Daily independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 188?-1915, 1899-02-06


always worked hard and been saving"
as folks have to be who make dollar
out of farm in this particular part of
the Pine Tree state.
Among their visitors that night were
Hiram and Mirandy Treat. Now the
Treats were even more saving than the
Murches. and the latter were said to
be snugger than the bark of a yellow
birch. .....r-. ~. -. &.
But they felt in duty bound to give
something. Not having bought any
plate. they could not add TO the col
lection of pickle jars and casters which
adorned the sitting-room table, so they
waited till the hat was passed.
Passing the hat may strike some
readers as novel feature to Introduce
at wedding anniversary, but Ezekie
didn't propose to let anyone go away
without a gentle hint that those who
accept Invitations to a silver weddin:
must settle in the white metal.
"For the benefit of those as didn',
have chance ter get present. We
viii now pass round the hat an thos,
as feel moved SO to do can add their
piece of silver" explained the host.
When the hat reached Hiram he
pulled out his wallet. carefully abstract
ed half dollar. looked at it lovingly
and then dropped it into the chapea,
That night. after they got home. H
ram and Mrandy were l.: Ling it over
specializing on the probable value
those two pickle jars and trying TO set
tie in their minds how much was put
into the general collection.
There was so cents that give EN-"
said Mirandy.
What" cried Hiram, "you give so
centS?"
why. yes. Hiram. we cal-lated to
give EN- that much. you know. We
talked it over beforehand. and agreed
that we could spare it,"
"But Lord bless ye. wife" said tie
husband, quivering with excitement.
don't ye, can't ye, understand !
dropped a half dollar in the hat my
self?"
II was late hour before the two
ceased talking about that lost coin ant,
the next morning Hiram was no more
reconc:led to the accidental generosity
than the night before.
All summer long il worried him. and
he couldn't keep from thinking how far
that half dollar would have gone in
trade.
Lately Hiram and Zeke had a settlinc
up of some old accounts for wood ant
labor. Their figures tailed. and attic.
the money had sh ID hands Hiram's
thoughts reverted that unattended
gift.
Ezekiel" he began, softly.
Eyes. Hiram"
of yours last spring." He was begin
ming with diplomatic evasion of the
real point at issue. ......
80. yes" Zeke rememb ered all about
that. .s
"Wa'al, when the hat was passed
round. ye remember put in so cents?''
YES. Hiram. remember" -,
"Na'al. uHbeknowr 10 me. my wife.
Mirandy. she put in so cents"
"Ga'as." said Ezekiel. slowly but very
carefully avoiding any show Of under
standing. %.
"Wa'al, we didn't intend to give but
one OF EN-. and 1 want you 10 give mt
back the half dollar that Mirandy give
ye."
Ezekiel said nothing.
ITS no more'n right We should"
pleaded Hiram. 1--WE didn't intend to
gin ye but half dollar. We can't spare
that other so cents nohow. I've wor.
ried about it all summer long an |
made up my mind to speak out to ye
about 1t. I've thought it all over an
Mirandy. she's thought 1t all over an
we sartinly can't spare the SO cents"
Ezekiel Ind been gathering himself
for burst Of scorn. af
"Wa'al. Of all the dog-gonedest mean
critters ever sot my eyes on ye're
leetle the wust! No. won't give
ye back your half dollar!"
But Hiram wasn't going 10 be touched
by scorn. The justice Of his cause lei
him to make one last appeal.
mo. [ amt mean. Zcke. for here I've
waited till now without sayin' word
just think on IL, Zcle. you've had the