The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1902-05-23

1t was only too pan that she would
II inct him, John, if he asked her, and
accept Jake, who, by force of circum-
stances, came last on her programme
of flirtations. Thus he reasoned and
his heart was full of sorrow, for he
knew of no way to avert the lmpend-
ing calamity. If he did not speak to
her on this occasion of the subject so
near and dear to him, and Jake's pro-
posal should be accepted, he knew that
his pride would lie crushed, and that
he could never forgive himself for not
having tried to gain her consent.
Soon after the singing class was all
journed, finding that Susan was no.
where to be seen, he recollected that
she was keeping her part of the ell
gagement and might be getting lone
some. He slipped away very slowly,
so as not to be noticed hy the others,
and getting into the darkness along
the edge of the cave, he fastened on
until he came to the passage leading
up to the 'cornc:ib" Here he paused
for a moment. The corncrib was as
dark as midnight; no torch Lad been
left in it, He could h ar Susan rest
iessly lumming a song in the darkness.
The sound gave him no encouragement;
she had already grown tired of waiting.
All at once bold idea came into
his mind. "She air sure to take one
of u.s." he reflected as he FASTENED
noiselessly back to the merry company.
"an' hits sure to be the last feller that
speaks" He walked up to group OF
merrymakcrs, in the midst of which
Jake was standing, and speaking as
carclessly as possible said: II wonder
who's sparkin' Susy Cady tonight;
| seed her gon' into the corncrib jist
now"
Il r,ckn Ill 90 an find out" said
Jake, turning red and starting off
amid the laughter of the company.
john was delighted; his plan had
worked to charm. "They'll be a
whisperin he thought, IAN she can't
tell his Vice from mine" A little later
his heart throbbed violently as he saw
Jake. pale and agitated, walk out the
main entrance of the cave. With a
guilty feeling John slipped after him.
for he did not wish to he seen 10y Susan.
The jolly party was soon gathered
around the "mush melon," a huge
>'alagmitc formation, where, with much
laughter and gaiety, they enjoyed the
con',ntS of the baskets.
"Susir, did yc leave Jake Rane up
in the 'corncrib, or did he ketch cold
an hev to 90 hom?'' said one of the
girls suddenly.
"Wuz it Jake WIZ Il talkin' to up
than? | lowed hit WIZ john"
At this reply the whole party
laughed long and loud
'Hit's wonder it warn't both of
EN-" said one of the group, "but } Ohm
wuz hyar until a minute ago, an any
way hit wuz him that told Jake about
yer bein' up thar. Pears like John
didn't want to go much
thought flashed suddenly through
her mind
IL seed him slippin out oft cave
list after Jake come back from the
crib,' said Cory.
Il lowed Cory'd know if anybody
did" said Susan, and once more there
was burst of laughter.
When supper was over, John, from
his point of vantage outside of the
cave, saw that Susan had again disap-
peartd. Paying no attention to the
remarks Of his companions, he hurried
to their rend. zvous; he did not wish
her to be annoyed Ivy tardiness ON his
part. Just as before he heard her
humming, but she did not seem so i'm
patient now, and he stepped through
the passage to her side, The girl gave
a little scream, as if of surprise. In
moment his strong arms were around
her and her hand was in his own.
'lve jist been waitin' fer SIGH a
time ez this, he whispered as lie kissed
her, 81 alluz lowed We wouldn't hev
me, ever sence | iust knowcd how
beautiful ye wuz."
A few moments more of heartfelt
confession, and light tlickcring in the
outer passage called them back to
mother earth.
Somebody's comin',' said John,
eye don't keer now ef we do git
kctched, do ye?''
The only answer was a convulsive
pressure of his arm, and the whole COM
pany were upon them, shouting, sing
ing and laughing in their fruitless
efforts to crowd through the narrow
passageway ali at the same time.
Susan Cady, her eyes ablazc with
laughter, rushed IN, followed closely
by the others.
Il knowed John wuz blowed on her."
said she, pointing her finger at the
couple. ".Jist lookt'
1t was Cory whom John was hold
ing in his arms-Norman II. Pttman,
in Frank Lcslie's Popular Nonthy for
april.