Warren sheaf., 1897-01-14

Biddy's character was that his second
thoughts came so long after his first
thoughts that there was time for much
action between. In the matter of this
bet he took action at once by writing
under an assumed name to the teacher
about three of his children residing in
another county and asking on what
terms they would be received into her
school. In due time his letter was an
been referred. He next wrote Miss Bell
saying he understood she wished to buy
a saddle horse, and might he bring one
for inspection. No answer to this.
Finally he tried what he could do at
shorter range. He secured an introduce
ton to the lady, met her several times,
and presently his second thoughts be-
enough on the day he rode by the
schoolhouse was now impossible. He
did not see how he could have become
involved in such an attempt. He hearth
ly scorned himself. Riding home in this
mood, which he fancied showed rather
fine feeling, but which really arose
from conscious failure, Biddy looked
up Robert to acknowledge himself
beaten, but Robert was off to town
and did not show up again until after
Christmas.
Robert, who had ridden by the school
house many times since the term be-
gan, had happened to read a newspaper
item about Christmas custom in some
foreign land, of sending gifts to the
most beautiful lady. suppose it was
fairy tale, for there never has been
in any place any one most beautiful
lady, but it struck Robert as an emf
nently proper custom. He cut the item
out: he rode by the school house once
again to confirm his Judgment; he
made his dispositions accordingly.
On Christmas morning, the young
teacher was surprised to find at her
door Roberts best horse, with saddle
and bride, and a note saying that Rob-
ert sent them on the authority of the
Enclosed newspaper slip; that he really
could use the horse no longer-too old
and would she do him the favor to
take the old swayback off his hands?
Miss Bell, who was learning to use
typewriter, sat down to the machine
and wrote a note of thanks declining
the horse as gift, but accepting the
use of him for the winter, and assuring
Mr.. Robert that she was not the lady
referred to in the story.
Two days later Robert brought this
letter into the mess house while the
boys were at supper.
''l've beat you," said he to Biddy.
Il didn't want no letter, and didn't
expect none; but here it is, and she
thinks can't read writing-it's print
ed.'' '.t -
'Why, that thing" said Scotty, sis
no letter. That's circular. She sends
them out to every fellow who gives her
horse s. ..@.. "
THAT'S straight" said another; II
hear she has whole band of saddle
horses down in Johnson's pasture"
"Boys, shut up" said Robert, gently.
"I'll leave it to the foreman whether
win" ,#E3 .a7~5
The foreman decided that printed
communication is not a letter, and, as
Biddy had received no letter, that both
had lost the wager. ..i.. 4
That night the boys considered the
matter over their pipes, and rendered
the unanimous opinion that betting il
immoral when you lose, and that Rob
ert and Biddy, having both lost, should
ride the pastures all winter while the
rest Of us waited for sDrinp-G IL Dun.
ham, in San francisco Argonaut.
Hamburg claims to have now the larg-
est central telep ephone Office in the world,
with 10000 connect tions, nearly double