Daily independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 188?-1915, 1899-02-16
Last spring Zeke Murch and his wife


in Maine town. He and his wife have
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
Aurches. and the latter were said to
lie snugger than the bark of yellow
birch.
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 ard casters which
adorned the sitting-rooI. table, so they
waited till the hat was passed.
Passing the hat may strike some
readers as novel feature to introduce
at wedding anniversary. hui Ezekiel
didn't propose to let anyone go away
without gentle hint that those who
accept invitations to silver wedding
must settle in the white metal.
"For the benefit of those as didn't
have chance ter get 4 present. we
VIII now pass round the hat an those
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. care fully abs ract-
ed half dollar. locked AT il lovingly
and then dropped it into The chupeau
That night. after they Got hcme Hi
ram and Mirandy were T. g it over
specializing on the TrC'.:.n., value of
those two pickle iiars arG trying TO set
lie in their MINDS hn.; u.uch was pu.
:nto the general collection.
"Thcre was so cents that give EN-"
said Mirandy.
WHAT" cried Hiram, you give so
ccntg?"
"Why, yes. Hiram. we cal-lated to
give EN- that nIUc!i. ycu know. We
talked ii over before hand. and agreed
!hat we could spare it,"
"Eut Lord bless ye. wife" said The
husband, quivcring with excitement,
don't sc, can't yc. understand II
drorred half dollar in The hat my
.elf?"
II was late hour before the two
ceased talking about that lost coin. and
The reN1 morning Hiram was no more
rrconc.icd to the accidental generosity
'han the night before.
All summer long ii worried him. and
he couldn't keep from thinking how far
shat half dollar would have gone in
trade.
Lately Hiram and Zele had settling
up of some old accounts for wood anC
Labor. Their figures Tailed. and after
he !"Cncy had sh' IA hands Hiram.
!hnIluhtc al
gift.
Ezekiel" he began. softly.
"Ycs. Hiram"
"lou remember that silver wedding
81 yours last spring." lie was begin.
mig with diplomatic evasion of the
real Point at issue.
80. yes" Zeke remembered all about
that.
"''"'"l. when the hat was passed
rou"d. y" remember put in 50 ccnts?"
-. Hiram. remember"
~ al. uTbeknowr 10 re. INV wife.
hir&aty She put in 50 cents"
a'&s." said, Ezekiel. slowly. but very
care .r..y avoiding any show Of under
-tanG.rE.
"N'&'"I. We didn't intcrd to give but
INC OF en-. and i want you TO give me
lack the half dollar that Mirandy give
e."
Ezo Eicl said nothing.
ITS 70 morc'n right We should"
,'lcaCcd iiiram. 1--WE didn't intend to
gin We hut half dollar. We can't snare
that other so cents rohow. I've wor-
lied about it all summer long an
mace up my mind to sTcak cut TO We
.'bou; it. I've thought it all over an
Nirandy. she's thought it all over an
sc sariirly can't spare the So cents"
Ezekiel had been gathering himself
tor burst Of scorn.
"Wa'nl, Of all the dog-gonedest mean
critters ever sot my eyes on yc're
leetle the wust! No. | won't give
ye back your half u dollar."
But Hiram wasn't going o he touched
10y scorn. The justice OF his cause led
him to make one last appeal.
mo. mint mean. Xckc. for here I've
waited till now without sayin' word
Just think on IL IrEn yp,,'rc I,J a..