Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1858-08-20
General itltsccllanp.
JOE cHIcKwEED's corRrsHIP.

AND HOW HE WAS CUT OUT.
Hy LOUIS ~. nrEpioK.
Il VOW I" said Joe Chickwced. rs he stood
before the parlor mirror. putting the last
. touch to his well oiled hair. If let this
night pass without finding out just how |
stand with Melinda Martin. then I'm a cow
The critters always acted SO pesky skit'ish
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 ! amt sure but
she'd slip me any minute if she could make
better bargain. Maybe I'm doing her an in
Justice. and hope am but she acts some
times tarnally like rcd coqucttc, and don t
know what to mako of her But tonight
he added, fitting an immensely high and an
immensely wide brimmcd hat upon his shin
ing head, "to-nght I'll settle the matter-Il
cross the Rubcon. if get my boots full of
water Melinda amt got bad spock, and |
might do worse most anywhere else
"Do tell If it's come to that r. exclaimed
old Mrs Chickwced. who had entered the
room. unnoticed by her son, in time to hear
his last sentcnce--"well. I've all along had a
notion that YOU was amin in that ere direc-
ton
ankles, and lokod very shccpish. He work
ed very busily, too, for few seconds, with
brushing some imaginary dust from place
between the shoulders of his coat which he
couldn't reach but he said nothing
'eThere amt nothin to be ashamed on,
Joe continued the loquacious old lady, APP
parenuy greatly pleased at making the dis
covery she had, "and spoke the gospel truth
/. 4 4
Melinda's a nice gall
"Well said Joe, gaining some courage
from his mothers manner. "lm glad you
think so, for I'm bound to make her my wife,
if"
"If WHAT asked the old lady
"Well, if everything's favorable"
Don't you fear anything's agin it. You
Just do your duty, Joe, and Melinda's yourn
Remember the farm
1T is a fine farm, no mistake - said the
young man earnestly.
mo better farm, Of its size, in the whole
country than the Wilder Martins said
Mrs. Chickwced, in an emphatic tone.
"No, / think not
"And then sec how it is stocked two yok,
of the best steers in all these parts, besides
their two horses, sayin' nothin of the rest o.
lue ctlttels. anu OF tOhlAt lneN IL all ~
with Melinda when the widder's dead, and
before, too, for you will go right onto the
farm as soon as you marry, and take charge
of everything
"lts a good opening, that's fact, sale
Joe; "but put higher value on Mclind
than all the property"
And well you should, though the farm
and fxings amt to be despised.'
20, amt one to despise them
Joe laughed aud left the room. and sooi
after he left the house, and made his way a
expeditely as the gloom would permit towards
the residence Of the Widow Martin. A ligh
was burning in the front room. but the win
dow curtains were closely drawn, so that h
could not get view into the apartment as h
passed along the yard. He knocked at tn
door, and was admitted by the widow in per
son, who, after inquiring after his health, ush
cred him into the parlor. 1t was already oc
cupied by two persons, Melinda aud Reube
Sparks, the latter young man who recent
returned to Springfield from California, an,
who was looked upon with special disfavo
by the young farmer.
Joe was welcomed by the young lady, nc
so cordially as Joe thought his due. lie wa
greeted by Mr.. Sparks in a sort of iokin.
wardly. However, the conversation that 70
lowed was apparently agreeable to all pa
ties, and the evening wore away till the wic
ow retired when Mr.. Sparks intimated tn,
it was perhaps time for him to be returnin,
as it was quite little walk to the village
Melinda at once asserted that it was yei
early indeed, and he should not think of lea
ing so soon whereupon Mr. Sparks was il
Ia NH Al
Chickweed was secretly enraged that MeinC
should be taken up with the company of
young sprig.
California became the topic of oonversatio
and Reuben Sparks shone brilliantly in h
descriptive accounts of the country, and VIII
he had done there.
Then you wern't in the diggin'si = inqui
ed Joe, in response to something his rival b
uttered.
by no means" replied Sparks loftily.
left digging to those that were used to it.
hadn't taste that way"
30, then you stopped in town; :"
Certainly
business, | spose, first rate there :"
"Yes. A young man of talent will so,
engage himself in profitable employment"
Then spect you must have done extr
ordinary wel" said Joe. in tone he inten
cd should be sarcastic
20" replied the other, laughing in
meaning way. and winking an eye al t
young lady who appeared TO take and G
Joy it accordiDgly-''as for that matter cal
complain. think improved my chances
rather think did No, l don't compla
by no means"
'Then why didn't you stay longeri Y
wernt gone but a short time you shol
have stayed a year or two more, and ma
yourself independent"
perhaps am independent already ] q