The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1895-11-14
BY CHANCE.

me governor, OUT l p IL Was De-
cause I was some years older than he
was and because, when he was a wee
toddler, l had made him kites and
showed him how to spin tops, and per-
haps because l used to help him ont of
scrapes, either with his teacher or some
playmate too large for him to lick"
At all events, I got the name, and it has
stuck to me. What surprised me most,
however, was to near it a few weeks
ago, when 1 supposed Jack was thou
sands of miles away. I was strolling
leisurely down an old street in Dublin,
looking about for some old landmark of
the stamping ground" Of my child
hood. How things had changed Yonder
where the little frame church had been
was a stately stone edifice. Over the old
golf links had been built long rows of
stores and houses, but there-yes. it
must be-there was a house that had not
been changed.
Governor said q voice behind me,
"isnt that the house where Alice
lived?"
never should have known the speak
er had it not been for the epithet. 1t
was Jack, careworn and gray and look
ing 35 instead of q.
"Jack, old boy, what brings you here:
I thought you were in America
II have been in New Orleans for a
good many years. Helen used to like the
climate, but the company's agent here
has gone, and l must needs come and
take care of the business until another
man is appointed. Besides the president
knew that l once lived here and thought
it would be both a change from my sur
roundings and q pleasure to see the old
place. But ism t that Alice's old homer"
Eyes, said l, II am quite sure of it,
but you ought to know best. Wasn't she
once q sweetheart Of yours:"
ooh, don't speak of that! You pain
me! 1t brings back such a food Of sad
recollections even to look upon the old
scenes. l don't know that you have
heard, but I am q widower.'
my poor fellow! extend you my
most heartfelt sympathies. But I didn't
know you had ever married. However,
we have kept such poor track Of each
other that I don't wonder at my igno-
rance But can't you tell mt something
of yourself? Come, I'm your govern
Or"
well, governor" said he, with a
faint shadow Of his old smile, II left
America nine years ago. Iwent straight
to Quebec and lived there three years.
It was there I met her who became my
wife. We were married just six years
ago last month. Her health failed and
we Wen south. She grew worse, gave
birth to our first child and died. That
was a little over two years ago, and as
the child is in good hands (my sister
in-law's) 1 consented to come here"
But, Jack, what made you 60 te
America? Why didn't you stay here?"
"Well, it was the same old tale OF
the young workingman not being fit tc
marry his idol. AS you said, Alice was
my sweetheart. She said SO herself, deal
girl, but her brother Tom-there was
the difficulty. I called on Alice very
often and had asked her t. be my wife
though / was but 10. She said Yes,
but Tom wouldn't hear Of it. I triet
to bring him around by all manner O
means, but he was resolute. He hat
never liked me, and he never hesitatet
to tell me so. In fact, he took grea
pleasure in rating me before as we'll a
behind my back.
Zone night think it was Halloween
"a crowd of young fellows got out Oh
N 1ariy aud -, <hair cyrrf t,1ly To,,S
small donkey out Of its shed, and push
ing it upon the roof Of a wagon house
which sloped almost to the ground, tie,
it there. Tom thought l was the prim
mover in the trick, though l knew moth
ing Of it, and accordingly the mex
night. when l called, promptly showe'
me the door, with the injunction neve
to set foot inside it again.
Il saw Alice at times, but she SCENE
somewhat changed. So after I had trie
all in my power to s~traighten things
got angry about it, and when I was Of
fered q position in Canada l was glad (
leave. My marriage was not spite worl
l loved Alice and always shall, but
knew I could be happy with Helen an
then she said she loved me-"
Just then we passed the house. 1t W;
the same old place we both remembers,
The same trees and bushes spread the
branches about the lawn. In one corn
of the yard stood a large, old fashione
bucket pump and on one Of the boar,
of the side fence was the rude, wealth.
stained carving, Jack Higgins al
Alice Neal"
Jack turned red, then white, as
looked at the names and then glanc'
at me.
"Do you suppose she lives the
now" he asked.
I'm sure / don't know" I reptile
"but let's ask some one"
Several persons passed, but all seem
in a hurry, SO we went into a ste
across the street and inquired. Yes, tt
Neal and his sister lived there. Did
know themp Indeed! No. his sister "