Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1884-02-14

Il tnOuSnL OF tnats Uut altcT ucLlpcId-
| ton abandoned the idean
"a wrestling match" suggested the
old man.
1.-THE very thing, father. Wonder why
l did not think of that
'fWell, then, I'll see the boys, make the
arrangements and give it out in the neigh
borhood."
To this the girl agreed, and the old
man, pleased beyond expression, started
off Immediately to call on Jack and Tom.
The programme was satisfactory to these
worthy gentlemen, and the neighbors,
when it had been given out, could not
repress exclamations of great gladness.
The day was appointed. The contest
was to take place at little Bill Simmons
store. Old Billings had several hogs
barbecued, and corn bread was brought
by the wagon load. The struggle was to
take place, after which kind of corona
ton and dinner were to follow. Three
judges, responsible and upright men, were
chosen, and everything being in readi-
dess, the rivals were conducted to grass
covered opening in the woods. At the
signal, both men grappled. All, but they
were well matched. The grass few in
green clouds from under their feet. The
excited people reIt the air with cheers,
aid blooming maidens waved their
handkerchiefs and shouted. Dogs,
moved by the prevailing spirit, jumped
on each other and fought, and old men.
whose days of cracking hickory nuts with
their teeth had long since rolled off into
the background of treasured recollection,
whooped. Both wrestlers fell. The
crowd rushed forward, and the judges,
afters few moments deliberation, decided
that it was 'sdog fall"
a A short time was allowed for refresh
Ants, and then the struggle was re-
newed. Again the grass flew, and again
the old men whooped Another "dog
fall.n
''Fellow citizens" said one of the
judges, although the charms of the
young lady in question are sufficient to
stir these noble youths to ceaseless ac-
ton, yet there must be an end to all con
tests. 1t is evident that neither of these
young men can throw the other, and 1
therefore pray the young lady and her
father to select some other test.'
Somebody suggested foot race, and
this was tried without decisive result.
'1've got test, exclaimed old Darbe
Sewer, and running to lot short dis
tance away, he returned with wild-eyed
young mule. 'sNow," he said. ''the
man that can ride this mule shall have
the girl" The spectators signalized their
consent, and Jack Meokley, one of the
lovers, was hoisted to the back of the an
imal. A squat, twist, turn around,
hump, and Jack lay sprawling on the
ground. Tom Briley, the other lover,
threw his hat high into the air, ran to
Zildus, and exclaimed:
Ethereal creature, you are mine"
'fNot until you ride that mule"
'sOh, l eau ride him."
He was thrown across the mule. The
animal bit mouthful of grass, chewed
it carelessly for few moments, looked
around at Tom and smiled. Tom looked
toward Zildus and nodded his head. The
mule shook one of his ears and stretched
his hind leg. Then he shrugged his
shoulders, bumped himself, and sent
Tom over his head.
Thus. test after test failed, and at last
Zildus said: "My dears, fortune seems
to be against us all, but this matter must
be decided. have one more test. He
that most willingly gives up the practice
of wearing his bIeeches in his boots shall
receive the full measure Of my love-"
The two men stared at the beautiful
girl.
What r' exclaimed Tom, do you
want man to give up all his earthly
pleasure Ny father wore his britches
in his boots, an my mother would have
done so had she been man. have
done much to prove my love for you,
and would do much more, but you
should not be so unreasonable, at least
you should not ask an impossibility"
"You can count me out" said Jack.
'Td do anything in reason to prove my
manhood and love, but blamed If I'm
going to become slouch just on f
account. love you, understand, but
can't take my britches out of my boot
tops"
'1'll tell you what I'll do, /" said Tom.
Now, I'm not pig-headed about any
thing, and to compromise with you, Pll
take out one britches leg"
'Better agree to that" suggested old
man Billings.
81 accept your offer, replied the girl.
"All right, down goes the britch."
The marriage ceremony will never be
forgotten in that community, for it was
grand affair. It is evident that Tom and
his wife live happily, for he wears both
trouser legs down now, that is, when his
wife is at home, but when she is away,
he wears them both stuffed In the tops
of his boots.-ArkansaD 7faveler.