The Portland daily press., 1900-03-02
A PATENT
ELOPEMENT.


the side of the chair.
"Who is It, wifeT he asked.
"a young man." she replied.
The farmers lip set tight as he wit
messed a glance which passed between
his wife and his daughter.
II understand" he said severely, with
a determined look at the anxious face of
the girl-"that London chap, Leslie
Austin"
Eyes, father" she replied.
an settle his business for him." And
Farmer Smith strobe into the parlor, his
heavy boots sounding a deathknell to the
faint hopes in the sinking heart of pref
ty, winsome Alice Smith. so you're
here again, ehf"
The brusque interrogatory did not seem
TO crush the courteous, handsome young
man, who arose and faced the farmer.
ayes, Mr.. Smith," was his reply.
"And on the same old errand. l sup
poser
ayes, sir. came to ask your con-
sent
you can't have itr' interrupted Farm
er Smith savagely. "Alice amt going
to marry you or anybody else just yet"
But time
you've heard me, Mr.. Leslie Austin.
You cant have my daughter"
IL love her, Mr.. Smith"
Nonsense! She's too young to know
her own mind / have said my say. and
the harvest hands are waiting. Good
day, sir!'
Under such determined resistance Les
lie Austin retreated. He bit his lips an
grily as he walked rapidly down the
road to the village hotel.
tits shame" decided his friend, Bob
Townsend, as he heard the disappointed
lovers story.
1--WE think SO much of each other"
murmursd Leslie mournfully.
AYod amt going to give IN this way,
are you?" asked Bob.
Leslie looked up inquiringly.
"What else can l doY he asked.
MARY her." said Bob.
"Her father won't consent"
Suppose he don't"
Leslie started, but shook his head
slowly.
81 know what you're hitting at, Bob
an elopement.'
you're right"
"But it could not be-"
"Why not?"
because Alice is bound to obey her
father, and am, too, for that matter"
Bob scowled impatiently.
"Nonsense!" he aspirated angrily.
rSee here. Leslie. II you were the ire
sponsible chap old Smith thinks you, I'd
hesitate, but you amt. You're an hon
est, well to do. lawyer, respectfully con-
nected and only labofing under a preju-
dice on the farmers part that because
Neighbor Jones girl married worthless
man from the metropolis all such
matches must end similarly"
"Granted."
Therefore, being in the right and the
old farmer being In one Of his mad
moods, I'd outwit him."
How
The query was encouraging.
"Run away with Alice" said Bob.
81 can't"
"Why notT'
"Her father watches her too closely"
THAT'S the only reason, is itr'
81 believe So"
''She's willingP
presumably"
"And your
"Oh, Bob, you're talking nonsense!
might as well go back to London and
wait until Mr.. Smith changes his mind"
"And let some other fellow have Alice?
You're brave lover"
Leslie was Respondent.
81 have plan, IL you're plucky enough
to follow it out" suggested Bob.
Leslie's face grew expectant at the
hint.
"what is itf' he asked.
"Listen."
What Bob told the discouraged lover
need not be repeated. The subsequent
acts of the conspirators afford a suffi-
cient explanation.
1t was the next day that faithful Bob
reconnoitered the ground and found that
Farmer Smith had indeed taken due pre-
caution to prevent his daughter meeting
or running away with LeNie.
But Bob managed to get letter to the
fair prisoner "A letter after reading
which secretly she manifested her ac-
quiescence TO its contents by an intelli-
gent nod to the messenger.
1t was the afternoon OF the day fol-
lowing, Just as Farmer Smith had sent
his boys to the town with load OF pota-
toes and was seated, resting for an hour
or two on the front porch, with Alice in
dustriously sewing by his side, that ve-
hicle driven by a single occupant came
down the road.
Old Jabez looked In profound amaze
ment as the vehicle came to a stop. 1t
was a kind OF skeleton wagon, with
double seat. and behind II was attached
q small rubber hose. with several wheels
distributed here and there near the axle.
'In the name OF wonder, what have
we here?" he said as he walked to the
gate.
TIL. driver sprang down.
"Jabez SMITH" he asked.
The farmer nodded dignifed assent.
uttle dreaming that the bearded stranger
was Rob Townsend In disguise. -.