Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1878-09-12

/ thought twas he writ you more'n montf
ago. An it's pooty clear tew my mind who
got hold ont I'm goin' tew write him jis
how the old woman treats you"
"I'd ruther you wouldn't, Dan; it'll only
worry Will, an won't dew me no good"
oval, it's burnin' shame, 80 it is," re
sponded Dan. "You dew more work thar
any hired help know of. An she don'
give you no clo'es tew speak on, an don't le
you 90 nowheres nor see nobody. But jis
wait Bit I've got cen Almost money
enough tew buy the snug little house | show
ed you, an when git enough tew furnish it
we won't ask no odds Of nobody. Eh, Pat
ty?"
The two sat on the back porch, laying hap
py plans for the future, and contriving ways
by which they could elude the vigilance of tht
lynx.eyed widow, until the time had passec
for Patty to expect her.
Then they went into the house.
Unmindful of her aunt's parting injunction
that candles cost money, Patty lighted one
and the two seated themselves on the wide
settee, in one corner of the cozy and pleasant
kitchen, for the purpose of rehearsing the
vows and protestations that lovers are never
weary of repeating.
In the meantime, the Widow Peabody
having gossipped herself out, and finding il
too late to 90 to her daughters as she inten
ded, took up her march homeward.
As soon as she turned the corner, she
caught glimpse of the light through one Of
the side windows.
"The sly, deceitful mink has got comp'ny
I do believe" she said, quickening her foot
steps.
Opening the gate softly, she passed round
to the back of the house.
"It's Dan Petengil, I'll bet cooky," she
thought. II mean tew see what they're uE
teww
There was broken chair under the win
dow, and up she mounted. Peeping through
the window, that was only partially hidden
by the scant curtains, she saw Dan and Patty
sitting on the settee, Dams arm around the
latter, and their heads as near together as
they could conveniently get them.
"Aha! I've ketched you, have 7"
At the sound of that sharp, wiry voice, the
light vanished.
"YOu needn't put out the light. see you'
Dan Petengil."
At that instant the broken chair lurched
forward, bringing the widow suddenly to
the ground.
More angry than ever at this catastrophe,
she stumbled upon her feet. She made a
movement forward, in the darkness and con-
fusion, stepping upon some loose boards across
the cistern, then she suddenly disappeared
from view.
Fortunately, the cistern was only half full,
but the water was rather too cold to be
agreeable, and the widow set up succession
of shrieks and yells that did not fail to bring
Dan and Patty to the spot from whence they
proceeded.
Unable to find any visible cause for the
shrieks and cries for help that still continued,
the two stared around in bewilderment.
whats all this noise about" shouted
Dan.
"It's me I've fell intew the cistern," replied
a smothered voice at his feet.
Getting down upon his knees, Dan peered
into the cistern, where the widows head and
shoulders could be seen just above the water
that surrounded her.
"Who be you, anyhow" he inquired,
nearly choking in trying to repress all audi
bic tokens of the laughter that shook him:
"It's me-Mrs. Peabody. GOO! 10 u!
Help me out quick p
Dan, who thought this to be favorable
opportunity for paying off old scores, shook
his head incredulously.
"It's likely story that Mrs. Peabody, or
any other respectable woman, would be prowl.
ing about this time O night, an fallin' intew
her own cistern |"
The widows quick ear detected the smoth
cred laughter in this
"'Tis me, too~ she retorted; san you
know it well enough, Dan Petengil! If you
don't help me out twill be the wuss fur
youw
Patty now interposed.
Help her out. Dan."
Without another word, Dan extended his
hand, and bracing with the other against
the side of the house, brought the widow
safely to terra tirma, where she stood, shiver.
ing with cold and fright, the water dripping
from her garments.
"'Tis you, widder, sure 'nough !" exclaimed
Dan, in mock amazement, who'd ha'
thought it!' 49,
you knowed twas when I fust spoke p
snapped out Mrs. Peabody.
Then turning to Patty:
"What air you giggling at?"
Patty's smiles suddenly changed to look
of demure gravity.
"Why, Ant Sally, l thought you told me
you'd tap on the winder? What in the world
brupg you way around here?"
"What brung Dan Petengil here, that's
what I'd like tew know2" retorted the wild
ow, suddenly changing her base, and turning
her flashing eyes upon Dan, who seemed no.
ways discomposed by this home question.
II come tew show Patty letter l had
from Will. But I guess it's time for me tew
be goin.' Goodnight, widder. 1 hope you
won't feel none the wuss fur your bath-it's
rayther cold weather fur sich."
"Good night, Patty. I'll be round tew see
you ag'in next Saba day evenin. promie.
ed your brother that I'd see you ever week
sartin, and mean tew dew it J"
REEp DpINEING-Reer ia drank Dretty