Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1897-03-18

them, which they returned IN kind.
The wit was mostly of that poor sort
that is good enough for happy people,
but Uncle Nate laughed until the
tears fell on his cheeks. He cast dis
paraging glances at the other delega-
tions. Il vow, if l lived in Hornby
township I'd be ashamed to carry such
a banner as that there he said, point
ing the finger of scorn at the witty
flag of rival. 81 just hope Dover'll
get the prize" The county central
committee had offered prize to the
largest and best-equipped township
delegation. Uncle Nate quite forgot
that he lived in Gibraltar, so interest
ed did he become in the fortunes of
Dover.
Once in town they had long wait
while the marshals gave contradictory
orders and brought their horses up on
their launches in sudden changes Of
mind. But at last the procession
moved Far to the front were the
speakers of the day, riding in shabby
barouche, but Uncle Nate knew he was
part of the same glorious band and he
Strengthened his shoulders and looked
out of the arbor with pensive dignity
as he rode through the streets crowded
with people. The air throbbed with
the music of bands and the beating Of
drum corps. Once or twice he took OFT
his hat and waved itin answer to pro-
longed applause, but his triumph cul-
minated when he recognized jim and
Carrie in the crowd on the sidewalk.
He put his head out Of the arbor.
Il come to the rally and left the key
under the door mat he cried, in his
shrill treble. Before they could reply
he was swept onward.
In the park was scene Of 8ayety
that justified his dreams. Around
the band-stand were rows and rows of
planking and there were many re-
freshment booths and tubs of lemon
ade Of a delicious pink Hicks took
him to booth, where they dined
sumptuously on sandwiches, pie, coffee
and icecream. 81 always did like
store pie" the old man confessed, as
he took his third piece.
Eat what you can-its my treat,
Hicks answered. He was secretly
longing for some Of his wife's cooking.
Before they left the booth George
came up and he insisted on buying the
old man peanuts, popcorn and lemon
ade. I've ct to bust already, George,
he replied, "but might drink leetle
lemonade and take the other stuff in
my pockets to nibble on during the
afternoon; politics always kinda whets
my appetite.
He listened to the speaking for a
little while, but to him it was Of little
interest, for he said to George 81 al
ways vote a straight ticket, so their
arguments amt no use to me. | use
to go to the rallies of the other party,
too-they never done me no harm,
cause l didn't listen to what they
said What I like is the yelling and
whooping and carrying on. Let's go
and see what them fellers is fighting
about over there.
He looked on in sober JOY while one
man knocked another down and
tramped on him and then went down
before the fist of peacemaker po-
liceman shouldered his way through
the crowd and stopped the trouble.
II vow. it's a shame for the police to
come and stop the fun he said, with
a sigh.
why, you're a regular fre-eater,
arnt you" George said.
Uncle Nate nudged him roguishly
in his enjoyment of the compliment.
Il don't deny that I was something Of
a case in my day" he rejoined mod
estly, but with shining eyes. q wasn't
ever big feller, but l was powerfully
muscly." He held ont his shriveled
arm and drew it back to the shoulder
as if to exhibit the vanished sinew.
He took supperin "sit-down res
taurant'-to use his own phrase. Il
was kinda thinking I'd like to carry
a torch if you boys are a going to, he
said as he pushed away his plate.
well, come along if you think you
can stand it, George answered.
And he did, marching with as brisk
a step as the youngest, the torchlight
making weird Pickering lights on his
old face. He watched the fireworks
with sighs of ecstacy. 1T must have
been a terrible smart feller that in
vented them rockets and Romin can
dies he said, when the last one splin-
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