The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1880-02-11

And poor Jake, who can describe his
feelings upon hearing this frank avowal ?
For II his face had been red before, il
was now almost purple in hue, while
his heart beat ten times faster than be-
fore. Yet he managed to hold on to his
seat, and watch the progress of events
down below, for Mr.. Eldridge, who had
listened to Jenny's declaration quite
seriously, had seated himself by her
side, and was apparently about to pro-
pose on the spot. But just at that mo-
ment Bounce, the big watchdog, came
running down from the house and with
hoarse growls commenced smelling sus-
piciously around the base of the tree, all
the while casting furtive glances into
the branches where Jacob was seated in
mortal dread lest the dog should dis
close his position to the couple be-
low.
The strange actions of the dog could
not help but attract the attention of
j emmy and her cousin, who were at first
unable to assign any reason as to the
cause of it. Presently Mr.. Eldridge
suggested that there was a squirrel in
the tree, and to investigate the matter
more closely he arose and peered up into
the dark foliage.
Il imagine that / see something
seated up there among the branches" he
at length replied, shading his eyes with
his hand and gazing intently at the tree,
but as to whether it is man or beast
cannot say. However, just to satisfy
Bounce, I'll run up to the house and
bring the gun, and perhaps we may sue
ceed in having some sport with the
creature, whatever it may be-" And
with these words he started off in the
direction of the house, leaving Jenny to
her own reflections and Bounce to claw
away at the bottom of the tree.
And, now, what was Jacob to doP
Should he sit still and be shot like a
thief or a wild beast, or should he take
advantage of his rivals absence, come
down like man and confess his love
for Jenny on the spot. He must take
one of the two alternatives, and must
choose quick. For moment he faltered,
not knowing what apology to make
termined to do the best he could, and
quietly commenced the descent, think
ing it better at any time to face his
lady-love than loaded rifle.
No sooner did the dog recognize in
Jacob an old friend and benefactor than
he relapsed into silence and quickly per-
mitted him to land; and Jake did not
fail to notice that Jenny was much less
surprised at his sudden appearance than
he had expected she would be.
How he ever did it, Jacob could never
tell. But he went down on his knees
before Jenny, and in such language as
had never before been heard to flow
from his lips poured forth his love into
the willing ear of his adored, while
Bounce wagged his tail and looked ON,
apparently well pleased with the turn
events had taken. And, although the
newly betrothed lovers remained in the
shade OF the old apple tree until the sun
had sank to rest behind the western
horizon yet Mr.. Eldridge did not put
in an appearance with the gun-an event
which Jacob had been momentarily ex-
pecting.
1t was not until some time after the
marriage festivities had been celebrated
that Jenny disclosed to Jacob the artifice
that had been employed to bring about
a declaration of his love.
He then learned that the Irritation be-
tween Jenny and Mr.. Eldridge was all
hoax, gotten up by the artful cousin
for the purpose of bringing the tardy
lover to propossl. On the daYin the
orchard they had seen him when he
first climbed into the tree, and were
aware of his presence all the time they
were seated beneath.
Eldridge's seeming intention of pro-
posing for Jenny's hand, as well as the
device of going in search of the gun,
were only combinations of the conspir-
acy against him.
Jacobs opinion of his wife's cousin
has now been vastly improved, and he
has quite forgiven the hard things which
he said in regard to him on that memo,
rable day under the apple tree. Jacob
now looks upon him as his greatest
benefactor, who helped him to acquire
the most valuable treasure in his posses
sion.-Quifcy Modern Argo.