The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-12-21

Nellie and Nora to stay with US, and
how we would talk over this days pro-
ceedings, and enjoy ourselves. g..
By the time had dressed felt quite
"good," and had no doubts at all about
the future.
"Tea is served in the drawing-room,"
said the pretty parlor maid, "aud the
ladies are waiting"
elbows GOLIATH" asked I.
"All right, sir. johnson has set his
leg, and tied up his wounds, and he's
doing nicely. He is asleep now, sir, on
Miss Palgrave's lap"
"Say I'll be down in minute" I an
swered. And as soon as I brushed my
hair, and tied my scarf to my satisfac-
ton, I stalked down stairs as if was
walking on air, to receive the renewed
thanks of my idol, and to try and tell
Der that nay life was at her service.
AS stalked into the drawing room
Langham rushed forward and shook me
warmly by the hand, exclaiming, ~ am
so glad to see you, Frank, you dear old
man. A thousand thanks for your bold
ness in rescuing Miles pet. She treas
ures that little brute above creation"
For moment I was thunderstruck.
My dream was over! Fool that was,
it served me right, and good seDse soon
returned. Heartily could I congratu.
late them both on their good fortune,
and I hope no one ever guessed my dis
appointment.
bar one thing" Mildred broke in,
as she slipped her hand caressingly into
his arm.
"And says it's just because I gave it to
her." continued Langham. "You know
it was my first present to her after we
we're engaged"
When be had done talking over our
adventure, and saying how thankful we
were that it had terminated 80 we'll, we
all went out to inspect the foe, the sight
Of whom made Goliath bristle with rage,
and struggle to get out Of his mistress
arms. and attack once more his would.
be murderer.
Certainly he well deserved the name
of tie Patriarch. He, weighed forty
eight pounds and was long and lean and
lank, with jaws like crocodile. Had
he been in condition IN proportion to his
length he would have weighed fully sixty
pounds, and I felt quite proud of having
played even subordinate part in the
capture of such monster.
johnson got couple of soverelgns
from Langham for his share, and well he
deserved it. If it had not been for his
prompt action I believe old Jacob would
have snatched Goliath from my arms and
left his mistress a-lamenting.
We spent jolly evening, and never
have I enjoyed Christmas more than
did that one, though this year fancy it
may prove even pleasanter still; for now
I am going as ,Nellie's accepted lover.
Don't laugh; in spite of one days infat-
uation for her friend I discovered that
it was Nellie, my first and only sweet
heart, that I really cared for, and the
girl loved as the boy of twelve now
love with the strong and lasting love OF
manhood. :.
Oh, yes, the Patriarch and Goliath,
what became of themf Goliath went
out to India six weeks later, when his
mistress married my old friend, and !
am afraid he will carry the marks of that
days adventure till his death. I trust
he may never again encounter so cruel
foe, for pluckier little dog was never
wrapped in skin.
And the Patriarch3 We ate some OF
him on Christmas Day. In life he was
terrible, and in death he was horrible;
may never taste so vile fish again.
Peace be to hissmemorY, we ne'er shall
look upon bis like again. His skin Is
stuffed, and holds place of honor in
my hall, and look upon him, Indirect
ly, as the means of giving me my love:
What's Nellie like7 Well, my friends,
you'll see next year when we are mar.
ried, and then you'll agree with me that
she is the sweetest girl in the word.-
Hollp T,esves