The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1860-04-04

all tancy the course affairs seemed TO Oe taxing
He knew that he should feel and appear pecu
liarly savage, il he remained much longer, anc
so he hinted that it was about time for him tC
be going and what served to enrage him more
than aught else, Melinda seemed to be of the
same mind, for she offered no objection. So he
took his hat and departed, with firmness 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; "she's altogether too tender with
that chap to be agreeable to me. Ifhe has
somewhere. don't believe he has brought
money enough from California to buy rope to
hang him He's after the w1der's farm now,
to make it up, I'll bel my hat. Yes sir, he
means to catch Mel nla, and I'Ye been fool en-
ough to wait till this TINA before coming to
final point. But perhaps it amt too late yeti"
he added after few moments reflection; "may
be she'll consent to have me yet if | lose no
time in asking her. I'll try it, vow will
I'll go over again to-morrow, and have the thing
settled"
And having come to this conclusion, he hur-
ried forward and soon after was dreaming Of
Melinda Martin, the widow, himself and an in
finite number OF Reuben Sparkses who were
endeavorng to chase him up steep hill, and
beating his brains out with bars OF California
gold.
Mrs. Chickweed was most anxious mex,
morning to learn from her son the result of his
mission to the widows but Joe was silent and
pensve avoiding his mothers eye, and keeping
away from the house as much as possible. Late
in the evening he carefully dressed himself in
his best suit, and with look of determination
stamped on 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 yes
terday," remarked Joe, after he had passed the
usual compliments, and seated himself near the
young lady.
go, yes. did, I assure you," was the reply
"Mr. Sparks, should say, is very enter
tanning young man."
Joe didn't think anything of the kind, but
quite the contrary.
"Ile is indeed" responded Malinda.
Joe looked anything but pleased at this en-
comium on his rival, and sat for some moments
in utter silence. At length he turned to the
young lady, and spoke:
~ came bere last evening"" he said, with
the intention oil speaking to YOU ne particular
subject, but found you so engaged that de-
termned to call again to night and $3.50"
"Here you are," said Melinda, smiling at his
embarrassment"
"Yes, here I am. And now that am here
I'll tell you what have come for.-You know
| love you. I've told you as much moren once
and I've fattered myself that you weren't in
different to me.-Bu&now I wish you to tell
me if you really love me in return, and if may
hope to make you my wife. Will you marry
me?"
Joe having arrived at this important question
looked tenderly and appeaingly into her face,
and breathessy awaited her reply. She col
cred slightly, and bent her eyes to the ground.
"You are quite right" she said; in supposing
that you are not indifferent to me, for regard
you very highly"
"rhen all my fears have been groundless!"
uttered Joe, exultingly.
utcontinued the lady, II cannot very we'll
grant your request regarding"
"What!" cried Joe, his countenance suddenly
changing
IL cannot very well marry you"
"And why can't you? I'd like to know what's
to hinder ou marrying me, if you think enough
D me-"
There is one reason in particular"
"What is it''
"I'm engaged to another"
Joe turned pale.
"Sparks" he cred-"toll me is it Sparks?"
"Well, and If it is'
~ knew it! Blast him; knew what he was
after"
81 don't know that Mr.. Sparks has acted as
le should mott" remarked the young lady warm
ly.
"Hes cheatin villain" replied Joe indig-
lanty.
"You don't know; he is nothing of the kind"
ats you that don't know him; but you |
will, before long; you've been deceived, and
lint afraid to say sop continued he snatching
Up his hat; 'it's the money he preteuds to
lave got that has lost me wife; but when you
want 10 touch it, just as like as not you won't
,e able"
He rush from the house as he uttered these
words, land hurried homeward He found his mo-
her still up, and was eagerly nterrogated by her
S to the luck he had met with He told her
II and little coincidence was she enabled to Of
er him in return.
For two or three days following Joe Chick
weed said very little, but thought much. One
uorning he met his mother with smiling face
nd sort Of triumph in his look The old lady
vas somewhat surprised at the sudden change
n her sons manner.
"Why, what on arths the matter now, Joe?
aid she; "hope you amt goin' to go crazy"
"Not by a long shot," replied Joe. "I amt
ute so big a fool as that"
Then what ails you?'' ..
80, I've got it all arranged at last-rve got
I'm now"
"Who? What?"
"Why, Melinda and vagabond Reuben Sparks
-ha ha !-Pll surprise him."
"Well, how are you goirg to do it ?"