact
amount l made-that, 1 think, is quite un-
necessary
''Oh, quite.''
ssAnd perhaps, too, there wcrc attractions
in this part of the world as aluring as Cali
fornia gold.'
lie looked kowingly at Melinda as he spoke,
and gave her another wink, which that young
and appeared wonderfully embarrassed for a
moment.
Joe noticed what occurred, and didn't at
all fancy the course affairs seemed to be set
ting. He knew that he should feel and ap-
pear peculiarly savage, if he remained much
longer and so he limited that it was about
time for him to be going; and what served to
enrage him more than aught else, Melinda ap-
peared to be of the same mind, for she offered
ilO OiIIcCllOH. 30 he loon Ills HdG anu uelldr-
ted, with frmncss in his step and bitterness
in his heart.
II don't like the looks of things at all, he
muttered to himself, as he walked on through
the dark; ssshe's altogether too tender with
that chap to be agreeable to me-. If he has
not turned her head, then there's mistake
somewhere. l don't believe he las brought
C,l 10 b,,,
to hang him. He's after the Widder's farm,
now, to make it up, I'll bet my hat. Yes, sir,
he means to catch Melinda; and I've been
fool enough TO wait till this time before COM
ing to a final point. But perhaps it aint too
late yet!' lie added, after a few moments
reflection; s'maybe she'll consent to have me
yet, if l lose no time in asking her.. II try
it; vow will. I'll go over again to-mor
row, and have the thing settled"
And having come to this conclusion, he
hurried forward, and soon after was dreaming
of Melinda Martin, the widow, himself, and
an infinite number of Reuben Sparkes, who
were all endeavoring to chase him up steep
hill, and beat his brains out with bars of Cal
ifornia gold.
Mrs. Chickweed was most anxious next
morning to learn from her son the result Of
his mission to the widows, but Joe was silent
and pensive avoiding his mothers eye, and
keeping away from the house as much as pos
sibe. Late in the evening he carefully dres
sed himself in his best suit, and with look
of determination stamped upon his features,
he once more set out to visit the tickle Me-
linda.
He found her at home and alone.
"Hope you spent an agreeable evening yes
terday,'' remarked Joe, after he had passed
the usual compliments, and seated himself
near the young lady
ssOb, yes, L did, I assure you,'' was the
reply.
.sMr. Sparks l should say is a very enter
tanning young man -
Joe:didn't think. anything of the kind, but
quite the contrary.
'.He is, indeed,'' responded Melinda.
Joe looked anything but pleased at this
encomum on his rival, and sat for some mo-
ments in utter silence. At length he turned
to the young lady and spoke:
OI came here last evening"" he said, ''with
the intention of speaking to you on particu-
lar subject, but found you so engaged that
L determined to call again tonight, and so
so
s.Here you are,'' said Melinda, smiling at
his embarrassment.
eyes here l am. And, now that I'm here,
I'll tell you at once what have come for.
You know | love you; I've told you as much
morn,n once and I'ye fattered myself that |