The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-01-17
OVER SHOOTING THE MARK.
OR
- Slight Mistake.
by f.. d.

were not SO plenty Ill New England as
they are now, there dwelt in the town of
p, pretty village, distant, then,
some five-and-twenty miles from the
market-town,' peculiarly comcly and
graceful maiden, who had a peculiarly
ugly and cross-grainod father.
Minnie, was Danforth's only child; and
report said truly she would be his sole
legatec
The old man was sturdy farmer, and
was estimated to be worth full ten thou.
SAND dollars, at that poriod--a very hand
some fortune to have.
The sparkling eyes and winning man
ners Of Minnie Danforth had stirred up
the finer feelings Of the whole male por-
tion of the village, and her suitors were
numerous; but her father was particular,
and none succeeded in making headway
with her or him.
In the meantime Minnie had true and
loyal lover III secret who no one would
have supposed for a moment that such fel-
low would dare to look upon beauty and
comparative refinement. His name was
Walker, or, as he was generally called,
"Joe." Joe Walker; and he was simply
farmer employed by old Danforth, who
had entrusted Joe to his place for two or
three years.
But a very excellent farmer, and right
good manager was this plain, unassuming,
but good-looking Joe Walker He was
young, too,-only twenty. y.three-and he
actually fell in love with this beautiful,
pleasant, joyous Minnie Danforth, the
only daughter. But the strangest part of
the occurrence was Minnie returned his
love earnestly, truly, and frankly; and
promised to wed him at the favorable
moment.
Things went on mcrrily for time, but
old Danforth discovered certain glances
and attentions between them which excl
ted his envy and suspicious. Very soon
afterwards Joe learned the old mans mind
indirectly in regard to his future disposal
Of Minnie's hand, and he quickly saw his
case was a hopeless one, unless he resort
ed to stratagem; and so he set his wits at
once to work.
by agreement, an apparently settled
cOldness and distance was observed by the
lovers toward each other for five or six
months, and the father saw-as he be-
lieved-with satisfaction, that his pre-
vious suspicious and fears had been all
premature.
Then by agreement also between them,
I,o . 1l,, 4
evening; and, night after night for full
three months longer did Joe disappear as
soon as his work was finished to return
only at late bed time. This was unusual,
and old Danforth determined to know the
cause Of it.
Joe frankly confessed that he was
in love with Il mans daughter, who re-
sided less than three miles distant, but
after faithful attachment between them
for several months, the old man had ut
terly refused to entertain his application
for the young girls hand.
This was capital Just what old Dan
forth most desired
This satisfied him that he had made a
mistake in regard to his own child; and
he would help Joe to get married, and
thus stop all further suspicion or trouble
at home; so he said;
Well, Joe, is she buxom lass p
Yes, yes" said Joe, "that is other
folks say So am not much of Judge
myself"
And you like her -
" Yes, sir; yes"
Then marry her" said old Danforth.
But can't-the father objects,
I" Pooh = continued Daniorth; "let
him do so; what need you care? Run
away with her.
"Elope"
9 Yes. OFF with you at once If the
girl will join, all right Marry her
bring her here; you shall have the little
cottage at the foot Of the lane. III fur
nish it for you; your wages shall be in
creased, and the old man may like it or
not--as he will "
/" But-but-"
But use no butts Joe. Do as bid
you; 90 about it at once, and you will
stand by me = yes to the last / know
you, Joe, you're a good fellow--a good
workman, and will make any body good
son-in-l law or husband"
"The old fellow would be so mad
though"
Who cares, | say! Go on quickly
but quietly"
Tomorrow night, then" said Joe.
Yes" said Danforth.
h" I'll hire Colvers horse"