The Benton record. [volume] (Benton, M.T. [Mont.]) 1875-1879, 1877-07-13

oSS<1A kldk name even now WithO
emotion" and Bangs drew forth his han
kerchief and wiped his eyes vigorously.
II cannot describe all of her charms
but, Pills, if ever there was an angel
this world, she was one. I devoted N.
self to her from the very first. When Mi:
Iootle rode, rode; ifshe walked, wall
ed; when she went fishing, Bangs wer
fishing; ifshe sailed on the lake, Bang
was there also. Pills, I loved that girl
And when I think of what separated us
you'll excuse me, butt
There the handkerchiefagain came int
requisition, and Bangs voice left hin
completely.
did you propose?" | asked.
"Nol Pills-nol All! if 7 only had
if only had /"
"What prevented p
well, nothing but my own folly. I was
talnthearted when it came to that. I had
it IN my mouth dozen times, but nv
tongue failed me. There was another
fellow there, too, that made me terribly
jealous. She didn't show him any part
lcular tavors, but that he was a great
admirer of her any one could see; and
really l wasn't certain in my mind which
she preferred. She might in time, perhaps,
have shown some preference, and my
doubts been dispelIed, had it not been for
the affair that happened which I am about
to relate, and which blighted all my future
life"
"Bad as that p | said.
"PilIs, you never was in loye-you never
lost the one heaven assigned for you-you
don't know nothing at all about it,
"That is so. Go on"
"Ihere was party at the San Marino
House one evening-a soiree dansante, or
something like that, they called it. They
sent up to the city for music, and went i'll
for gay time. was counted out, some
~hat-you know don't dance. The other
fellow did. More than that, be danced
with Tootie nearly al the time. Pills, YOU
don't know any thing at all about it. You
never had the girl you love dancing with
your rival all the evening right before your
eyes, while you sat in a corner like knot
on log; see him in the quadrilles, when
all the rest of the couples simply take each !
2theE'sy slhse ~5aus ms arm around that girl, .
nd then 60 waltzing or polksing all about
he room, every time right in front of you, s
nd that cussed fellow treading on your
orns every chance he can get--you don't
now any thing about it, #
admitted my ignorance. t.
"Well, I couldn't stand it; it was too I
much. / rushed cut and started off to- 0
ward the sea. don't know as | had any b
Intention of suicide, but was in desper
tie mood. The path to the beach led o
long by the side of a lagoon, and by the \
me had gone a hundred yards | chang /
d my mind, and thought would take Il
vim in the lake. That is about all the i
possessed, and one r
ant show that off before the ladies, you u
now-not in the way you can dancing. q
disrobed under the branches Of huge Il
der, or sycamore, or some such tree, and Q
ruck out for the other side Of the lake. u
he moon was shining brightly, and the Il
ater was warm and delightful. Having
:ossed to the opposite side, / swan along 81
the dark shadow of the alders until |
lme to the sea beach. Then | noticed y
at the moon was getting low. I must
turn soon, before | was missed at the n
arty. After short rest, / plunged in
rain, and struck out for the place where
left my clothes. could find it easily by
9 large tree growing there. In fifteen y
inutes was there; and, Pills, tell you, al
e situation of things about that time was h'
'sHow's that 2"
II couldn't find my clothes! Gone, sir tpt
every article, except my plug hatl I at
shed round among the brush and net
S and poison oak like a setter after IN
aii. Jerusalem! Whewl | tell you |
t dose that lasted me for month. b.
1T rag of clothing could find. At "
ngth I happened to look up the path
ward the hotel. What do you suppose
w a cursed greyhound that belonged
my rival with my white vest, tossing it d
on his nose, and dragging it about
long the dust and tarweed as though it
d been an old dish-cloth. The situation a
shed upon ne ID an instant The dog had
len my clothes in sport, and there ] was
out there in the night air-with no pos VI
le show ofgetting into the house without
,covery. Pleasant, wasn't it?"
''Decidedlym &C
"You don't know any thing at all about es
sir That was nothing to what followed.
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