Connecticut western news., 1888-03-28


 come not Q definite test to prove the truth of the saying, but a wild hunt after an instance where a failure could be recorded. Night after night Spriggs prowled around the streets peering into the faces of the pedestrians and ire quenting localities where there would be little likelihood of finding quadru- peds. The fever had grown to such an extent that he was forced to admit to himself that there must be something in it while he professed to believe that the truth needed further investigation.
 One day Dick dropped in and taking Spriggs aside, with much hesitation and stammering, confided the fict that he was engaged to bo married. 'It's Mabel Austin, Uncle Z,ke, a beautiful girl-"
 'Light or darkf' asked Spriggs with quick look of interest.
 "Wcll, I guess you'll call her bru- nette, for she has tho loveliest black hair in the world; but have promised to bring you to see her tonight. Say you'll go, Uncle Zekc-Tll call for you at 8, shall I2''
 It had been many years since Spliggs had gone out calling and he was 10th to begin now, when hs needed. all his time for his Investigations; however, he promised and sent his nephew away rejoicing.
 Spriggs found Mabel all that Dick had claimed for her, and was we'll pleased with his boys choice; yet the evening dragged somewhat, and his dress suit made Uncle Zske overly con- scious of his society shortcomings.
 He was standing near the window for a moment alone, when ho heard his name called. Turning quickly, he saw Dick approaching with vision of lovciness on his arm.
 One look was enough, and the next instant Spriggs had wheeled about an d jerkcd aside the haugings. Trotting slowly past, and directly under the street lamp, was the inevitable white horse.
 Then he remembered that Dick possi- ply wanted to present him, and, drop ping the curtain in great haste, ho con- fronted the pair. Tho vision had a cold and naughty look, and Dick was clearly embarrassed. Spriggs appreciat ed his awkward position fully, and with a great effort made himself exceedingly agreeable. Indeed, in his abjcct hu- initiation he was so devoted that Dick was led to whisper to his fi,ucee; "Your sunny-headed friend seems to have caught Uncle Zeke hard"
 When Spriggs went home he sat down and went over the events of the evening. The vision was certainly handsome and could talk as few women were able, but he shuddered at the thought of her hair. It was an unmistakable red. Nevertheless, he had asked permis- sion to call and it had been graciously granted. Spriggs called and then called again. In short time his leisure hours were about evenly divided between his investigations and the vision. Spriggs was struck harl, SC hard, indeed, that when in her delight full presence he almost forgot his hobby. He invariably hired white horse, how ever, when he took her out driving. Once he had the temerity to try bay horse, but he never rope tied the experi ment. He was uneasy the whole time, for while his heart ard s,ul were witt his companion his mind and eyes sadly missed the familiar sequence.
 One evening as matters were ap preaching crisis, Spriggs found him self seated in close proximity to hi inamorata, He had fully made up hi: mind to settle the matter at once ano have done with it. There was just enough of manly conceit about him t. make him feel assured that his sui ! would not be unsuccessful, but it wa with considerable trepidation that h. approached the subject. The conversa tion had drifted, as lovers talk invari ably will, to the personal, and Sprigg was expatiating on early struggles ant ambitions.
 q had a hard time when was young," he was saying. My natur was not one to make friends readily and female friends were exceedingl, rare. Indeed, my mother was the onl, woman with whom felt really at ease Then, as my business grew, had s' much to attend to that social pleasure were almost unknown"
 There was silence for moment; botl intuitively felt that the time was al most at hand. The vision was seated facing the deep bay window with he head just touching the curtains, whil Spriggs sat ssthat his back was to wards the street. He generally sat tha way when in her company, to avoid tn temptation of looking out when h heard horse passing.
 Then Sprlggs meditatively resumed
 Until lately I thought that shoul' always move along in the rut I ha' fallen into, but now I am bold enoug to hope for something infinitely better.
 As Spriggs in his earnestness leane forward his quick ear heard tho distan pit-a-pat of trotting horse. His frs impulse was to turn and look out, bu with mighty effort he restrained him self, and, leaning still further h
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