The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1893-05-03

had transferred his attentions, seated
| beside him in his spring buggy.
But no one offered a helping hand
and Amaranth was beginning to feel a
tremor of despair, when something
happened which no one-certainly not
Amaranth-had ever dreamed would
come to pass.
It was nothing more nor less than
the building of branch railway from
the Ozark lead and zinc mines to a
point on the Mississippi river some
twelve miles beyond Pineyville Center.
The nearest route, according to sur
vey, lay directly across one side OF
cepted the offer of 5000 from this min
ing company for this small portion Of
her "worn-out" farm land.
But the tide of prosperity did not
stop here.
Roger Alden, the young surveyor
who had laid out the new railroad,
suggested Pineyville Center as the
most convenient point for the smelling
works to be erected by the mining
company.
And so the sleepy little village walked
up one fine morning to find itself in
the midst of most unexpected
"boom"
Carloads of lumber and other build
ing material soon arrived, and ere
long the sound of the hammer and saw
was heard in the land.
Tents were put up for the tempo
rary use of the workmen, but were
soon supplanted by neat cottages.
Mercantile buildings and supply stores
followed. Streets were laid out,
churches and schoolhouses were erect
ed and the farmers who focked in for
miles around, tempted by this new
market for their truck" looked with
wonder at the fiourishing town which
had sprung up like Aladdin's palace,
from the very wilderness.
Adjacent farms, which the owners
would have gladly sold for $40 an acre
but short time ago, now brought ten
times that amount.
Amaranth, though offered a high
price, refused to part with her prop
erty on any terms. By the advice of
the young surveyor, however, she was
induced to lay out a portion of her
farm, fronting the railroad, in town
lots, which were eagerly purchased at
satisfactory valuation, and the
Brooke addition" soon ranked as the
most desirable residence portion of
Pineyville Center.
And Amaranth found herself if not
wealthy at least comfortably situated
A stout hired hand attended to the
farm work now. The worn-out mead
ows and cornfelds were redeemed
from their impoverished condition.
The antiquated cow was supplanted
by small herd of Jerseys. The de-
crepit horse was "pensioned off" on
the fattest OF pastures, while span of
matched bays" drew the new carry
all when Amaranth or Mrs. Reuben
and her children took an airing.
The discounted relatives, who had
all but boycotted Amaranth in the
dark days, now discovered that "blood
was thicker than water" and FASTENED
to make friendly overtures.
And Sylvester Smalley, who had not
yet succeeded in building on the pa
ternal forty acres, abruptly ceased his
attentions to Nancy Maria and cast
longing eyes toward the thrifty corn
fields and well-flled barns of the old
homestead.
Long since had he repented of his
full maneuvering he one day succeeded
in meeting Amaranth face to face at
the old stile.
''shed a rose in her homeland OH she looked
sweet
AS the little pink flower that grows in the
wheat"
and Sylvester felt that he must win
her at all hazards.
He advanced smiling and with out
stretched hands.
"Did you really think / meant to
give you up, AmaranthP" he asked re-
proachfully.
But she drew coldly back.
"Give me up? Certainly You gave
me up long ago." she returned.
"But / didn't mean it! II own l
was fool, Amaranth," he stammered,
desperately; "but l allus intended to
come back an marry you. An 'tain't
too late yet. Only name the day an
I'm yours"
But Amaranth smiled as she glanced
beyond him to tall figure which was
rapidly approaching them.
"Very much Obliged. I'm sure" she
replied, demurely, "but have prom
ised to be Roger Alden's wife and the
day is already named. Here comes
Roger, now. VIII you stay and be in
troduced?"
But with disappointed scowl Syl-
vester SUNK away WaverIey MagG-
zine.