The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-03-31


ask her as the price of my loan, realizing ina!
all my possessions are not worth her Drign'
eyes alone; but if she becomes my Vile mel
father shall not remain my debtor. ,
Amos Herrick begged time to consider the
Judges Offer which was readily granted.
IL Alma had consulted her own feelings she
would have declined Judge Carpenters prop
osition, much as she respected him; Out nei
father was growing old, and there were MS
numerous obligations in one way and another
to the Judge, so she hushed the promptlnss
of her heart, and said Eyes"
The wedding was to come off in the early
Autumn. Judge Carpenter took boylsn
delight in perfecting all the necessary arrange
ments.
Z he day before the wedding came, and Alma
Herrick wandered by herself down the meaao"
TO her favorite retreat in the wood that DOT
dered the tiny stream.
The leaves were turning red and gold, ana
the girl sighed as she recalled an Autumn tha'
seemed so long ago, when her dashinS boy
lover had made her gay crown OF fallen leaves
and called her his "hazel-eyed queen"
"And am going to marry his father to-nor'
row! It seems almost ridiculousl" and pool
Alma smiled in a sad way. " If it were not 1oi
poor father, I'd feel only contempt Tor giri
who would accept the father while loving the
son. But fathers life has been hard, ana
She was going to say that he was dead III all
likelihood, but quick step on the fallen leaves
behind her caused her to turn her head to see
what it was.
She found herself face to face with young
man, tall dark, and handsome. The next
moment she was in his strong arms.
Alma"
"Oh, joe joe thought you were dead. -
"And so you thought you'd marry the Gov
ernor in that event?"
"Oh, Joe How did you hear?"
Remember. darling, this is the age of news
papers, and the Judge is an important man In
his State. / read of his engagement to you,
and started back at once"
"Oh, it's too late now! Why didn't you
come before?"
81 had my fortune to make; then, you never
took any notice of my letters"
Your letters! never received word from
you"
81 always suspected that Mexican who car
ried our letters from camp. Now l under
stand why I've never heard from home.
"Oh, Joe! il you had only come sooner"
1t isn't too late yet Alma. ] have wealth
OF my own, being one of the largest shareholders
in The Alma, one of the richest silver mines
in Nevada. j will redeem your father from
debt, and make you my wife, instead of my
stepmother."
But think of your fathers feelings"
Think of our own, darling, if we are con-
demncd to separate"
my fathers sense of honor would not per.
nit me to reject the Judge now. Forget me,
Joe'
In vain he pleaded. Alma Herrick remained
firm in her decision 10 keep her promise with
the Judge. At last Joe walked away in anger.
He felt the impulse to return to Nevada at
once, but there was spirit in him urging him
to 90 on TO the old home. He could not resist
ii.
He found James at the stable, and from him
learned that his father was not at home.
He's in town, fixing up some legal affairs,
Mr.. Joe" explained James He will stay
there all night, then bring your Aunt Dolly,
who's coming OH the train, ont to the wedding
My! he'll be surprised to see you here, so big
and handsome"
Joe CARPENTER went up 10 the old home from
which he had been a stranger SO long. He
wandered about from room to room, and at last
paused on the threshold of his fathers bed
chamber.
1t was with no good feelings that he con-
templated the fine black broadcloth suit, new
boots, gloves, and wig laid out on bed and bu-
reau ready for the Judge to step into when be
returned from town TO hurry on TO his we'd
ding
But suddenly the Judges nuptial outit bad
suggested a new thought TO Joe, and his eyes
twinkled mischievously, as he got sheet OF
note paper and dashed of the following lines:
DEAR DADDY: Pm hack 10 the old home. /
learn yon are going to marry Alma Herriek, the
only girl 1 loved and ] propose 10 foresiall
you. shall win her. do not doubt. Now, Daddy.
behave like sensible parent. Don't rave. bnt
turn about aud marry Aunt Dolly, as you ought to
have done Is years ago.
YoUR SPOILED JOE.
Amos Herrick was quite asionished to see
Judge Carpenter dash up in carriage an hour
before he was expected to arrive.
Urgent business compels me TO alter my
plans somewhat" he said, in strangely un-
natural voice, without alighting. "Ill have
the ceremony performed at the Squire's. Please
tell Alma to get ready as quickly as possible"
Dir. 'Herrick hurried off to acquant his
daughter with the Judges change of plans.
lie soon returned. leading Alma, pale but
lovely, attired in 4 plain but most becoming
costume.
She was assisted into the carriage by her
father and they rode away toward Squire
Leonard's place, four miles distant.
"Alma!" suddenly spoke the man by her
side. taking her hand.
"What, Joe! What does it mean?n cried
the startled girl.
1t simply means, darling, that am per-
sonating the Judge this morning to prevent
you from committing the absnrdity of becom-
ing my stepmother. / knew conld not entice
you away from your father in my own per-
sonation, so i assumed the Judges new wig
and wedding garments 10 accomplish my pur-
pose"
Who could resist a handsome young man,
especially If IL is the one we happen TO love,
who had acted so cleverly 30 entrap and carry
off the girl of his heart? Certainly not Alma
Nerrick, and she was far from being tickle OF
weak minded either.
They had scarcely entered Squire Leonardo
house, when another carriage drove I'D and
stopped. 1t was followed by Amos Herrick on
horseback.
With an amused smile Joe Carpenter, who
had stationed himself ut window watched
his father assist q well preserved little woman
to alight.
The next moment the prodigal was beinp
went over by gentle Aunt Dolly, while the
Judge said
"Ah, you rascal! you arc up to your old
Pranks, see; but the joy Of having you bacl;
atones for all"
"Do ! understand that you approve OF his
deception Of yourself, Alma, and me?" de.
manded Hcrrick.
There! cool of, Amos! Just one Of the
boys prank that's all. OF course / approve
OF his spunk in running of with Alma
Here, Squire; kindly tie these young folks for
life, then perform the same service for Miss
Dolly aud myself"
Hadn't you better have on your new wig
! left it under the carriage seat" said Joe e
his father.
is 1t ConstitutiOnalt
EDITOR NATIONAL Tribune: Over two
years ago l asked through THE NATIONAL
] T.