Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1902-07-04
A LUCKY FOURTH
BY WELDON J. COBB.
NG OTH1NG had been talked of at
lNl Fordham for a week but picnics,
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N6OTH1NG had been talked Of al
lNl Fordham for a week but picnics
eA buggy drives, ice cream and fire.
works, for Fourth of July was near al
hand, but to pretty Nellie Boyd Indepen-
dence Day meant anxiety and dissatis-
faction.
Nellie had two lovers-Roy Newton
and Hugh Dennison. Roy was full of
''smart talk" flashing like a meteor
Hugh was plain, honest and earnest, q
giant in athletic sports, and with Unborn
reverence and respect for all womankind.
Nellie was in Il quandary. Roy had
asked her to go on a steamboat excur-
sion on the Fourth, Hugh to the picnic
of the local Veterans Club. She knew
not which invitation to accept.
On the list of July Nellie kept out of
the way of the luckless swains July 2
she received an unexpected letter. 1t
cut the Gordon knot. In great relief
she indited two dainty notes.
That evening two young men entered
the postotfce. When they came out each
had letter. Roy went around one cor
ner hurriedly-Hugh turned another, his
heart beating like a trip-hammer.
Absorbed, these two young gentlemen
unconsciously walked around the block
anu met. l1uSn Stammereu, hoy flushed
both looked sheepish.
"Er-going anywhere particular the
Fourth?" inquired Roy.
Il was" replied Hugh, "but this set
ties it," and he frankly exhibited Nellie's
missive.
Il reckon we are in the same boat"
pursued Hugh. Were left on the same
girl, but that don't blot out the Fourth
of July entirely does if ~
'Too late to ask another girl" grum-
bled Roy.
"Oh, l wasn't thinking of another girl"
answered Hugh, Loyalty. Il was won
dering If you and l couldn't go off some
where and have pleasant day of it?
put aside some money for the Fourth,
and l guess it's patriotic to spend it."
They arranged to take the train down
to Brocton the next day and put in the
Fourth at that place.
Nellie's letters had told them that a
distant school friend had written asking
her to spend the Fourth with her, and |
she had accepted the invitation.
They reached Brocton, got meal at !
a restaurant, and here Roy left his satch- |
el, promising to return and arrange about
a hotel later.
Hugh wished he was back home. for as
SSSAA NS ANOS Aau IouLlu out ne n3Q |
brought only five dollars with him. he
had acted very coldly.
Hugh was wandering down a rather
Unlocking street when he noticed a bar
ber shop.
Il believe I'll get haircut" he de-
cided, and entered the place.
There was solid luxury in the velvet
chair, and soothing influence in the bar
ber's deft touch. Hugh fell asleep.
When he awoke he looked into the mir
ror startled. His hair was creation of
art. His incipient mustache was
streak of glittering black. He was oiled.
scented, pomaded from scalp to throat!
Monsieur nodded Yes when l asked
shampoo? hair dye? sea foam? extract
'osa-de-roSe? curl mustache?" explained
he willy artist. "But-view monsieur's
uperb ensemble! And only three dol
ars and eighty-fve centsy'
WHAT shouted Hugh.
Chilly the barber ran over the items
They Tailed. Hugh got boisterous. The
'arber called a policeman. Hugh adjust
d the infamous swindle, and wrathfully
eturned to the restaurant. Roy had
allied for his Satchel and departed.
Hes too mean to train withr' COM
lented Hugh, bitterly-'he has given me
he slip purposely. I'm too common for
im!'
Hugh had just enough money to pay his
abroad fare home, but the evening train |
ad departed. He was not hungry, but
e was sleepy. He walked to the city's
ige, and turning in among some bushes,
ept as he had often slept at home
q the soft grass, under the quiet stars.
1t was about o'clock Fourth of July
orning when Hugh awoke. In the dis
lnce echoed ftful spurts of explosive