Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1885-07-03

we give each other trial next Satur-
day.
'Im willing"
"Shall it be privatel"
''No, we want to invite all the neigh
bors."
"All right, and to make the thing
more binding, we'll have papers drawn
up, stating the object of the contest.
These articles of agreement shall be
read before the contest begins, and
judges from the crowd shall be selected. :"
That suits me-"
The arrangements were completed.
The neighborhood was greatly excited.
Hundreds of temporary benches, form
ing an arena, were constructed. Although
the crops were not "laid by" people
from all parts of the country hocked to
see the combat. The neighborhood band,
composed three fiddlers, two banjo pick
ers and the agitator of triangle, took
an assigned position and soothed the
crowd with sweet symphonies. Bill
haI cordially invited Professor Jasper,
but the professor, declaring that such
scenes were a bore to him, declined.
Time was called. Handkerchiefs flut-
tered. Everything bore tremulous as
pect. Bill was dressed in red flannel
shirt and closely fitting pair of cotton
ade trousers. Dan wore a hickory shirt
and nankeen trousers.
The band played an inspiring tune,
and then the combat began. Both young
men capered in the agile movements of
improved science. Bill caught Dan
under the jaw, but, quickly recovering
himself, Dan knocked Bill down. Then
there was dancing in imperious haste.
The combatants flew at each OTHER but
neither one could secure conquering
advantage. At last, however, Dan got
Bill down and bumped his devoted head
against the face of the earth. Bill mod
estly remarked that he had enough for
one time only. Dan let him get up, and
the Judges announced that the Widows
son had gained the victory.
''Mrs. Collins" said Bill, when the
crowd had dispersed, 81 am in hard
luck. If my arms were as strong as my
love, I would have knocked Dan over
into an adjoining township"
'Don't despair, Bill"
ooh, now, sweet thing, I shall de-
vote myself to study and will try him
again"
When Bill went to his room he saw
with the eye of an artist, that the sand
bag picture of Dan was not correct. Tho
first thing he did was to wash off the in
correct lines. Then he drew another
picture, in which he gave particular
prominence to the nose, remembering
that Dams nasal feature was of more than
ordinary size. The next day Bill called
upon Professor Jasper.
| f'Professor," said he, I was downed. :"
II am sorry, Billie, but we must try it
again"
Professor, I don't see how it is that
an uninstructed man can use his ham,
mers so disastrously."
"Main strength, Billie. Main strength
can hold out for while, but it must
finally give under. Pay me what you owe
and take a dozen more lessons"
Bill paid the professor and again sub
mitted to rigid training. He learned
many new dives and, after a while
thought that his science could certainly
overcome Dams strength. He sent Dan
note, stating that he desired fight at
an early day. Dan replied as follows:
"My dear, unprospective step-father:
l whipped you once and can whip you
again. am willing to give you every
possible chance and will do anything fer
you except let you whip me. For this
lack of gallantry l earnestly beg you to
excuse me-"
Bill raved when he read the note, and,
going into his room mauled the sand
bag.
The time for another battle was ap-
pointed. The crowd was even larger
than the crowd which first assembled
skin tambourine, made thrilling music.
This time Bill wore blue shirt. His
step was firm, his courage indomitable.
Dan smiled upon the young ladies and
declared that he was confident of success.
Bill, remembering the words of the pro-
fessor, felt happy. He knew that un-
cultivated strength could not long stand
up against science.
When time was called, each man
stepped proudly into the arena. Bill
caught sight of the widows face. A
great hope swelled within him.
Bill aimed blow at Dams nose. Dan
lodged, jumped, wheeled his leg around
and knocked Bill down. Bill scrambled
to his feet and seized Dan. Then Bill
fell, but unwilling to acknowledge de-
feat, he squared himself and again en-
tered the encounter. Dan moved around
with grace that surprised every one.
The muscles in his arms bulged out the
sleeves of his shirt. At an auspicious
time, Bill knocked him down, but be-
fore the advantage could be seized, he
sprang to his feet and gave Bill a blow
that brought to view many stars hitherto
undiscovered. The audience became
almost frantic with excitement. Evi-
GENTLY both men had greatly improved !;
for while Bill had improved in science,
it seemed that Dan had improved in
strength.
The result was sad. Dan, catching a
curious hold of Bill, threw him. He
struck the ground with loud sound, as
though a strong man had struck the bare
earth with board. Bill struggled fran
ticelly, but was forced to acknowledge
that he was beaten.
"Bill," said the widow, when the
noisy crowd had dispersed, "don't give
up yet, for you know that l love you"
81 will never give up. The dying sun
of future ages will find me fighting for
the woman love-"
"Dan's strength is remarkable, but l
think that you must eventually wear
him out"
81 shall continue, sweet widow.