The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-08-18
Jimmy and Jane.


| ford-was a bachelor of about 50 years,
reputed to have a stocking full Of gold
ard silver coins. which ne kept in his
| feather bed. He was a noted hater of
women, and seldom spoke TO Sne.
Jane-or more properly Miss Jane Green
was called an old maid, lived in a tiny
| house by herself, and had a holy horror
| Of the biped man. Her age was ''uncer-
| tain," but her 40th birthday was Of the
past.
One bright afternoon in September, jim
my was lounging along the river bank
when the splash of oars in midstream fell
upon his ears. He looked in the direc-
! ton of the sound, and then a scowl
wrinkled his forehead.
"Humph" he mutJer, that old maid,
Jane Green, is trying to row over TO Ned
Browns She'd better be TO home,
drinkin' tea.
He pulled up his line with an angry jerk,
put fresh worm on the hook, and then
cast out the line again.
"Drat the luckt" he cried. eff she
amt gone an rowed right smack inter
that eddy-the only one within two miles
at that. If that amt jest like fool wo-
man I'd Ike TO know what It's like"
Just then his attention was attracted to
his line, and James peril was for mo-
ment forgotten.
A forcible reminder came in the form of
a loud. piercing scream. followed by
frightened appeal for help.
There, jest as might ha' been expect
ed! The first bite I've had for an hour,
an that miser'ble woman had to let
screech an scare the fish away"
Help! Help! shall drown" screamed
the woman.
There was no question about 1t, Miss
Jane was in great peril. Her boat, an old
leaky shell-was twirling about.
Let her drown!" growled the woman
hater, savagely. 'Therell be one less wo-
man-gosh! she will go down as sure as
fate. Bein' a sort Of human critter, 1
spose I'll hev to pull her out, er the
neighbors II lynch me-"
His own boat happened TO be near at
hand, and few rapid strokes brought
him as near the eddy as safety permitted.
"Herei'' cried he, grumblingly, as he
threw out a rope. 'ketch hold Of that,
if you don't want to drown"
Miss Jane had been so occupied with her
fears and struggles that up to this mo-
ment she was unaware that assistance
had arrived. At the sound of his voice
she turned quickly.
Her hasty movement caused the boat
to go down, but she chung heroically TO
cuer with a look of horror.
'Merciful powersi Jimmy Bradford, of
all men! femme drown!'
Don't be a tarnation fool, Jane Green!
Ketch hold of that rope an I'll pull you
out"
''NeverT' cried Jane, squirting out a
stream of water from her mouth and pad
ding desperately with both hands TO keep
af1oat
Then, I'll pull We out anyhow" ejac-
ulated Jimmy. 81 never knew any Twin
woman had such grit. You're too plucky
for fish bait, an I'll save ye, whether er
no."
Despite James gurgled protests, he hur-
redly hauled in the rope, formed q slip |
moose at one end, and hurried it over the
half drowned woman's shoulders. Then
he exerted his strength in vigorous pull,
which Jane resisted with all her waning |
powers, and succeeded in lifting her into |
the boat.
20, dearP' she gasped. And to think
that l should owe my life to Jimmy Brad
ford" She closed her eyes and tainted
away.
''Wuss an wussr" cried Jimmy. did |
ever a man hev such luck? What IN the
world am 1 goin' to do with fain5in' |
half-drowned woman. I'd like to knowl
I've half a mind to leave her here in the
boat an start for home"
But he didn't. He did precisely the op-
posite.
He drew the boat upon the sloping
shore, and after carrying Miss Jane to !
a sheltered spot beneath a wide-spreading |
willow tree, proceeded TO restore her to
consciousness. When she opened her eyes
the first thing that met her gaze was
Jimmy's face.
80, my soulr' she gasped, feebly. Am
in the power of the Evil One?"
Draw it little mild. Jane Green. 1
amt the Evil One, nor no kin to him, as
knows on. An you're shown mighty
little appreciation for havin' your life
saved l can tell ye."
WALL" said Jane, after a moments
thought, perhaps I was a little too
harsh 1 spose there are wuss beins
on the face of this airth than YOU be.
reckon you'd ha' better let me drown.
than to set all the tongues O. scandal
Vaughn against me-"
You're too plucky a woman to feed
fishes on, an too good Iookin', too"
James pale face changed in a moment
TO a deep carnation hue, and she replied:
shame on ye. Jimmy Bradford, 10
make fun of a misfortunate an defense
less woman. I'll go home this minute"
She arose. trembling and weak, and
attempted to walk away, but staggered
and was obliged to grasp a branch of q
tree for support.
You're too weak TO go home now,
Jane" said Jimmy, approaching. You'd
better stop a while longer"
80 you could make more fun of me. I
s'pose." said she, tartly. NO. thank you.
Mr.. Bradford"
Il didn't say more'n I meant, Jane
Green. nor more'n I'd say another time
1 never knew before taac women had so
much gumption. But Il you're bound TO
go I'll give you a boost for YOU couldn't
get there alone. Here, take nv arm
An set the hull town TO talkin',' cried
Jane.
"'Tain't best that they talk" retorted
Jimmy. The first one that says a word
ag'inst you will feel that" exhibiting a
hard and formidable fist.
After considerable persuasion, Jane was
at last induced to take his arm. and of
they walked, a most singular looking
couple.
Now. be careful an see that you don't
take cold after yer duckin'," said Jimmy,
as they reached the invaHd's home
You'd better make you some hot ginger
tea TO once An II you'll agree TO it III
drop in tomorrow an see how you are
Jane agreed to * coyly. and Jimmy turn
ed away. with new an strange feelings
lingering in his breast. i
"Blest II she Amt a plucky one" Re
said 10 himself Il never see woman
before that had any sense. she'd make
q good wife for q feuer that liked women
folks"
But a month later found her the wife
Of a man who d'd not Ike women folks,
ard that contented Individual was DO
other than Jimmy Bradford.