Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1886-12-31
I'm f4e mayor of Wagon Wheel, madam"

I'm he mayor Of Wagon Wheel, madam"
He began In a diplomatic way to compli-
ment tie Misses Doane. Lovclier girls he
never saw. He could sympathize with the
sheriff and Bowler, because his own heart had
been touched
"Now," said Bowen, "if your husband was
here, madam, l could talk to him moro freely
but -"
Il have no husband" said Mrs. Doano with
sigh. II am widow"
"A-a-a wilow2 No husbandf' gasped the
old Cap, the idea dawning on him slowly.
eyes, yes, very sad see. Yes, see. I'm
sorry-that is, I'm glad that you are here. So
the consent depends entirely upon youl OF
course it does. Yes, it does Suppose you
think this matter over few minutes, and
will call here again in half an hour must
see man on important business and then
will come back. Please do not talk with any
body else until you see me-"
Then he slid out, went home, put on his
boiled shirt, stand up collar and white
necktie, and long frocS coat that he always
wears ON state occasions, and with gold
headed cano III his hand he presented himself
at the hotel sitting room before the half hour
had expired. Mrs. Doane was sitting in the
same chair and almost in the same attitude
and Us the mayor entered she looked up smil-
ingly and complimented him on his punctual-
ity. After making few inquiries as to the
sheriff and Bowler, Mrs. Doane announced
that she had about concluded to make the best
of what she was afraid would be bad job.
but" she said, lit will necesstate my movin,
here. | never could leave those girls out hore
alone-nevcr in the world"
The old captain pulled down lis vest, and,
after passing his cane from one hand to tho
other few times, said THAT is what was
about to say, Mrs. Doane. You see, we need
the fair sex in this town. Your daughters,
lovely girls will make six, and If you should
stay that will be-that will be seven: yes,
seven. Now, was about to say that, since
tho young fol!:s are to settle down hore so
comfortably, what is to prevent you, being
widow, as you deserved some time ago, from
settling here alsoi Ahem."
Mrs Doane famed herself vigorously, look
ed out of the window, and said: 'That is
what | said, sir"
The mayor mopped his bald head, and with
an expression signifying that he was about to
try it again, he began:
"Ies, know, and, Us 1 was saying, since
the young folks are to have wedding, why
shouldn't you and l, neither of us yet very
old, also figure in onel l offer myself to you
uuiipiy' am Tue iiluy OF OF tine town, ana 1
own $1,000 worth of property hereabouts. l
viii help you look after the dear creatures"
Mrs Dome understood him now, and rising
from her chair swept out of the room with
remark to the effect that she must have time
to think. If he would call the next day she
would give him an answer. That evening
the widow and her daughters talked the mat
ter over long and earnestly, and tho old cap
tain, who WIS a lietlc anxious, stood in front
of the hotel AID notified all callers that the
laeics were inGisposod and could not be soon.
To the sherry he conildcd bis secret, with :he
remark that until this thing was settled the
common hcrd had got to stand back" The
next day the mayor received favorable an
swer, and last evening the three couples were
married by the minister, Mr.. Norris, the
whole town being present.
Although the sheriff and Bowler arc happy
men, they do not show 1t as much as the cap
tain does He will wear his long black coat
every day hereafter.-New York Sun.