The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1902-07-03
ALUCKY FOURTH
00oTHING had been talked of Al
BY WELDON J. COBB.

0HOTH1NG had been talked OF at
INI Fordham for a week but picnics,
SO buggy drives, ice cream and fire
works.. for Fourth of July was near at
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 meteor.
Hugh was plain. honest and earnest, n
giant in athletic sports, and with inborn
reverence and respect for all womankind.
Nellie was in q 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 1st Of July Nellie kept out of
the way of the luckless swains. July >
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 postofficc. When they came out each
had letter. Roy went around one cor
ner hurriedly-Hugh turned another, his
heart beating like trip-hammer.
Absorbed, these two young gentlemen
unconsciously walked around the block
and met Hugh stammered. Roy 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 it,
''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 couldn't go off some
where and have a pleasant day Of it: 1
put aside some money for the Fourth,
and guess its patriotic TO spend it,
They arranged 10 take the train down
to Brocton the next day and put in the
Fourth at that place.
Nellie's letters had told them that 4
distant school friend had written asking
her to spend the Fourth with her, and
she had accepted the invitation.
They reached Brocton, got a meal at
a restaurant, and here Roy left his satch-
el, promising 10 return and arrange about
hotel later.
Hugh wished nc was back home, for as
soon as Roy had found out he had
brought only five dollars with him, he
had acted very coldly.
Hugh was wandering down a rather
Unlocking street when he noticed q bar
Der shop.
Il believe III get a 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
Tor startled. His hair was creation of
art. His incipient mustache was n
scented. pomaded from scalp to throat,
Monsieur nodded Yes when l asked
shampoo? hair dye? sea foam? extract
rosa-de-rose: curl mustache:" explained
the willy artist. ''But-view monsieur's
superb ensemble. And only three dol
lars and eighty-five cents!'
What" shouted Hugh.
Glibly the barber ran over the items.
They Tailed. Hugh got boisterous The
barber called policeman. Hugh adjust
ed the infamous swindle, and wrathfully
returned 20 the restaurant Roy had
called for his satchel and departed.
Hes too mean to train WITH COM
merted Hugh. bitterly-'he has given me-
the slip purposely. I'm too common fo-
him.
Hugh hai, Just enough money to pay his
railroad fare home, but the evening train
had departed. He was not hungry, but
ne was sleepy. He walked to the city's
edge, and turning in among some bushes.
slept as he had often slept at home
on the soft grass, under the quiet stars.
1t was about ) o'clock Fourth of July
when Hugh awoke. In the dis
tance echoed ftful spurts Of explosive
sound, but nearer noises disturbed him.
A horse, riderlcss, but heavily saddle1,
had slipped down the embankment
Struggling TO right itself. the steed roll
ed almost over on Hugh. He grasped
out and caught the saddle girth. 1t snap
ped loose. he fell back. narrowly escap-
ing the flying hoofs, and the horse sprang
up into the road again and dashed off
wildly.
"a runaway murmured Hugh-"and
some one after it"
Into view galloped a horesman, who
halted with Il shock. He glared down at
Hugh, leveling pistol.
"Quickw he demanded-''did you see
Q horse?"
~of course I did" answered Hugh,