, 1886-01-24

and all were invited to drink. Jake, the
old hired man Of Farmer Treuette,
drank more than was good for him and
became noisy and garrulous. He had
appeared that night wearing a brand
new pair of cowhide boots and a waist
coat OF wonderful pattern. When asked
where he got his good clothes he winked
slyly, but refused 10 make any explana-
ton. The bell at the house summoned
all the merry-makers, and Jones seized
Sally around the waist and led her off,
leaving Radford a prey to jealousy be
hind. Jake, meantime, was capering
gleefully about the party, occasionally
stopping in front of Jones and winking
maliciously. Jones lost his patience at
last, and pushed the old fellow from him
30 forcibly that he fell headlong to the
ground. He got up, threatening ven
geance.
The supper was at its height, and the
guests seemed to have regained their
spirits, when Radford rose, and, rapping
loudly ON the table. asked permission to
make n speech. Everybody vas as
tonished. The idea of the difident, ir-
r~esolute farmer making a speech was
something they could not understand,
&c they were silent through sheer
wonder.
II stan var to tell we suthin' ye'u find
it hard tn believe, but which it will be
true as preachin', howsumever. Tibet
man thar" said Radford, growing red
with anger and shaking his finger men
acingly at Jones, "is a reptile in human
shape. Yesterday he got Jake to pile
all ther red ears on one side, an he,
KNOWN which side they was to, set his
self thar, an has been q stealth kisses
an n Robin us Of EN- ther hull live
long time. Which I've said, an now
want Jones TO meet me out yonder a
see whuther l kin punish him for his
robbery"
Everybody agreed that it was a mean
trick and glared at Jones. The latter
rose, and in a laughing way replied:
(which Their statement made by Rad
ford bein' kerect, l have no wish to dis
pute. What I'm hankerin' to say,
though, is jest this: Ais fair in love
an war. l hev beat him in love, least
ways in kisses, an how'll tackel him in
war if so bein' all's agreeable.
The women protested, but the men
put them down, and insisted that there
was no other way out of the difficulty.
The party, men and women, with
drew to a level pasture beyond the barn,
a ring was formed, and Radford and
Jones in their shirt-sleeves squared off
off at each other. The moon had not
yet disappeared, and with the stars gave
Just enough light to enable the men to
see things in a blurred, indistinct way.
Sally. with pale face and frightened
eyes stood n little space away. At the
word of a man who agreed ito see
fair" the two men rushed fiercely at
each other, and the heavy sound of
blows was heard. Radford staggered
back with n bloody face and gasped for
breath. Jones was cool and confident.
was seen at once that he could use his
hands, and that the great strength of
Radford would be conquered by Jones'
skill. Again the men met. Jones par
ried Radford's blows with ease, and
finally sprang back and launched out
both of his great, saw-boned fists, land
ing them square on Radford's neck.
Radford dropped as though he had been
shot. There was n shrill scream and
Sally dashed through the ring of people,
and kneeling beside the PROSTATE man
raised his head in her lap and nursed
and fondled him until he regained con-
seriousness.
-Whar be n he asked.
"Whar we should be. Sally is over
yer" said Jones lugubriously.
Sally turned upon him fiercely.
"You ruffian," she cried, you robbed
him and the rest of all pleasure tonight,
and now you beat him. 1 love him and
hate you"
Radferd, regaining his feet began to
tremble.
aye love mel" he cried. why, gal,
| furgive him freely, and would take all
the lickin's he ever heerd tell of fur
this"
"Ef so be it" said Jones, sulkily, thar
amt no one else a-wainin' ter be licked,
I'll jist meander humwards, but l give
ye fair warnin Their fust time 1 ketch
Jake I'll lambaiste him."-New York
Sun.