Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1903-12-05

Cobb's twins were in their places when
he entered the room. Ezekiel came in
next, and Quincy's quick eye discerned
that there was a look of quiet content
.nent on his face which had not been |
there before.
Uncle Ike came down with Alice, and
for the first time since her arrival she |
sat beside Quincy. For some reason
OF other the conversation Jagged. |
Quincy surmlsed that Ezekiel was toe
happy With his own thoughts to wish
to talk. and Uncle Ike rarely conversed
during meal time. He said he could
not talk and eat at the same time. and
as meal time was for eating he pro-
posed to give Ills attention to that ex-
clusively.
Quincy ventured few commonplace
remarks To alice, to which she replied
pleasantly. He was at loss for top
ic, when he remembered his last visit
to Mrs. Futnam's and recalled his
promise to bring Alice to see her some
day.
He spoke of listing Mrs. Putnam,
and Alice's face Immediately shone
with pleasure. Dear old Aunt Hep
Ply! must go and see her as soon as
| can"
"If you can find no better escort
than myself. trust you will command
my services, unless said Quincy,
your brother thinks it unsafe to trust
you with me-
"He won't be likely to let you drive,
Alice" responded Ezekiel dryly,. 80
don't think there will be any danger"
Quincy knew by this remark that
Hubby had told Ezekiel the facts of the
case, but he maintained his composure
and said, ANY time you wish to go.
Miss Pettengill. am at your service"
AS they arose from the table Ezekiel
said to his uncle, 81 am coming up in
your room tonight, Uncle Ike. to see
you"
Quincy knew by this that the pleas
ant chat in the dining-room beside the
fireplace was to be omitted that even
ing, SO he went up to his own room
and read until it was time to retire. 2
Quincy was up early next morning.
He knew his uncle could not live long,
but he wished to take the trained
nurse to Eastborough Centre, SO he
might have the best of care during
the short time left to him on earth
He found Ezekiel at the breakfast ia
BILE, and beyond few commonplace
remarks the meal was eaten in silence.
"Are you going to Eastborough Cen
tire today, Mr.. Sawyer" asked Ezekiel.
Yes said Quincy; 81 intended to
go just as soon as one of the boys
could get the team ready"
"I'll speak to Jim about It," said Re
kiel. eff you will step into the parlor,
Mr. Sawyer, would like to have a few
minutes talk with you"
Ezekiel went out into the barn and
Quincy walked into the parlor, where
he found bright fire burning on the
hearth. He threw himself into an
easy chair and awaited 'Zekiel's return.
What was up? Could Ezekiel and Hull
dy have parted, and was Ezekiel glad
OF it? Quincy, as the saying is. pass
ed a "bad quarter of an hour" for he
did not like suspense. The truth, how
ever bitter or unpalatable, was better
| than uncertainty.
Ezekiel entered the room and took a
seat opposite to Quincy. He bent for
ward and placed his hands upon his
| knees.
'.Mr. Sawyer" said he, 81 am a man
of few words, SO will come right to
IilC PSllll' Iluiuy anu liz al Z
engaged to be married"
Quincy was equal to the occasion.
He arose, stepped forward, and extend
grasped it unhesitatingIy. Quincy
said. Accept my most sincere congrat-
ulations, Mr.. Pettengill. have known
Miss Mason but short time, but any
man ought to be proud of her and hap
Ply in her love-"
THANK you, Mr. Sawyer" said Re
kiel; 81 agree with you in both the
particulars you've mentioned, but both
Of us have what we consider good rea-
sons for not having our engagement
known in the village Just at present.
and to keep it a secret we need the as
sistance Of mutual friend
IF l might aspire to that honor"
said Quincy, my time and services
are at your disposal"
That's what told Hubby" said Re
| I1iel "but she was afraid that you
would be veyed at what the gossips
said about you and her: she's mad as
a hornet herself. and she wants to
teach them a lesson"
Personally" said Quincy 81 don't
care what the gossips say, but was
both sorry and indignant that they
should have referred to Miss Mason in
the way they did"
| 'tWell," said Ezekiel. 1--WE have hatch.
ed up a sort of plot. and if you will
help us, all three of us will have some
fun out of it..
We'll" INQUIRED Quincy, whats my
share in the fun?"
| Its this" said Ezekiel, "you know
you used to take Hubby out to ride
with you. To help out our plan. would
you be willing to do it AGAIN."
| Certainly" replied Quincy sMiss
| Mason has been confined to her room
so long think she ought to have some
| fresh air"
That's true" remarked Ezekiel;
"she's lost considerable flesh staying
in so long; but if took her out tc
ride they would jump at conclusions
right off and say Hubby and 'Zekie
have made up, and they will guess we
are going to make a match of it. Ther
again." Ezekiel continued ..Huldy says
she's bound to have it out with the
one that started the stories. There's
no use mincing matters between us
because you know as well as do who
lis at the bottom of all this tittle-tattle
Since refused to join hands with hin
to try and drive you out of town, ht