Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1898-09-29
JIMMY AND JANE.

thew had many friends; yet all agreed with
wonderful unanimity that they were two OF
the strangest individuals ever seen.
Jimmy-his full name was james Brad
ford-was bachelor Of about 80 years. re
puted to have a stocking full of gold and sill
yer coins, which he kept in his feather bed.
He was noted hater OF women, and seldom
spoke to one.
Jane-or more properly Miss Jane Green
was called an old maid, lived in a tiny
house by herself. and had holy horror OF
the biped man. Her age was uncertain,
but her fortieth birthday was Of the past.
Jimmy took life easily, but was opposed
10 ostentation and the modern acceptation
Of the term luxury"
He cared little for books; society he abom
mated, because it was spoiled by admitting
women, and Of the few diversions that went
to make up the sum OF his hfe's pleasures.
fishing held the place Of prominence.
One bright afternoon in September Jim
my was lounging along the river bank when
the splash of oars in midstream fell upon bis
ears. He looked in the direction Of the
pund. and then . scowl wrinkled his fore
head.
"Humphi" he muttered, that old maid,
Jane Green, is trying to row over to Ned
Browns She'd better be home. drinkin'
tea. Most likely she'll manage to get
drowned What a fuss she makes, splashin'
an iappin' about"
The "splashin' an fappin' about" instead
Of dying away in the distance as the boat
neared the other side Of the river, grew
louder and more disturbing. and half in won.
der, half in anger. Jimmy looked around
again.
'sDrat the luckl" he cried. '1f she amt
gone an rowed right smack inter that eddy
the only one within two miles at that. If
that amt Jest like fool woman I'd like to
know what tbs like"
Just then his attention was attracted TO
his line. and James peril was for moment
forgotten.
A forcible reminder came In the form Of a
loud, piercing scream. followed by fright
ened appeal for help.
There, jest as might ha' been expected
The first bite I've had for an hour, an that
miser'ble woman had to let out a screech an
scare the fish away"
'Hclpl Helpi ] shall drownl" screamed
the woman.
There was no question about II, Miss Jane
was in great peril. Her boat. an old leaky
shell, was twirling about. the rapid. rotary
motion causing at frequent intervals foamy
waves to splash over its sides, and it babe
fair to sink in short order.
"Let her drownl" growled the woman
hater, savagely. "There'll be one less WON
nn-goshl she viii go down as sure as fate
Bein' a sort Of human critter, I s'pose I'll
hev to pull her ont. er the neighbors'll lynch
me-"
His own boat happened to be near at hand,
and few rapid strokes brought him as near
the eddy as safety permitted.
'Here" cried he, grumblingy. as he
thrsw out rope, "ketch hold Of that. II you
don't want to drown"
Miss Jane had been so occupied with her
fears and struggles that up to this moment
she was unaware that assistance had ar
rived. At the sound OF his voice she turned
quickly.
Her hasty movement caused the boat to
go down. but she chung heroically to the
oars and regarded her would be rescuer with
look OF horror.
''Merciful powersl Jimmy Bradford. of
all menl femme drownl"
Don't be a ta-natlon fool, Jane Green!
Ketch hold Of the rope and I'll pull you out"
'Neverl" cried Jane, squirting out
stream OF water from her mouth and pad
ding desperately with both hands to keep
afioat.
Then III pull ye out, anyhow" eiacu.
lated Jim. II never knew any Twin wom-
an had such grit. You're too plucky for
fish bait, an III save ye. whether er no.
Despite James gurgled protests he hurried
ly hauled in the rope, formed slip moose at
one end, and hurled it over the half drowned
woman's shoulders. Then be exerted his
strength in a vigorous pull. which Jane re
sisted with all her waning powers, and sue
ceeded in lifting her into the boat.
20 dear!" she gasped. And to think that
I should owe my life 10 Jimmy Bradford"
and then, too much exhausted to bear up
longer. she closed her eyes and tainted away.
He drew the boat upon the sloping
shore, and, after carrying Miss Jane to
sheltered spot beneath widespreading will
low tree, proceeded to restore her to con-
seriousness. When she opened her eyes the
first thing that met her gaze was Jimmy's
face.
20, my SOUL" she gasped, feebly. "Am
in the power of the Evil 0ne?"
Draw it little mild, Jane Green.
amt the Evil One, nor no kin to him as /
knows on. An you're shown mighty little
appreciation iot hAflh yOuA itAc sosSos 4
can tell ye."
''Wall," said Jane, after moments
thought, perhaps / was little too harsh.
l s'pose there are wuss bein's on the face of
this airth than you be. / reckon you'd ha'
better let me drown, though, than set all
the tongues O. scandal Vaughn against me-"
You're too plucky a woman to feed fishes
on, an too good looking. too"
James pale face changed in a moment to
a deep carnation hue. and her tone might |
have indicated either real or pretended re
proach as she replied:
"Shame on ye, Jimmy Bradford, to make
fun of a misfortunate an defenseless woman.
III go home this minute"
You're too weak to go home now, Jane"
said Jimmy, approaching. you'd better
stop awhile longer"
$50 you could make more fun of me, ! |
s'pose," said she. tartly. "No. thank you.
Mr.. Bradford"
81 didn't say more'n meant, Jane Green,
nor more'n I'dsay enother time. never knew |
before that women had so much gumption. |
But if you're bound to 60 I'll give you a |
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