Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1869-12-25
early and so late, that when he's done

"fm no minister, madam wish / was
though, for your sake" said the gentle
man. Send for your husband, cannot
wait much longer. l must see him at
once"
The boy started to his feet again, and
looked in his mothers eyes; but they gave
no marching orders.
Look -a-here, mister,n now appearing
at the door, and looking defiantly at him.
you're schoolmaster ahuntin' up dis
trict school; and you think he's committee
man but he amt this year"
II never taught school and never mean
to-" said the stranger.
"Ma'am Cuts" as her neighbors call
ed her, dropped her hands at her side and
heaved groan. She had found a man
she couldn't manage.
"See here, now, mister" she said, "Fm
one of them that can't be dcceived! l
can read body right through land knew
what you was the blessed minute l
clapped eyes on you! l can tell by your
everlastin' arguin' that you're law
yer! We haint got no quarrcls, and don't
want no deed drawed, nor no wills made !;
so, if you're huutin job out of my hus'
band. you may as well onhtch your hoss
and drive on. We know enough to make
a little money, and know enough TO
hold on to it.n
MY good woman, you entirely mis-
understand my errand. can tell no
person but himself, what it is, and must
tell him in confidence alone. Ii he
chooses he may break it to you in the
best way he cam"
40, my goodness sakes alive! Brother
Lifts blowed upin Mis'sippi boat, i bet!
O la me, the poor fellow He lcft little
something, didn't he?
Il never heard of him; and nobody's
blowed up, that | know or" replied the
gentleman.
30. now know? You're the man that
wants 10 80 to Congress, ha, and have
come here a huntin' after votes. He
shan't vote for you! | hate politicians,
specially them that goes agin women and
thinks they was made TO drudge, and
nothing else! 90 tor free and equal
rights for white folks-men and women.
for Scriptur says. there isn't neither men
nor women; but all's one in politics.
believe the days comm when such rs you
will have to bow the knee TO women. afore
you can get the big places and high pay
that's eatin' us up with taxes! You can't
see my husband We're goin' to the polls
on the way to the mill, and I'll promise
you he votes right"
I'm no candidate, and don't know
who you'cr talking about. All, here
comes the man want ~ And the stranger
went towards Mr.. Cuts, who had leaped
a pair of bars which led from the potato
patch into the lane.
Mrs. Cuts flew into the house for her
sunbonnet, to follow them; but by the
time she got to the bars. her mysterious
visitor and Cuts were driving rapidly
down the road!
The strong minded woman shouted
aner her husband, You had better come
back, tell your But the wind was the
wrong way, and carried her words into
the potato patch.
"Sir," said the gentleman to honest
Cuts, Il have very simple question to
ask you, but shall have to ask you in
confidence. will give you five dollars
If you will promise me not to repeat my
words until tomorrow"
well, SIR" replied Cults, II shouldn't
like to answer any question that would
make trouble among my neighbors.
have my hands full, can tell you, to
keep out of scrapes now; but I've done it
an haint an enemy IN the world, as |
known
"But, sir. you need not reply to my
question unless you are perfectly willing"
said the stranger.
ASK your question, sir,h said Cuts,
land will not repeat it."
"Well, Mr.. Cuts, am laying fence on
the Brisley place, that I've just bought; !;
| and was directed TO inquire OF you
where L could buy cedar posts. A fellow
in the store said, Cults can tell youif his
, wife will let him; but she won't. She'll
insist on telling you herself, and perhaps
, offer to drive with you, wherever you so
? 10 order them"
II told them l would see you, and ask
you only; and the young fellows bet on
t it. They are to give you ten dollars, and
5 TO two or three widows in town, a cord
5 of wood each, if succeed in asking you
E this question alone, and making sure your
? wife won't know my business till to-mor-
a row morning"
5 Cuts knew his wife's standing" too
: well to feel sensitive, and taking the bill
~ from the stranger, he smiled and said
:" "Ill go with you to look out cedar posts
S and keep dark, for the jokes sake; but
S don't know as she'll let me stay in the
house tonight; for don'town it, replied
a the good natured Cults.
e Suppose you go up to my place and
> see to setting the posts. will send a
boy to tell her you had to go off suddenly
: on little business, and will be back in
e the morning." said the stranger.
4 "Ill do that" replied Cuts, "for