The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1902-06-19

nothing better.
"Ah, believe me, I'm glad" said
Josiah, surprised. Then I may take
it you consent?"
1T has my entire appreciation, re-
turned the lady.
Josiah's disappointment was apparent
in his face. Il shall be pleased to
receive the gentleman" she said, pre-
sently. But hang it all, what am to
tell Sam p
Miss Deborah toyed with her pincnez
nervously. II hardly know Josiah, y
she stammered. Il have been aware
for some little time of Mr.. Haddock s
regard and, I may say have permitted
myself to think kindly of him"
Josiah looked his establishment. "Do
| understand my dear" he said, that
you cannot altogether make up your
mind ?"
Eyes; that is it. | like him"
and Mr.. Feather -chappie?' queried
Josiah.
II like him too" returned the lady,
unhesitatingly. Josiah gave pro-
longed whistle He noted her diff
dence-her evident perturbation, and,
whilst unwilling to influence her de-
cision, was still at loss. Now was
the time for the exercise of tact, he
thought. 81 think l understand your
dilemma, he said, after pause. Twill
you leave the matter in my hands :?
Tell the romp I'm waiting for my
morning set. Grand game, pingpong. "
Tell me, uncle" said the girl, when
they were alone. which is 1t to be ?"
Cant make up her mind" returned
Josiah, fussing about the table. II
must own myself at a loss. | want to
EN- both fair play, you understand, but
/ don't know what to do.
why not let them strive for her
like knights of old the girl suggested,
promptly. They're both keen ping
pongers. Why not have a match, the
winner to claim the faire ladye ?"
by my life that's we'll thought of, i"
responded the old sportsman, with
alacrity. "A set, with novel prize
the hand of the fair Miss Rabbit. 1t
shall be done Not word TO aunty,
It's a glorious plan"
Precisely at 8 o'clock Mr.. Haddock
was announced.
"Ah, my dear Sam" said Josiah,
bObbing about energetically. Here
you are, punctuality itself The ladies
All, you dog They're quite we'll Wen
join them later. There's little bust
ness to transact first, eh ? But-there
goes the bell, by Jove I'm expecting
another guest tonight"
Gum, said Mr.. Had1ock, supposedly.
That's awkward, Josh. particularly
wanted private five minutes You
got my letter p
Eyes, returned Josiah; it's all right
Sam. I'll explain"
Mr.. Featherstonhow p announced
the maid, and young, good-looking
fellow perfectly groomed and self
possessed, was ushered in.
Josiah was surprised at his youthful
appearance. He expected to see some
one more nearly the age of his friend
However, there could be no mistake.
The name was all right; my dear sir, "
he said. gripping his hand, ''this is in
deed a pleasure. Allow me-my old
friend Sam Haddock.
Glad to meet YOU" said Sam, eye
ing him curiously.
Same here" said the young man,
smiling. I've often heard your name
particularly at breakfast; yours, sir"
turning to his host "at dinner"
you received my note ?" he went on;
| had hoped"
"You received my note ?" he went
on. | had hoped"
Quite right, said Josiah, be.sming
"Am in good time Sit down and re-
fresh Fact is, feel an explanation is
due to you both. When two unac-
quainted gentlemen are unconscious
rivals"
Mr.. Haddock dropped his glass and
rose to his feet. The Young man
started and gave a short laugh, Surely.
sir, he said returning Sans stare,
you are joking This gentleman"
Josh" burst out Sam, you don't
mean to tell me that this err stranger
aspires to the hand ="
Compose yourselves, | beg" said
Josiah, blandly Such is an undis
putable fact | think with little
amicable feeling however satisfac-
tory conclusion may be arrived ut Gen.
tlemen,' he went on, springing to his
feet excitedly, II take it you are both
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