Middletown transcript., 1876-07-29
STRAITS LUCK.
BY EDWARD MINTURN.

| BY EDWARD MINTURN.
STRAIT wasn't handsome. His NUT
ton-chop whiskers were as yellow as the
tail of superannuated fox, and fly
couldn't stick on the top of his bare
footed head, it was so smooth and shiny.
but STRAIT was treasure in the nei gh-
borhood where he lived, at least among
the girls for, though no single one Of
them held him in her silken cords, if
one happened to be without beau, and
wanted to 60 to party, or take a
moonlight ride, STRAIT was always on
hand and ready to supply the vacant
place. The girls liked to ride out with
him, for he was ''death" on warm sup
pers, and could smell broiled chicken
and hot waffles mile any time.
STRAIT was of very uncertain age
No one could call him old, yet he was
by no means young.
Why don't you get married, STRAIT !?
asked Lima B., whose beau being 'over
the hills and far away had appropri-
ated STRAIT for a moonlight ride, in
which party from the village we're
participating. You'd make 6rst-class
husband
Why didn't you think SO while ago,
when 1 proposed to you? asked STRAIT
in rather melancholy tone.
Oh, you know think as the Scottish
poet wrote
"Tm o'er young to marry yet"
And my parents think SO too, laughed
the young beauty. But seriously. Strat,
l ask again, why don't you marry
You are so good. natured, and so oblig-
ing, I know you would make one of the
best of husbands
am going to be married ; said STRAIT;
and his voice sounded as solemn as if
he had said: My dearest hopes are dead,
and I'm going to their funeral.
Who to? Tell me Strain conf
dence, you know-who to? cried the
merry girl.
III tell you, Anna M. will know it
in an hour.
No.-honor bright!
Or your other Anna, the pretty
blonde in Roxbury?
No, never.
Or the still other Anna-the bright
brunette at the head Of the river?
Oh, STRAIT can't you trust me with
secret ?
STRAIT could not stand that tone of re-
proach.
I'll tell you sighed he; but it must
never 20 any further until it is all over
and am married.
The secret shall not pass my lips,
said Lima.
But she thought how her favorite
Anna could share that secret and yet
her word remain unbrokeu. She and
Anna understood the deaf and dumb
alphabet, and could talk with their
fingers.
Now tell me, STRAIT, you are such
good fellow
She's ,cidow sighed STRAIT.
Oh! echoed Lima. Well, some wild
ows ale young and handsome.
She isn't handsome, sighed STRAIT
I've got her picture-and she has three
children.
STRAIT sighed lugrubriously and Lima
laughed till the woods through which
the road led rung again.
But she is rich. She is worth one
hundred thousand dollars !! said STRAIT,
and his face was all aglow. Won't that
do to make splurge on? Fast horses,
hot suppers. and all that. hey.
Suppose she holds on to the cash
while she halters you? said Lima.
Oh, she is to settle her whole fortune
on me said STRAIT.
How did you find your treasure :?
asked Lima, with merry twinkle in
her eyes.
By an advertisement, said STRAIT. |
saw in a New York paper A smart,
energetic young man Of good moral
character was wanted-and | am all
that you know.
Yes, said Lima, biting her lips to
keep from laughing.
And when is it to be? Where is she
It is to come off here. She is coming
here from Boston, and | am to meet
her at the depot.
Not at the water-tank, though ?
Stop your teasing. Lima. This is
serious matter.
guess you'll think so before it is
over, said Lima. When will she come
Next Saturday 10 the train.
Good I'll be there to see how she
looks, and how you endure the meeting.
said Lima. What blessing You'll
become husband and father in the
same happy hour.
Now, Lima. you are laughing at me.
Oh, no, STRAIT. Matrimony is not to
be laughed at, l tremblc whenever l
think of it, All, here we are the ride
is over, and it has been SO pleasant.
am ever SO much obliged to you, STRAIT;
you are the prince of good fellows.
1t was Saturday. STRAIT drove down
to the depot in carriage hired especially