Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1902-06-19

n5 pcHefe Dc, m glad, said
Josiah, surprised. Then / may TAKE
it you CONSENT"
1T has my entire appreciation" re.
turned the lady.
Josiahs disappointment was ap-
parent IN his lace. Il shall be pleased
to receive the gentleman" he said,
presently. But. nang it all, what am
| to tell Sam?"
Miss Deborah toyed wl.A her pine
neg neryously. Il hardly know,
Josiah" she stammered. Il have
been aware for some little time of Mr..
HaddocAs regard, and, | may say
have emitted myself to think kindly
OF lin.
Josiah looked his establishment.
DO l Understand. my DEAR" he said,
that you cannot altogether make up
your mind?"
Yes; that is it. l like him"
And Mr.. Feather-chappie ?"
queried Josiah.
Il like him, too,' returned the lady,
unhesitatingly. Josiah gave a pro-
longed whistle. He noted her diff.
dence-her evident perturbation, and,
whilst unwilling to influence her de-
cision, was still at a loss. Now was
the time for the exercise of tact, he
thought. Il think l understand your
dilemma" he said, after a pause.
Will you leave the matter in my
hands? Tell the romp I'm waiting tor
my morning set. Grand game, ping
pong"
Tell me, uncle,'' said the girl,
when they were alone, (Which is it to
be?"
Cant make up her mind" return
ed Josiah, fussing about the table. 81
must own myself at a loss. | want
to give 'em both fair play, you under
stand. but hang me if know what to
do"
why not let them strive for her
like knights of old?" the girl suggest
ed, promptly. They're both keen
Why not have a match,
the winner to claim the faire ladye?"
by my life that's wei thought Of"
responded the old sportsman, with
alacrity. "a set, with a novel prize
the hand of the fair Miss Rabbit. 1t
shall be done! Not a word to aunty
It's glorious plan"
Precisely at 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
well. Wei join them later. There .
a little business to transact first, Ell?
But-there goes the bell, by Jove!
I'm expecting another guest tonight"
"Um," said Mr.. Haddock, sur
prisedly. That's awkward, Josh. |
particularly wanted a private five
minutes. You got my letter."
yes" returned Josiah; it's ali
right, Sam. I'll explain
''Mr. Featherstunhow! announced
the maid, and young, good-looking
fellow, perfectly groomed and self
possessed, was ushered in.
Josiah was surprised at his youth
full 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 indeed a pleasure.
Allow me-my old friend, Sam Had
dock.
"Glad to meet you" said Sam, eye
ing him curiously.
Same here" said the young man,
smiling. I've often heard your name
at breakfast; yours,
sir'-turning to his host-"at dinner"
"You received my note?" he went
on; l had hoped
''Quite right" said Josiah, beaning.
"All in good time. Sit down and re-
fresh. Fact is, feel an explanation
is due to you both. When two I'M
acquainted gentlemen are unconscious
rivals"
Mr. Haddock dropped his glass and
rose to his feet. The young man
started a. gave short laugh.
Surely, SIR he said, returning SANS
stare, you are joking? This gentle
Josh" burst out Sam, you don't
mean to tell me that this-er-
stranger aspires to the hand"
Compose yourselves, l beg" said
Josiah, blandly. such is an undis.
putable fact. l think with a little
amicable feeling. however, a salts
factory conclusion may be arrived at.
Gentlemen he went on, springing to
his feet excitedly, Il take it you are
both sportsmen. | know you, Sam
by personal knowledge, and you, Sir,
by repute, to be both keen opponents
of the exhiliarating game. You can't
both have the lady. What l suggest,
therefore, is that you play Tor the
right to make your advances to her.
But the LADY," burst out the young
man.
1.-THE lady has left herself in my
hands," returned Josiah. Sam, you
won't hang back. Mr.. Featherstone-
wall. the stake is worth your efforts.
Hang me, MOI" cried Sam. de-
cisively. "Sir, await your pleasure.
This is very unortrodox, you