The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1891-05-23


one else wanted him. Perhaps the
dog had been handsome when he was
younger and had two eyes; but he had
long since outliyed his beauty and his
usefulness.
AT any rate, the only possible use
Curly could have been to his master,
besides being a dependent and humble
companion, was the ready excuse he
furnished foi buying extra baskets at
basket-socials. Curly had to have
lunches; he liked good things, and got
SO hungry between meals that an ex-
ira basket must bs carried for Curly.
But II Curly could have talked, he
would have told who else liked lunch
es. and who got the lions share of the
delicacies; although, az tho old dog
was SO fat that he waddled instead of
walked, probably he would have made
no complaint.
The little village was soon thrown
into a silent hustle. Quick feet sped
silently on secret errands. Warning
fingers were lifted in silent admoni-
ton whenever Bob's well-known fig.
urc, usually habited in his ridiculous
ly comfortable plaid blouse, was seen
approaching be that Just around the
cornor or n quarter of a mile away,
oscillating between the heavens above
and the pony beneath.
Knots of girls might be seen holding
noiseless conversations-yes, really
one moment, and dispensing in all di-
rections the next looking 40 very un-
concerned and innocent that "A far
less observing parsonage than Mr.. Bob
Reed might have scented a conspiracy.
But II Mr.. Bob did suspect anything
he held his peace.
Tho First of April dawned. cloudy.
sloppy and muddy. Mr.. Bob Reed
was not 'caught" all day. The boys
tried the usual hoaxes, but he would
pick up no silver dollars, open no let
tiers, and find no packages that had
been conspicuously lost in the middle
of the street.
He took n queer notion, that even
ing. He would scrub the waiting-rooml
IL was muddy and must becleared; so
he put on his rubber boots. donned a
great apron which he called his Mother
Hubbard wrapper, and began indus
triously TO carry water.
and unconcernedly observed, -'0h,
pshaw Bob wouldn't scrub to-
night. It'llbe just as bad tomorrow. "
Its got TO bedonen answered Bob,
sententiously, going on with his prep
arations.
The messenger disappeared, and
presently anotheryoungman came in,
dressed In his good Clothes
He had grin on his lace which
would have given anything away,
Bob thought.
"See here! You're wanted--over at
the hotel"
"Eh2 Is that so?" answered Bob,
poising his last pailful OF water on
the edge OF the tub
"A--a--somebody who wants 10 see
you"
"Ohl" lie poured the water into the
tub with a terrific splash which sprink.
led his visitor Somebody who can
walk Tell him to come over here"
The messenger carefully wiped the
drops from his clothes with his freshly
ironed and scented pocket-handker.
chief.
Sorry, Ed, said Bob; ait was care
less of me--but you oughtn't TO dress
up 90, for common occasions. You re
getting to be dude. But who is il
who wants 20 see meg Why didn't h,
come himseli?'
"He--can't very well come. III,
particularly requests your presence
over there. He--didn't send any name
Business, believe
"Humphl very mysterious business
should say. Well, can go, sup
pose" lie picked up his hat.
"Ohl You're not going TO weartha'
drcss2"
"Why, I'll be back, suppose?'
What's the to change"
He started away, on sweeping trot
followed by Curly.
The assembled guests saw the party
af three-Bob, Curly and Ed-througl
small, temporary cracks at the clde'
OF window-curtains, amid much silent
dancing and doubling and noisless clap
ping of hands.
Rushing into the room in his ordi
nary headlong way, Bob came TO 1
sudden stop, He seemed TO be aston
ished when he saw the big dining-roon
decorated to distraction and cleared
for party.
He begged pardon; he didn't meai
to intrude, but some one had asked e
see HMM the Office, he supposed
and he was in n hurry. and the noares
way led through the dining-room.
He made as II TO go on.
Such stamping and cheering an,
clapping OF hands, Then some on
suggested that he stay TO the party
inasmuch as hc was there.
Butt didn't receive an invita-
ton"
Then the noise had 20 be male owe
again. IL took a great deal OF ex
PLANTATION and very many assurance
that he would not be in the way, q
induce him TO make one OF the party
Then he excused himself 20 go TO hi