The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1900-02-09

the shop was overwhelmed with BIAS
phemous adjurations and sulphurous
epithets Little Pete" went free from
curses. The bad time proceeded from
his fellow-helpers, who, having dis
covered that Peter was sensitive on
the subject, joked him without mer-
cy concerning Mary. Nels, the big
Scandinavian, took particular pleas
ure in this form of amusement until
one morning at the cleaning bench
Peter paused in his task of chipping
the rough shell edges from the cast
ings and flung his hammer and cold
chisel at his tormentor's head. For
tunately Nels ducked in time, and the
next moment he was lodging a MUIR
derous shower of long files and CHS
els on his way to the door. 1t was
the general opinion of the foundry
that If Nels had not reached that door
when he did there would have been
a general assessment in the mutual
benefit society to which he belonged.
From that time Little Pete" was not
annoyed, but he was avoided to some
extent, and that was even worse.
A night or two after this event Peter
walked down Arbor street and stopped
at the gate where Mary was faith
fully awaiting him.
II thought you wasn't never goin'
to speak to me again" said Mary,
smiling at him happily.
Her hand was resting on the gate and
Peter placed his over 1t and patted it
L hoo lnn al hav, Nnov,,@
never think that" he said. 'I'm just
waiting; that's all. It's coming out all
right. Say, If came to see you you
still wouldn't want me to quit coming,
would you?"
She evidently understood what he
meant, for she shook her head, smiling
~.
"That's all right, then. have hun
dred and fifty dollars saved up-that's
all. I'm going to get $50 more and
then I'm going to quit the foundry.
But l amt got no business to stop and
talk to you-yet."
He made q motion to withdraw his
hand, but she caught it quickly and
clasped it tightly. "Yes, you have" she
said. "Why haven't you, I'd like to
know ?"
He made no answer, but looked fond
| ly into her eyes. Mrs. Richie, who
could see the attitude of the lovers, and
their looks, had to leave her post of
espial at her window and go into the
back room in order to laugh unre-
strainedly.
After a little Peter said: That's
right; / amt got no business. I ain'i
good enough for you yet. But I'll see
you oncet in awhile an maybe before
long can talk to you" Then he went.
away.
The weeks went by and became
months, but Peter only stopped once
in that time, as often as he passed Muir
phys house and smiled at Mary, who
was always at the gate in expectation
of his coming. That once he only stayed
long enough to hand her little slip of
paper, which she found was an adver-
tisement, and read:
$2O0-GoOD-PAYING BUSINESS; CT
gars, notions, stationery. candies; full
stock: rooms.
One night Murphy came home and
said: "'Little Pete asked for his time
to-day, Mary"
''Is that so?" asked Mary, smiling
brightly. She did not seem particular
ly interested and Dan, after looking at
her keenly for moment or two, drew
up his chair to the table and began
to eat his supper with an easy mind.
Later, as he read his evening paper, he
heard Mary singing as she washed the
| dishes.
And the next day was the Sunday
| that Mrs. Ritchie saw, "Little Pete" and
Mary walking together.
Peter had said as she came out in her
best hat and the prettiest frock she
owned: II may never bring you back"
And Mary answered as she slipped her
| hand in his arm: 81 don't ever want
to go back, Peter" Chicago Daily Rec
| ord.