The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-04-17

but that's no reason why / shouldn't take
morsel Of root"
The deacon didn't have TO hunt far for the
flag, but as ne was digging out root his
foot slipped into a hole, and he found him-
self stuck fast.s There was quicksand at the
bottom of that hole He seized the hum
mocks and bushes around him and inside .
brave struggle, and it was only when he felt
the sands about his knees that he began Yell
ing for help. He hadn't hooted over three
or four times when the Widow Phillips APP
peared. She carried an umbrella, chair
and new tablecloth she was hemming She
came sauntering down to the bog and placed
her chair and tied the open umbrella to ita
back and sat down before She even looked at
the deacon. Then she gave him a long stare
Of surprise and said.
81 think have seen you before. This 10
Deacon Spooner, isn't it,
"Of course it's me-" replied the deacon,
''and I've got mired in this tarnal bog Of
yours and want help to get out. Is your
hired man around ?"
HE may be somewhere about, but there ID
no hurry. II you hang 70 the roots as hard
as you can it will probably be an hour before
you sink out Of sight. Deacon, you must
know that am widow
Eyes, do. Wasn't i at the funeral?''
Eyes, I am a widow, . she sighed, "but ol
course expect to marry again. You also ex-
pected that would, didn't you?"
.MSDD6 Qlu, Sullculy ToQ1cu the lCGCOus
81 sure you did, or you would not have
said so to everybody before John had been
dead six weeks You. also expected that 70
set my cap for you.
mo. didn't" -
But you took pains to say that you would
not marry me if 1 was the last woman on
earth. Have got such a homet< face Oh
] me ?''
81 can't say you have. But are you goin'
| To let me go down ont nf sight %
! 'tAnd what about my disposition, deacon!
/ How Gid you learn that l was bad tempered,
extravagant and spiteful? Did John go around
complaining OF me? Did drive him away
| from home? Did I land him in the poc.
| house?''
any such things replied Deacon Spooner.
who was down to his hips now and his teeth
chattering with fear.
There is lot more quietly resumed the
widow" enough to keep busy for half
day-but we won't go over it.. I don't believe
4 you said all those harsh things against me
out of spite. 1t was rather because you loved
me- People often do talk against those they
love, you know. How much do you love me,
! deaconc''
I'll .hain't said l loved you tall" hs
stammered
"No, but you will. Up to this time you
have been too shy and bashful. but now you
are going TO speak rlSnt out
''Widder, l can't talk of love when I'm
bein' sucked down to my DEATH
! "But it's just the time, deacon. You may
feel that you want to die for me. II so, here's
your chance. Are you asking for my heart
and hand?" "
"N-no. I'm askin' for your hired man TO
help me out fthis.
ooh, but you are mistaken. You feel that
no other woman in the world can make you
happy Under the circumstances. deacon.
and knowing that you are noble, tender-heart-
j 3D. considerable and generous, I feel that I
) must say Yes though didn't intend to
marry again. Take me, deacon. and try to
]. overlook my many faults.
"And are we goin to git married. gasped
the deacon, as he spread his arms abroad to
keep from sinking farther.
: "Of course. l believe you not In favor
/, OF long engagement; neither am I. Shall we
say two weeks from to-day? 1t will also as
!, tonish the neighbours, this turn about OF
!, yours, but we don't care for them Aren't
! you happy, Josiah?" s
"N-no! I'm in fix here. and don't be-
i leve you mean what you say, and-and III &; -
= Poor JOSIAH! must see what 4 can dc
: for you. Here comes William. Now, William,
: couple of rails of the fence. Get them
:. under his arms-so. Now bear down on the
: ends; now catch his hands and haul him out
: and lay him on the grass and scrape him OF
: Use him tenderly. William. for he loves me
II so. You'll excuse me, Josiah, but I've got to
$ run up to the house to see it the bread in
d the oven is all right.
! Wilder called the deacon as she wal
moving away, 1--WE changed my mind and
;. I'll be hanged If don't marry you!
a "And I've changed mime she replied al
y she halted and bowed "and I'll be hanged Il
] d.,p