Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-16
When he reached the dwelling of

IhefEOu" len bTuSSeHkdte Jan was III
as bad temper as it was possible for
& very good natured Dutchman TO be.
Opposite the house he caught sight of
the policeman Keppel strolling along
and occasionally looking up at The
house. and Jan felt vastly inclined to
give him taste of his strong fists.
But remem boring the dignity of his
master, as also that The policeman was
a larger and more powerful man than
himself, he prudentiy restrainea his
wrath and went up the steps.
BETH opened the doorefo him with
smile and a blush. Good morning
Jan. it is long since you base been
here"
Yes, have been very busy. How is
your honorable mistress?"
My honorable mistress is well. but
you do not inquire after old friends.
Jan"
"Ah, yourself. | can see that you are
we'll and rosy. How is Nina. the cook ?"
Nina, the cook. is also WE'LL an
swered BETH. demurely. but some one
else is not. Some enc else has gone
away sick
Indeed" said Jan. and who is
that?'
Can you not guess. Jan! You used
not to be so thi6aheaded. Why, Sue,
of course. She has gone home in.'
Jan nearly dropped the basket in his
CONSERVATION.
Indeed. l had heard nothing of it. L,
swear to you. BETH"
"No? Oh, dare say not. You have
been too much occupied with the rich
/ Widow Steene TO remember old
friends
The Widow steene, echoed Jan, con-
temptuously; then. with energy. BETH,
dear Betji, tell me what it all means. :"
why, you see, Jan. you never came
here, and Sue got paler and thinner.
| and paler and thinner till we all
thought she would go into a decline.
and so Mevrouw sent her off home.
thinking the change would benefit
her"
why" said the bewildered Jan. II
thought I heard that Sue had taken
up with the policeman Keppel."
The policeman Keppel." cried BETH,
shrilly. mo, Mynheer Jan the police.
man Keppel is counting me-
The sun was setting over Holland,
and canal and mere and broad mead
ows were all tinged with his dying
glory. Old Piet Klops sat in his arbor
| putting at long clay pipe. and occa-
slonaliy taking pull at jug of ale
which stood on the bench beside him.
while at the open door of the house his
wife sat at her knitting. Snze was out
at the back hanging red and blue pet
ticoats TO dry on aOline. when the gar
den gate opened with hasty click, and
| strong decided step came up the little
8 walk. Good day, Vrouw Klops: wfer@
I is Suze?'' M
Good day. Jan. it is long since thou
hast been TO see us. for an old friend
| and neighbor. Sue is out at the back {
will go and call her"
NAY, I will go myself said the
young man; and not waiting for the
good dame, he strobe out of the door,
! and round to the back of the house. A
pale girl was standing pegging gar
I ments on to the line. Could this be his
| blooming Sue? a0o
With two strides Jan reached her.
| and catching her waist from behind be-
fore she was aware of him, imprinted
| a hearty kiss on both her cheeks. With
little scream Sue drew away from
the bold intruder. but turning caught
sight of JAMS happy laughing face. &nd
| threw her arms round his neck
What are you two doing so long sui
there?" inquired Vrouw Klops. as she
| emerged from the back door shortly
afterwagS1.
''Mother." said Jan. leadinw I'D the
| bltshing Sue, 1--WE have only hfSn
| putting tangled skein straight