Preble County Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1857-1859, 1858-09-02

that he could not get view into the a
partment as he passed along the yard
He knocked at the door and was admit
ted by the widow in person, who, af-
ter enquiring benevolently after his
health, usherd him into the parlor.
1t was already occupied by two per
sons-Melinda and Reuben Sparks, the
the latter young man who had recent
ly returned from California and who
/ was looked upon with special disfavor
| by the young farmer.
Joe was welcomed by the young lady
but not so cordially as formerly, and
by no means so cordially as Joe thought
his due. He was greeted by Mr. Sparks
in sort of joking condescending way
that raised his ire inwardly. Howev-
er, the conversation that followed was
apparently agreeable to all parties, and
the evening wore away till the widow
retired when Mr.. Sparks intimatcd that
it was perhaps time for him to be return
ing, as it was quite little walk to the
village.
Melinda at once asserted that it Was
very early indeed, and he should not
think of leaving so soon; whereupon Mr..
Sparks was induced to remain awhile
longer, and Mr.. Chickweed was secretly
enraged that Melinda should be so ta-
ken up with the company of the young
sprig.
California became the topic Of con-
versation and Reuben Sparks shown
brilliant in his descriptive accounts Of
the country, and what he had done
there.
"Then you wern't in the diggins?'' in
quircd Joe, in response to something
his rival had uttered.
"By no means" replied Sparks lofti-
ly. lett digging to those that were
used to it. l hadn't taste that way"
-"Oh, then you stopped in town?''
Certainly"
Cuisines, I s'pose, first rate therc?"
eyes. A young map of talent will
soon engage himself in profitable en-
ployment.
Then l s'pect you must have done
extraordinary we'll, said Joe, in tone
lie intended should be sarcastic.
"Oh!' replied the other laughing in
meaning way, and winking with one
eye at-tlfe ycrrrrEE,, Indy who dppGIred to
take" and enjoyed it accordingly-"as
for that matter 1 can't complain. l
think improved my chances-I rather
think did. No, l don't complain by
no means"
Then why didn't you stay longer?-
You wernt Sono but short time; you
should nave stayed a year or two more,
aud made yourself independent
Perhaps [ am independent already;
I say perhaps. OF courseI can't tell
you the exact amount l made-that [
think, is quite unnecessary"
''Oh, quite"
And perhaps, too, there were attrac-
ton in this part Of the world as alluring
as gold"
lie looked knowingly at Melinda as
he spoke, and gave her another wink,
which that young lady seemed to relish
though she blushed and was wonderful
ly embarrassed for a moment. Joe
noticed what occurred, and didn't seem
to fancy the course of affairs that seem
cd to be settling. He knew that he
should feel and appear perfectly savage,
if lie remained much longer, and SO he
hintcd that it was about time for him
to be going and what served to en-
rage him more than aught else, Melin-
da appeared to be Of the same mind, for
she offered no objection. So he took
his hat and departed, with frmness in
his heart.
Il don't like the looks Of things at
all, he muttercd TO himself, as he walk
ed on through the dackncss; '.she's al
| together too tender with that chap to be
agreeable 20 me. If he has not turned
her head: then there's mistake some
where. l don't believe he has brought
enough money from California to buy Il
| rope to hang him. lie is after the wid :
der's farm, now, TO make it up TIT
bet my hat Yes, sir, he means to catch
MeIintla, aud fivc-bcen fool enough
to wait till this time before coming to q.
final point. But perhaps it amt too late
YETI he added, after a moments refec
| ton; maybe she'll consent to have me
| yet, if I lose no time in asking her.
I'll try it, L vow, will, I'll so over a
gain to- morrow, and have the thing
settled.
And coming to this conclusion, he
hurried forward, and soon after was
dreaming of Melinda Martin, the wild
der Martin, and an infinite number of
Reuben Sparks, who were endcavoring g
" Sh1SO H III u + sISSP Al4lt anu pCdl
his brains out with bars of California
gold.
Mrs. Chickwced was most anxious
next morning to learn from her son the
result Of his mission to the widder's, but
Joe was silent and pensiye avoiding his
mothers eye, and keeping away from
the house as much as possible. Late in
the evening lie dressed himself in his
best suit, and with a look of determine
ton stamped upon his features, he once
more set out to visit the tickle Melin-
da.
He found her athomo and alone.
"Hope you spent an agreeable even
ing yesterday" remarked Joe, after he
had passed usual compliments and seat
ed himself near the young lady.
"Oh, yes, did assure you, was the
reply.
Fl "Mr. Sparks, should say, is very