The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1900-08-07

= p,
seemed rather Indifferent; they had
shown no interest III anything. ex.
cept the quantity and quality OF their
food, and had only talked to each
other.
But this morning there was a
marked change.
MIR. Carson was extremely atten.
tive to Molly. He loaded her plate at
the breakfast table, and passed her
everything industriously. He hung
about the kitchen after breakfast,
chatting pleasantly; and he capped
the climax by begging to wipe the
dishes, and actually performing the
act, regardless of his immaculate cuff
And Mr.. hemble had made himself
equally agreeable with Mr.. Decker
discussing cows aud crops, poultry
and politics, and addressing an coca
SIGNAL polite remark to Cullen Berry.
They're gittIn real sociable," Mr..
Decker observed to the hired man. as
they wendell their way, shovels and
pickaxes in hand, to the new we'll.
$50 they be, said Cullen.
But he said it rather distrustfully.
The city boarders meanwhile were
sitting on the front porch, with their
feet on the railing and cigars between
their lips.
How do you get aloug?" said Jack
with subdued anxiety.
Finely, ;" Stanley responded. The
girl seems-well, positively Aattered
out of her wits. 1 don't believe she
ever saw a decent fellow before
Rush things-rush things, my
dear boy!" said Jack, excitedlT
Strike while the irons hot. Settle
it to day! Come, now-you've known
her a week.
Stanley considered.
81 might as well have it over with. "
he concluded, rising leisurely. mot
that l apprehend any difficulty; she's
IN love WITH me already. But if there
should be any mistake about the oil
what box I'd be in, old fellow
You could step out of it," said
Jack, coolly. But about the oil,
you're all right there, I'd take my
oathl"
Molly was bending over the ironing
table by the kitchen door.
She looked up rather timidlv as
Stanley threw himself down in the
doorway, and turned his eyes upon
her.
Always busy, Miss Molly" he be-
gan, throwing sentimental tone into
his voice.
yes; we have considerable work, "
said Molly, practically.
"You were never intended for this
sort of life, Molly" said Stanley, look
ing frowningly at the ironing.table-
neverr'
Molly looked mystiied.
I'm afraid you'll think it rather
sudden, Molly" said Stanley, rising
from the doorway, "but II can't re.
strain my feelings any longer"
He reached across the table and took
her han e, flat-iron, holder and all.
Molly, my happiness depen1s--'
But Molly was not listening.
She stood gazing out through the
door, with wide eyes.
What is the matter out therc?"
she said.
Stanley turned.
Something was wrong at the now
well, evidently. An excited proup
stood at the edge-meu, women and
children. People were running about
wildly, and hum Of agitated voices
could he heard
Something's happened." cried
Molly,
And she flew out, Stanley following
hurriedly.
Mr.. Decker stood in tho midst Of
the little group. pale aud horrifed.
ITS Cullen, he gaspod. Hes
down TO the bottom. and it's caved in
onto him."
Molly gave little shrek.
Cant you go down and help him 2"
she cried
or couldn't doit, said Mr. Decker.
despairiugly. I'm too old. nv gal. g"
Won't anybody go?' cried Molly.
looking round wildly at tho open.
mouthcd gathering.
Nobody stirred
'ltsg good deal Of risk. said
Mr Decker, sadly. 1T might cave
az.in Thar amt nobody d want TO-
Try it, my gal Poor Cullenr'
Molly wruug her hands.
8 sudden inspiration presented 10.
self 90 Stanley's mind
Why should not he make the sue.
ccss of his plan certain beyond doubt
win the unbounded love and admir-
alton Of the girl, who really looked
rather pretty i'm her distress. and cause
her TO throw herself into his arms
with VOWS Of alteration by acting the
hero by going down into tho well
himself after the unfortunate hired
MANI Why should he not thus secure
TO himself, by one bold act, the wealth
that lay untouched beneath his feet2
Tie took Mo1y's trembling hand.
and gave 10 resssuring pressure.
II will attempt il, Molly he said
firmly.
Everybody looked around AZ bim
wonderingly, aud there,was agnurmur
gi applause.