Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1890-03-19

tie other way, and looking up, what
himself face 10 face with the preacher
felleT.'
Both stopped short, and for some
time ne ther spoke. Beckett's rage was
too great to permit of his Uttering a
word, while the other was too much
shocked by old Sans looks and actions
TO find any pOwe Of speech.
Whats the matter, Mr.. BecketL?'
the minister finally said.
Matter enough Beckett replied, in
a trembling voice.
I hope nothing serious has gone
wrong with you
You're lIar,' Beckett screamed.
You don't hope any such thing, an
you know you don't. If you did you
wouldn't do 1t.
DO what, my friend? L do not
understand your meaning
NO, | reckon you don't understand
1t, when you are at the bottom of it.
Button of whatT'
Bottom of this trouble. Oh, you're
a good one, and you've worked il
mighty fine, but you shan't never marry
her.
\ light began to dawn on Hackett,
and he thought he was getting an in
sight into the Old mans meaning.
Now look here, Mr.. Beckett he
said, very calmly, Il know you are
Miss Iig2 2ins' guardian. and proposed
to respect your rights by informing
you of our Intentions
Hang your intentions. L say you
can't marry the gal. You can't have
her.
What's your OhjectiOn?'
I'm goin' to marry h myself
The reply struck Nose Hackett as 50
pTepOSterous a.d ridiculous that lie
could not avoid laughing.
In an ins ant Beckett's face grew
red with anger, and taking a step for
ward, he said:
y on laugh at me, DO you, you little
guttersnIpe of creation? You think
you'll git her anyhow, but III see to il
that you DON'T
And before the minister realized his
meaning, Beckett had his strong arms
about him and was doing his utmost Il
throw him over into the river.
Beckett was a hardy man and un,
usually strong, and he experienced nc
difficulty in lifting his little antagonist
up and churning him about. Tut u
throw hlm into the river was a much
more difficult task, since the little maI
| clung TO him like a leech, and refused
! to be shaken loose.
There was a strong struggle, whicl
/ at last ended in both getting too neal
the bank and slipping into the water.
The minister, being the most active
/ was the first one to come up; and see
/ ing his advantage, was quick TO seizt
/ II, and in an instant he gathered Beck
/ etU by the nape of the neck and pro
/ ceeded to duck him two or three times
! after which he said, still retaining hi
/ grip:
Mr.. Beckett, L want your consent t,
the marriage between Miss Higgins anC
myself. Are you going TO give it?'
| 'Never!' Beckett muttered.
Then under you 60 again!'
After two or three more duckings
the minister a, ked again:
DO you give imp
'Neverl'
Then l shall have to repeat it,
y few more plunges Weakened tn
old man, and he promised to sanction
| the marriage.
That's not enough the mini-te
went on. You have her money, an,
you must give 1t up. DO you promis
thati'
NO, don't, and 1 won'tI III dI
Grsu'
Then l shall put you under and hol
you un err
For htaven's sake don't do that
mani I'm drowned uOw.'
Then you prDmIse?'
y IS, l PROMISE
VIII you swear itI'
'Ies-yes! 1t me out; I'm dying,
At that moment Dan Bunker an
Betty Higgins arrived.
They knew that the minister Wa
coming, and they feared i -ckett woul
meet him and use violence and came 1
his rescue.
Now repeat your promise in tn
commanded, AMI Beckett reluctant
compiled.
'I'n tell you what, the minister con
tinued, 1t Will be a good idea TO CON
p.ete this business while we're at II
50 II Dan Will 60 and fetch Squire Bee
son, We'll have the marriage prrfO.me
and the papers signed over while Nj!
Beckett is in the right notion
Dan went for the squire, whc live
less than a half mile away, and IA
short time the marria 'e ceremony wa
gone through. Beckett then signc
over the glTl's property and departe
for home, sadder and a madder man
The next Gay lie went down an,
married the Widow Muggs, and frOI
that day he and his old mill hav
logged along, doing moderately well.
But Beckett never has liked
preacher sine tn 1t light.