Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-02-23

| look. Il IOrBlVe We, LICK, Dut tne
sight of we kind O. aggytates me-"
Upon which hint Dick went back to
the window.
Speak up, father" said Kitty, en-
couragingly.
~ want" gasped Uncle BIN, Eye
sh'd take that 'bitooary notice-'t
writ myself-'n git 1t printed-right
away-in the Juniper Comet-in a
slightly place. It's in the cluset-top
shelf-in a clancy bowl
A pause, during which the tears
streamed from Annie's dark eyes
down her pale cheeks, while Hitty,
with puzzled face, applied the cam
phor again. Then the old man looked
slowly around him.
my race is nigh run. Goodbye,
all-'n' don't fergit-the-'bitooar.T
His voice ebbed away, his eyelids
flickered, and he lay still.
Dick Welby softly drew near, and
bent over the motionless form. Then
he Strengthened himself with sudden
decision. Going to the closet, he
came back in few moments with a
slip Of paper, and went out to his
buggy standing before the door.
What be you goin' to do, Dick?"
called out Hitty.
Coin to attend to that obituary.
It's the last thing l can ever do for
him." he answered.
"Dick! Dick Welby" Hitty screamed
after him. But he had started his
team, and the noise of wheels drowned
her voice.
At the little railway station Dick
bought a ticket for the country town,
some twenty miles distant, where the
Juniper Comet was published. The
editor was his cousin, and Dick felt
sure Of getting slice of his busiest
hour.
Having finished his business at the
newspaper office, the young farmer
took the next train home. AS he
drove back through the village, he
saw Parson Jervis leaning over the
fence, talking with DR.. Lombard in
his gig.
well, Dick" called the doctor,
whats the good word with you?
Anything the matter?" with another
glance at Dicks serious face.
why" hesitated Dick, Uncle
Bins gone"
"Gone!" echoed his two listeners.
you don't mean he's dead?"
1--WE got his obituary in my pock-
et," replied Dick, gravely. Just shut
his eyes, and went off like shot"
"Strange!" DR.. Lombard rubbed his
chin with perpleXed air. Il never
thought that shortness of breath was
serious. But sometimes those things
will develop. No use in my going
over, l suppose? Well, well! I'm
sorry. We shall miss him." And he
drove on.
Slope q minute, Richard" said Par
son Jarvis, "and I'll drive over with
you" He went back to the house for
his hat, and climbed into the buggy.
This will be a great loss to our COM
he said, solemnly "Ah,
well, in. the midst of life we are in.
death"
Meanwhile Dick gave the brown
mare her head at rate which soon
brought them in sight of their desti-
nation. The Parson stopped short in
his remarks with look almost OF
"Why-why, Dick" lie stammered,.
my eyes must deceive me, or-or is
that Uncle Abimelech smoking in the
porch" .>r
Dick gave prolonged stare. ut is
Uncle BIN, sure enough!" he exclaim-
ed.
"Then there must have been some
some mistaken" The Parsons amaze
ment was just tinged with reproach.
Looks likely" answered Dick, in a !
tone of equal. surprise. =.
Uncle BIN now came out to meet
his minister. Explanations followed.
"'Twas a mighty close shave"
said the old man with grim humor.
Guess amt booked fer the bone
yard this time, though. Parson, you'll
find Annie in the settln' room. Walk
right in, and I'll be there in jiffy."
The moment they were alone, he
turned to Dick. How bout that
'bitooary, Dick? Spose We didn't do
nuthin' bout it, did ye?"
why, yes, did, you seemed to lot
so on It." answered Dick. He drew
printed slip from his pocket. Here
t is-Jiminy" as he unfolded it.
Blamed if 1 didn't give 'em the
wrong one!'
Uncle BIN caught it eagerly, and
read as follows:
Departed this life, yesterday, May
20, to the relief Of all concerned,
Abimelech Hughes, after many tedi-
GUS delays. He was an old and we'll |
known resident, and will long be re-
membered as the most notional man
in the community. May he-77and his
family-Now rest in
peace!" t-..
"What-what's the meanin' O. this?"