The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1871-06-29

me and went with Ella, Il went with
Rose, which didn't seem to hurt Jym-
kins at all, but then / could see it
piqued Ella, which satisfied me you
know.
This sort of thing went on for some
time but, somehow, wanted it end
ed. To tell the truth, 1 was afraid to
bring the matter up and push Ella to
choose between me and Jymkins, for
you know, she might choose Jymkins.
A. last great picnic and shooting
match was gotten up in the village OF
c., and of course everybody went.
wasn't fast enough and Jymkins en-
gagged Elias company, SO of course l
had to take Rose.
Someho " l didn't enjoy the ride to
the picnic grounds. Little Rose talk
ed all the time until she spoke of the
prize offered for the best shot, pow
der-horn to be received from the hand
of Ella Bryan.
We got to the ground late. Jym-
kins was just taking his place, rifle in
hand for a shot. He raised his gun
deliberately and fired. 9@f a2'i ..
sTwe best cut of three shouted
the marker. f,l5.f, v
/ claim the, prize saiG Jymkins,
proudly. '-'.
sOne more name on the list yet,
Pete, remarked Judge Bryan, who
held piece of paper in his hand.
"Whose ?" inquired Jymkins. a
"Tim Stephigh's," was the answer.
Let him shoot, then" said Jym-
kins, wagging his head dcontemptuous-
ly. " No doubt he's crack shot" r
MI rrIo of Ello
Bryan, then raised my rifle and fired.
Center!' roared the marker.
shot again. aI3 baE }sT1e -
"Centerl" di as #
Again. ,-o;4.... .ss.,s..- .gs d.
"Centerp ~
al claim the prize said glaucing
defantly at Jymkins. 1 took the
beautiful horn from Ella Brvan's hand
and made as pretty a'little speech as /
could. Then, seeing Rose talking
with one of her admirers, l drew
Elias arm through mine and we start
ed for walk. don't think I ever
felt as perfectly happy as 1 did just
then. A sweet wind was blowing
from the south, rustling the young
leaves of the grove, where the birds
were singing away, pleasant hum OF
human voices were all around us, and
in my heart the melody of love rose
and fell, tide of bewildering caden-
ces and swelling symphonies. Some
one touched my arm. ,adi ~ 5sG
looked around. .,..f...a--
It was Jymkins.
Tim," said he, celia is my partner
to day. sfo.s}i sifats13 6.'z aza
Jymkins looked little sour. .--A
"I If Miss Bryan consents to walk
with me you cannot prevent it, sir,
was my reply.
Jymkins stood for a moment gazing
at me.
I returned his stare. -
felt Elias grasp lighted on my
arm. ...5.t
About a second after this Jymkins
struck me in the face, and gave me a
furious kick in the side at the same
time. Ella let go her hold on my arm
and flew at j Jynkins. So we had it.
/ smashed his nose, he made bad work
with my right ear. -. -....
We clinched.
He downed me.
"Push your thumb under his ear
Pete !" 1t was the voice of Rose Pi-
per, who disclosed the fact she loved
Jymkins.
I took the hint, and thrust my thumb
under my antagonists ear with ali my
power, before he could do the same
for me.
He roared with pain. Ipushed my
thumb with redoubled power. He
yelled. .s5 t--...--
By quick turn 1 brought Jymkins
under me, and began pounding him
Take him Off roared he, as my
blows fell like rain. -..l..-.
"That will do, Tim,' said Judge
Bryan, pulling me away from my bat.
tered antagonist. $50
Well, that settled the question. Ella
and 1 were married soon after, forty
years ago to-day. How things have
changed. But it seems as though il
were but yesterday that I came to
Missouri, which was out west then
Children, it's time for you to go to
bed.e I guess I'll take a smoke Good:
night, - 50 s..e--l.