Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1858-11-25


the widder's farm, now, to. take it up. III
bet my hat. Yes, sir, he means to catch
Melinda; and I've been fool enough to
wait till this time before coming to final
point. But perhaps it amt too late yet
he added, after few moments reflection
may be she'll consent to have me vet, If ]
lose no time in asking her. I'll try it, ]
vow will go over again to morrow, and
have the thing settled. f tsth1e
And having come to this conclusion he
hurried forward, and soon was dreaming
of Melinda Martin, the widow, himself,
an infinite. number Of Reuben Sparkes, who
were endeavoring to chase him upa steep
hill. aud beat his bIains out with bars OF
California gold.
Mrs. Chiekweed was most anxious next
morning to learn from him the result OF
his mission to the widows, but Joewas ST.
lent and pensive, avoiding his mother
eye, and keeping away from the house as
much as possible. Late In the evening
he carefully dressed himself in hisbest
suit, and with a look of determination
stamped upon bis .s.atures. he once more
set out to visit the tickle Melinda
He found her at homo aud alone. -
Hope you spent an agreeable evening
yesterday remarked Joe, after he had
passed the usual compliments, and seated
himself near the young lady.
ON, yes, did, assure you was the re.
ply.
Mr.. Sparks. I should say, is very en-
tcr!aing young man.
Joe didn't think anything of the kind,
but quite the contrary; Sc -ssiu-
He is. indeed responded Melinda -
Joe looked anything but pleased at this
eileon,ium on his rival. and sat for some
moments in silence. At length he turned
to the young lady and spoke:
IL came here last evening, he said, with
the intention of speaking to you on par
ticnlar subject, but found YOU so much
engaged that determined to call again to-
Here you are said Melinda, smiling at
his embarrassment. y
Yes here / am. And now that / am
here. I'll tell you what have come for
You know love you. I've told you as
much nore'n once, and I've flattere,l my
self that l weren't indifferent to you. But
now Iwish you .totell me if You really
love me in return, and If l may hope
to make you my wife. Will you marry
ne?'
Joe. having arrived at this important
question. looked tenderly and appealing
into her face and brcathlessly awaited her
reply. She colored slightly, and bent her
eyes to the ground.
You are quito right she said. lin sup
posing that you are not Indifferent to me,
for regard you very highly
Then all my fears have been ground
lessl' uttered Joe exultingly.
But continued the lady, Il cannot
very we'll grant your wish regard
What! cried Joe, his countenance sud
denly changing.
Il cannot very we'll marry youl'
And why can't you? I'd like to know
what's to hinder you from marrying me il
yon think enough Of me-
There is one reason in p rticular.'
What is ito -..-~,
III cfl4dSeu 10 duOtflcr-
Joe turned pale. ~ 49, aNFf 100
'Sparks!' he cried--'tell me is it
Sparks?' ~ Teca Al
We'll, and If it is?'
Il knew it, Blast him, knew what he
was afterl' = aTT wF
Il don't know that Mr. Sparks has ac-
ted in any way he should notp remarked
the young lady warmly. aasE
He's cheatin' villain replied Joe in
dignantly. 9
3 you don't know him; he's nothing OF
the kindl'
It's you that don't know him; but you
will before long. I've been deceived, and
1 amt afraid to say so!' continued I've,
snatching up his hat. IT'S the money he
pretends to have that's lost me a wife;
but when you want to touch it, Just as. like
as not you won't be able
lie rushed from the house as he utter
ell these words. and hurried homeward.-
He found his mother still mp. and was Gag
erly Intercepted by her as to the luck he
he had met with. He told her all, and
little coincidence was she enabled to Offer
him in return.
Fol two or three days following, Joe
Chickweed said very little. but he thought
much- One morning with smiling face
and sort Of triumph in his look. Thu
old lady was somewhat surprised at The
sudden change in her sons manner.
why. what on airth's the matter now
Joe?' said she; hope you amt going to g
crazy
Not by long shot, replied Joe; :
amt quite as big fool as that
Then what ais your
oh, I've got it all arranged at last
I've got 'em now So b,a.,, .s.f
Who? WHAT .ebsig saetie
why Melinda and that vagabon,
Reuben Sparks-ha. ha!-l'll surpris
him. .ar...s .i,ssf
We'll. how are ven going to do it?'
'Oh, it's all right said Joe. laughingly-
III do it-darncd fl don't. I'll fix tn
sneaking critter!' 4 ~ ora
But how-how.-Joe? Can't 70
speak your What's got in the boy!
cried the old lady, dying with curiosit
to know whnt was his plan.
Well. now, I'll tell you all about it
began Joe, assuming more sober tone.