Connecticut western news., 1888-08-15
THE RIVALS.
BY JOHN P. sJOLANDER.

"Thars it."
 1h,ir hands met in a firm grasp.
 The looked into each others faces, one with merry twinkle in his eye and . broad smile over his jovial features: the other. with glance long drawn out, gray, ar solemn, that seemed to cast a shadow of gloom on everything about the scene.
 "You'il do your best, and I'll do my best. That's what we've agreed on, ain't It, Zip Tifxins2"
 That's it. Ben Button, ard which ever of us wins, the other shall bear no ill will3'
 'J lst so, Zip"
 "And everything except murder shall be counted fair."
 .Eh2"
 'Aud murder, too, if you are willing to take the conse quences."
 'say, Zip, hold onr'
 "S) if should put you out of my way right here," continued Ftp without seeming to notice tho interruption, and drawing small pistol out of his boot leg as he spoke, land it would never be found out on me, why it would be al right"
 'But, Zip, say"
 ''Or if I were found out" Zip still continued, raising the pistol higher and higher till it pointed straight for Ben's breast, "and were willing to take all the risk to get clear, which think am ready to do, why that, too, would be all right"
 'Hello, Ben, where are you going7' shouted Zip, as the former turned and ran down tho road at what seemed to be almost breakneck speed, frequently casting scared and anxious glauces be- hind him.
 l Ben, however, did not stop to answer, but kept straight on until he was lost to sight in bend in the road, while Zip bending almost double with laughter, sent peal after peal of merriment ring ing out on the balmy evening air.
 ''Of all the chickens in christendom Ben Button takes the wormr' cried Zip, broad grin still on his face, as he also turned and walked away.
 Z,p Tifkins, full of life, fun and frol- ic, had for the last few weeks lcen playing rival to Ben Button in the af. factions of Melinda Spratt. Bon was seriously in love with Melinda; Melin- da's young heart was fond of Zip, and Zip, homeless, careless, fun-loving rover that he was, had never a thought that reached into the futuro for an hour.
 Ben and Zip had met ia the road ac- cidentally. Ben was on his way to the spratt homestead to lay further siege tc Ms.indss heart.
 For the last few days Ben had had but one thought, ana that was how te got rid of Zip as a rival So, when ht met Zip, he pleaded from the fullnes' of his heart and in the most persuasive language he could command, that Zip would relinquish all claim to Melinda! heart and hand.
 Zip in pure fun, feigned love also and with We'll asumed earnestness triet in turn to prevail upon Ben to with draw from the race. Neither, however would give in. As last resort the finally agreed that each should in fair friendly way, be permitted to plead hi : own cause with Melinda, and let he decide.
 With Zip, so far, it was only a goo joke, and as such he had made the mo, of it, as has been seen. Ben Button with regularity spent tw evenings of the week at the Spratt domi cile. With Melinda he made very slow if any, progress into favor; with Mrs spratt, however, he won golden opiu ions and stood in high grace. Since the compact tetween Bon an l Zip the latter had visited Melinda bu once, and then she had, ia a very sh ? and sweet way, teasingly upbraided hiI , for having tried to take the life of he constant admirer, Ben Button. 'And would it break your heart Mt linda if he were to diep asked Zlr 2 with an eager undertone in his voice . watching her face closely. ' 'It would-almost-of course, if- l but Zip, you have no right to ask sue questions," she answered, looking u ! shyly aud blushing. ] Well, you needn't bs uneasy abo, , Mm l weuldn't hurt Ben Button Ly slaeis tAsuoA se wssd, nYsh -isss tst