Maysville weekly bulletin. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1864-1866, 1864-08-18

have any idea Of settling on a farm? Yo
amt used to that work you know.
Don't know but 1 may, said Sparks, as
suming a careless air and tone; coming o.
warm weather you know, and living in tow
is bore. Yes, think shall try courtr,
life for while; amt in the bes: of health
and farm life may improve me.
Well, responded Joe, deliberately, cam
say that I'm sorry you're going to stay will
US. / think myself that it would be to you
benefit to work on farm for a while; and
we'll try to make 1t as comfortable for you
as we can!
Mr.. Sparks looked at him.; then they
looked a each other and laughed.
No doubt, remarked Mr.. Sparks, you'll
make very agreeable neigh bor-very
agreeable indeed.
Well be nearer than neighbors good
sight-of course we will, said Joe, glancing
with look of intelligence towards the
form er widow.
Again Mr. and Mrs. Sparks glanced at
each other, but this time they didn't laugh
What do you mean? they asked simuIta-
neously.
o. excuse me: forgot that you didn't
know what had transpred. The fact is, the
widow and myself taking a mutual liking
We would have invited you to the wedding
but we knew you were so busily engaged
What! married? cried Mr.. Sparks, spring.
ing to his feet, while lock of horror over
spread his features. His wife sat pale as a
ghost, utterly unable to speak word.
Certainly married, said Joe coolly.
Is this so? he eCquired, turning to the
late widow.
You may rely upon all he says. she re-
piled.
Then I've been swinded. imposed upon
ard deceived! And you knew of this also,
aud led me on! he continued in a violent
tone, addressing his wife.
No-it'S not so! exclaim ed Melinda burst
ing into tears; l knew nothing of it and
thought you married me for myself, and not
for my money-you pretended to have
plenty OF that yourself.
Reuben Sparks smiled sickly and scorn-
ful smile.
us as thought; his moneys so deep in
the bank that he'll never be able to dig it
out, remarked Joe.
You scheming rascal! gasped Sparks,
looking as if it would BE- pleasure to eat
him entirely up, body and bones.
0, fire away! it don't hurt any; and I've
got long lease on she farm
You scouudreli
Ard the horses, and the steers
o. you miserable cheat!
Aud fxens generally
Fool!
Aud moreover, continued Joe, assuming
a more sober and sterner tone, and graspjng
Sparks by the collar as he spoke; among
other things I've got a word or two of ad-
vice for you. You married Melinda in the
expectation of stepping into a snug little
property, palming yourself off as a man of
means to accomplish your end. You are
the real schemer, but your part of the
scheme has failed. Take my advice and it
will be we'll with you: use your wife as you
know you should-go to work like a man
aud strive to be an honest one. And finally,
don't let me hear you make use of such ex,
pressons as you just now bestowed on me
or I'll thrash you within an inch of your
life! Remember, added Joe, giving him a
shake as terrier would rat, you're my
son now, 'cording to law, and you must
have slight show of respect for your father!
Reuben Sparks seemed to come at once
to his senses, and after a little reflection
concluded that the advice he had received
was, upon the whole, the best he could act
upon; and for many a year thereafter Joe
Chckweed looked upon him as a most
valuable assistant.