The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1899-08-02
lie sprang ont aad rushed oway.

He sprang ont onld rushed G2cay.
age: GA very pretty squirt, my boy.
Your cattle are speedy, truly, but rein
them in bit. We do not want to be the
first arrivals. Let the common herd
gather before we come oA the festal
scene.
''I can't; I'm manager, % Stephen
said laconically, giving the nigh horse
little flick of the whip. The sound set
the melted creatures off again at a rate
that mace the buggy groan and sway in
most unorthodox fashion. Major Elton
began to fret Really" he said, twist
ing his bulk about, "this is q remark
ably uncomfortable vehicle. 1 don't
seem to have elbow room. -
cit was meant to carry two,;' Nancy
said demurely, while Stephen shut his
teeth on an oath. The major went On
affably: Doubtless, doubtless. Buggies
are low bred, democratic sort Of con-
veyance anyway. You should have seen
my grandfather's carriage-chariot, I
had better say. It held a dozen with
comforts round dozen-not counting
coachman, footmen and outriders. Yes,
coach and six is the truly genteel way
of travelling. Couldn you, - to Stephen,
manage to give me little room by
sitting on the foor:''
By this they were at the creek, only
mile from the arbor. Stephen was
reckless with blind rage. Without
checking the horses he slid down on his
knees, steadied himself against the
dashboard and said, "Get away, lads. "
The roans knew what that meant
20 for all that was in them. They tore
along the wide, dusty road, raising such
cloud as fairly hid them from all eyes.
It was in fact a dusty whirlwind,
out of which came now and again the
flash Of paint and gliding, the rattle of
chains, the quick thud of hoofs. The
road was fairly thronged with other
corners, but all gave Stephen room and
to spare Must be going for the doctor
or his marriage license, - Tom Beaseley
said as the swish of long silver tail let
him know who it was that was flashing
past. After minute he added,
Thought heard old Bee Martin S pipe
in there, but sho'ly Stephen wouldn't
put up with him in place O. Nancy, and
it's dead moral certainty that one
buggy can't hold 'em all
At last Stephen had a ray Of hope.
He had distanced the rest il spite OF the
major. When they came abreast the
barbecue pit, he would excuse himself
upon the plea that he must stop there,
give the reins to Nancy and by takinga
short cut across the creek be at the ar
bor in time to receive and welcome
her. To face her, he sank to a half Sit
ting posture. He had just opened his
lips when ''Cr-a-s-shr' came the sound
of breaking thread. Aunt Clarissy's
basting was most substantial, but could
not stand the play Of Stephen s vigorous
muscles. Evidently Silvy's "pledger
time was later in coming than the
bran dance, and Stephen must face his
ladylove with a gaping slit from pocket
to knee. The horror of it made him
dumb. After one downward glance he
crowded the relns into the MAJORS
hands. sprang out and rushed away
with Nancy's soft, cruel laughter ring
ing in his ears and Major Eton chorus
ing, Next time, young man, don't be
in such hurry that your mother WON'T
have time to get your breeches done. !"
Stephen easily got home and was
made whole as to his raiment. The
wound to his affections never healed.
Nancy tried hard to lure the tassel
gentle back again, but that thought
less laugh cost her an excellent hus-
band For Stephen joined the church
that fall and at Christmas married the
circuit riders daughter and kept her III
cotton wool the rest of her life. 1t was
only two years, but to this good day
her husband keeps faith with the mem
ory Of the woman who caught his heart
Gin the rebound. ::