The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1885-03-13
nIRAM JENKINs, M!STAKE.

HIRAM JENkINS' MISTAKE.
Hiram jenkins drove slowly up the bill
road that led to the farmhouse of Deacon
Bates 1t was plain even to the casual OBJ
server that she erTand he was on WIS OF no
common Importance. No man would have
arrayed himself 50 gorgeously simply for
the purchase Of a tub of fall butter or a
yoke of steers. His hair was in a state of
distressing smoOthness, and seemed almost a
part Of the glossy hat which covered it
His coat and FaEtaloons were marvellous in
their way aud his boots, which had been Ia
Dorateiy 5.ackeued reelected back the rays
Cf The setting sun ia a manner perfectly
binding TO the Jeholder And vet, not
WithstaDding his superiority 10 an these re-
spects to the lilies Of tie field, there was ap-
parent in his actions a singular sort of ner-
Yousness, tTepidatiOn almost, which rem
deTed his appearance at once ridiculous and
awkward. This trepidatiOn was in no wise
lessened by the sudden vision of a red
headed urchin watching him from the baIn-
door, and who as the team approached,
with an widening grin, sped off in the
direction Of the farmhouse and disappeared
through the kitchen door. Hiram was con-
fog q half dozen pairs Of eyes from the sit
ting room windows, and it required extTaor-
binary strength Of mind on his part TO drive
past the house to the shed where the horses
of all visitors were hitched. There are few
more awkward things to q 10 than to get cut
or iu q carriage when women are watching,
and though Hiram had probably never
thought Of The fact before, lie fully expert
enced its truth, as, endeavOrlng to spring
genteeliy from the buggy. his foot slipped
on the wheel and ne came down on his
hands and knees IN the dirt His remarks
as he scrambled 10 his feet were confined to
one word, but that. though short, was the
most expressive one in the English Ian
guage.
III have 10 &C round to the barn pump
and wash my hands before l can go ir,' be
said to himself. L suppose they are having
their fun out Of me in the house now
C0nfOund it, / wish 1 hadn't started
As he passed the door OF the horse barn
which was partly open he heard the sound
OF voices. lie listened, and his heart sank
( as he recognized the tones Of his rival, EIna.
than Rodgers
4 want her bad he was saying. she
just suits me. You can't always have her,
you know, and you'd better call the thing
settled
/ L don't know about tnat, answered the
I deacon doubtfully. I've always said, come
what would. I wouldn't part with Jenny
But you hang on so, I don't know
Say it's bargain, deacon. I've thought
I it over a good while, and Jenny 1 must
have. TN treat her well, you may be SURE
of that
The deacon hesitated, blew his nose, and
finally said:
She's got some little tricks that nobody
knows nothing about but me, aud dom
want to impose upon a neighbOr.'
On. pshaw that's only an excuse, dea
con. Pm willing to risk it
She kicked me in the stomach last winter
and bit little Sammy not MORN six week.
ago. eau show you the scar now.
Great king " thought Hiram, and here
was going to pop the question this veTl
night. Who would have thought itH
IN take that out OF her. said Elnathan
continuing the conversation. IT she s.
much as lifts her foot gaiust me. III Civ
her a iickin' that'll last a month.
Lick calculated Hiram to himself, as
tonished beyond measure. Lick Jenn'
Bates Wen, this goes ahead of anything
ever heard of. And the old man doesn't ss.
a word What next?'
A pause eDsued, which was at last broket
by the deacon
Well, il you must have her, YOU must.
expect the old lady'H want something to sa
about it, though. She thinks as much q
Jenny as 1 do Won't you come into th
mouse .
Not now. I've got to 90 down to the VI
lage before dark Ill be round some tim
tomorrow
Hiram Jenkins waited until he saw hi
successful rival climb the fence between th
two farms Then he deliberately uuhitche
his horse, got into the wagon and drove OF
never casting a look towards the windo-
where the fair Jenny sat in watohfuI ezpeC
tation, Not until be reached his own doc
did be draw long breath.
1t seems Just like q dean, said he
himself as be slowly uubuckled the harnes
TO think Of Jenny Bates kicking her ow
father ard biting her little brother, and sh
looking as though butter wouldn't melt
her mouth It's just as mean, though,
the deacon to lick as tits for her to kick
The old hypOcrite Well l must say l.
; nightly deceived in the Batessess.
spose ElBathan Rodgers feels crank
enough now he's got her. Just hope she
kick his bead of. Lucky for me overheai
what | did
, Notwithstanding this self-congratuIatio
t Hiram felt all the pangs Of disappoiutme
r and jealousy. He had not only lost L
girl, but had been cut in the most mortif
t ing manner by a man be held in thorou.
= contempt. He felt that even with what
I knew of Jenny's faults, if he could gain n
i hand he would carry her of in spite Of I
T rival OF the deacon either
A week passed by, and Jenny was ney
= out Cf Hiram's thought. One day he we
90 tue village, aud while there. stautiug