The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1858-09-23

ly agreeable to all parties, and the even
ing wore away till the widow retired
when Mr.. Sparks intimated that it was
perhaps time for him to be returning, a:
it was quite little walk to the village.
Melinda at once asserted that it was very
early indeed, and he should not think o
leaving so soon whereupon Mr.. Sparks
was induced to remain a while longer
and Mr.. Chickweed was secretly enraged
that Melinda should be taken up with
the company of that young sprig.
California became the topic of conver'
sation, and Reuben Sparks shone bril-
liantly in his descriptive accounts of the
country. and what he had done there.
Then you wern't in the diggins p in
quired Joe, in response to something hi
rival had uttered.
BY no means,' replied Sparks, loftily
l left digging to those that were uset
to it; hadn't taste that way
oh, then you stopped in town?'
Certainly
Business, l suppose first rate there.
Yes. A young man of talent vii
soon engage himself in profitable employ
mcnt.'
Then l spect you have done extraor
dinary well ? said Joe. in tone he inten
ded should be sarcastic.
oh |! replied the other, laughing. in
a meaning way, and winking one eye a
the young lady. who appeared to take
and enjoy it accordingly-'as for tha
matter | can't complain. l think i'm
proved my chances-I rather think did
No, don't complain, by no MEANS
Then why didn't you stay longer p
You weren't gone but short time yo,
should have stayed year or two more
and made yourself independent
Perhaps am independent already
l say perhaps OF course can't tell yo,
the exact amount made-that, 1 think
is quite unnecessary
'Oh quite
And perhaps too, there were attrac
tons in this part Of the world as allu.
ring as gold
He looked knowingly at Melinda a:
he spoke and gave her another wink
which that young lady seemed to relish
though she blushed and appeared won
derfully embarrassed for moment. Jot
noticed what occurred, and didn't at al
fancy the course affairs seemed to b,
taking. He knew that he should fee
and appear perfectly savage, If he re
manned much longer, and SO he hintec
that it was about time for him to be go
ing-and what served to enrage hin
more than all else. Melinda appeared te
be of the same mind, for she offered nc
objection. So he took his hat and de
parted, with frmness in his step, anG
bitterness in his heart.
/ don't like the looks Of things at all,
he muttered to himself, as he walked or
through the dark she's altogether too
tender with that chap to be agreeable to
me. 1t he has not turned her head, ther
thare's mistake somewhere. l dom
believe he has brought money enough
from Californy to buy a rope 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 be,
fore coming to final point. But per
haps it amt too late yet! he added, af
ter few moment reflection may be
she'll consent to have me yet, If loos.
no time in asking her. I'll try it, l vow
| will. I'll &c over again tomorrow
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
Sparkses who were all endeavoring te
chase him up steep hill, and beat his
brains out with bars of California 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 rs possible. Late in the
evening he carfully dressed himself in
his best suit. and with look of determi.
nation stamped upon his features, he once
more set out to visit the tickle Melinda
He found her at home and alone.
Hope You spent an agreeable evening
yesterday. remarked Joe. after he had
passed the usual compliments. and seat,
ed himself near the young lady.
oh. yes. did, | assure you.' was the
reply:
Mr.. Sparks. l should say. is yer,
entertaining young man.