The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1872-07-25
TlllIIMMS, STRATEGY.
A STORY OF EARLY, CALIFORNIA LIFE.

A STORY OF EARLY, CALIFORNIA LIFE.
Mapes was chivalrous by nature he believ-
ed in Seeking the bubble reputation even IN
the cannon's mouth" His enthusiasm was
aroused BY the recital of stories of deeds OF
desperate daring while he had nothing but
contempt for even success won by crooked ana
indirect; means. Timrns, on the contrary, be-
lieyed there was policy in war, and that the
end justified the means, particularly II fhe enc
was attained. Companions from infancy, their
lives had been spent in competition for scho-
lastic and such other honors as the locality
afforded, without even q momentary break IN
their friendship. But now, in early manhood,
they struggled for prize of incalculable value,
with an ardor that threatened complete rup-
ture of friendly relations. The heart and hand
of Eliza Reed. the neighborhood belle, were to
he won; aud to these none other need aspire,
in the face of such formidable competition as
that of Mapes and Tmms. They alone-eaeh
by virtue Of his own personality and position.
had a right to lay siege to the heart OF taat
variable, irritable, imperious beauty, ano 1or
months the strife between them had gone on:
Each one had called into play all his personal
and social resources; for the local society had
taken such an interest that.i was divided into
two factions, known as the Mapesites and the
Timrnsites.. And yet Miss Eliza could not be
brought to express preference II she rode
with one to-day, she was careful to walk abroad
with the rival tomorrow. :ii.il=
Coquetry is delicious to woman; and Eliza
would not have been feminine had she been In
haste TO have made an election. Nevertheless,
She did not intend to miss her opportunity.
She knew we'll the war could not always last,
and feared that, when one of the asplrants for
her favor withdrew from the contest, the love
of the other, wanting the stimulus OF competl-
tion, would grow cold; hence, she made up her
mind, that, upon the first favorable opportunl-
ty, she would signify to Mapes that his suit, SO
often pressed, was at last accepted: Inc op-
portunity, it seemed, was not to be long want
Ing: for inyitations were given out for an ap-
ple-bee in the neighborhood, and Eliza found
means to convey an intimation to Mapes that
she expected to meet him there, and counted
on his escort home at the conclusion OF the
frolics csitfs'a M s8
The appointed evening, looked for with such
nervous anticipation by Mapes, came at Last.
He felt that it was the most important OF has
life, and arrayed himself as only rustic dandy
can. His way lay across meadow, Through
which ran-or rather loitered-a deep, but mar
row stream, spanned by asingle log. 1t was SO
dark when he reached this primitive bridge
that he was compelled to feel his way slowly
across. AS he progressed it commenced to
swing lightly-something very unusual-untd
he reached the centre, when, to his utter con-
fusion, it gave way, and he was launched into
the water. He scrambled out, when sudGen!y
the night became luminous with that lurld
lisht to which people refer when they say, In
sneaking of some profane wretch, He swore
until all was blue" Whatever Illuminating
qualities this lurid light possessed, it had no
driving ones, and Mapes was forced to bid adleu
for the night to all hopes of plighting his troth
to the loved Eliza.
In the rural districts down East, in early
times, the good people had such habits OF IN
dustry and rigid economy that they seldom
gave or attended parties, unless such as were
cloaked under the names of raisings, cuttings,
huskings or apple-bees; thus, the apple-bee,
fraught with momentous consequences 70 Mapes
and Timms, was but social party IN disguise,
a few apples being pared, quartered, cored, and
strung in the early evening for appearances
sake. -.a -a.s..i-t .s,,zs
occasion. Good looks, entire self-possession,
and keen satirical wit always assured her that
position and this night she shone with unu-
sual briliiancy, until, as the hours wore away
and Mapes came not, she began to lose herse!I
in pondering why, and at length she asked
aIs your friend Mapes ailingw
AI guess not" replied Tmms; "saw him
to-day. He wasn't complaining" 90.
aHe denies himself much pleasure, - said
Eliza, Gin not coming here tonight, for TINS Is
the place where we always have a good time;
Aunt Judy knows how to give an apple bee;D
"You let Mapes alone" >. answered Ilmms ln I;
sbe knows what he's about" -,
elsiWhat do you mean ?' asked Eliza. ~ 7l'&
r n StthQt Names
is the prince of good fellows, and gets invita-
tions where the rest of us don't
eeWhere is Mapes to-night?" asked Eliza,
now folly aroused. .2..'3 s'e'.'
sT don't know, for sure, answered Timnls.
"He told me to-day there were special reasons
for his coming here, but that he had an invita-
tion to the rich and aristocratic Squire Hun
tcor's, who is celebrating his daughters birth
day. and that he didn't know which way he
would go?" and Timms turned away 10 talk to
the next prettiest girl in the room.
Petted young women are seldom Logical OF
patient. When the party broke up, Eliza ac-
cepted Tmms' escort to her home, and before
they arrived there she had consented to become,
with the least possible delay, Mrs. Tinms. The
next morning the engagement was announced,
and preparations for the wedding commenced.
Timms was exultant. Happy Timms
For few days Timms was not much seen :! IN
public, perhaps for want of courage to wear his us
blushing honors openly; perhaps for want Of
courage to meet other contingencies
knows But man cannot make arrangements
for his own wedding from fixed standpoint,
and he was compelled to venture out. In In,
auiet and secluded by-way he met Mapes The
meeting to him was surprise; he. smiled fee
bly, and he extended his hand. But Mapes
intent on business, strobe squarely up to ilmms
and planted vigorous blow on one OF his eyes,
which caused that gentleman to measure ms
length in the dust Timms sprang to his 1eet
aud showed fight, but another blow ON the 9th
er eye sent him again to grass, where ne con-
tinued to lie.
"Get up" said Mapes.
"Youlf knock me down again." said Timms.
trU..,, .otnrpod Names tfT will -