Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1889-12-26

Of the fair bride It was now half past
eleven. The carriage that was to convey
HIM to the house of the brides parents had
been standing at his door for an hour, the
horses inpatiently champing the bits. He
was waiting for the tailor to bring his
wedding coat. He was otherwise completely
dressed for the occasion. He even had his
hair curled and his boots shined.
'Put on your old coat" said Thompson
hyde who was to oflciate as his best man.
"Never," said Palmer; ''it is shabby, 1t is
out of fashion and the elbows are shiny.
People would think was a reporter. l tell
you, Thompson, if Louisa were to see me in
that coat she would refuse to marry
me. o, i'll could only lay my hands on that
tailor for about ten minutes" And the
despairing bridegroom gritted his teeth.
1T is quarter Of twelve" remarked his
best man. THE affair is becoming really
serious When did that cursed tailor say
he would have the coat hereP
HE promised by all that was good and
holy to have that coat here at half-past ten
o'clock, and now he has gone back on me.
wonder If some rival is not trying to pro-
vent the marriagel'
Suppose you send for the coat"
ut is too late,'' exclaimed Palmer. with q
gesture Of hopelessness; and he stuck his
head out of the window and looked up aud
down the street in frienzied manner, not
withstanding the fact that three old maids.
concealed behind the curtain Of u window
opposite, were watching him. He was also
aware that Mrs. Randolph Paterson, Q fat
woman, wLO lived one house further on,
was flattening her nose against the pane
Of glass. She was q picket guard to form
the rest of the household Of the appearance
of the bridegroom. There was also q,
group Of small boys living inthe neighoor.
hood, gathered around the door, waiting
impatiently to see the bridegroom enter his
carriage.
at is very stupid Of you to put off every
thing until the last minute" said Hyde, i'm.
patiently. ut just serves you right
81 know it does" replied the despairing
man, "but 1t is too late to argue that ques-
ton now. A coat A coat! My kingdom
for Il coat!'',
81 would have had my toggery ready for
Q week." id Hyde, looking down at his
immaculate toilet "a man should never
take such risks
An idea seemed to have struck Ransom
Palmer. He cast o look upon his friend
upon his victim.
Thompson, my boy, you are just about
my size and bui.d.''
'Just about was the response.
Selling his friend by the arm, the would
be husband exclaimed: 'Lend me your
coat!'
"Don talk foolishness." responded Hyde,
FecOiling a step ut the very idea.
Prove that you are really friend and
lend me your swallow-tailed coat. Nobody
will notice that you are not dressed in the
height Of fashion, or that your elbows
SHINE"
20, yes, they WILL" said Hyde, with sick
ly smile; 'but if you are in swapping
humor will swap places with you, and be
the bridegroom, ehi"
Don't joke about serious things" said
Palmer, almost with tears in his eyes; '.if
you have got any real friendship for me.
don't leave me in this horrible scrape. !
never afterwards could have any confidence
in you il you did. Come, now, that's good
Eel Ow
There was SO much misery depic: ed in
the face of Palmer that his friend surren.
dered. A moment later the exchange was