Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1903-12-02


planned the circumstances to her. She
had already heard Bills description of
Owens accident and of her part in the
church building schemes. There was
silence for few moments as she stood
looking at the beautiful pony.
what shame the poor child should
have to part with the dear little crea-
tureW she said in a low tone to her
husband. Then, turning to the stran-
ger, she said in clear, sweet tones:
"What do you ask for him?' He
hesitated and then said, lifting his hat
awkwardly in salute, II was Just re-
markin' how that pinto would fetch
S15O down into Montana; but, SEEM as
a lady is inquirin', I'll put him down to
$125."
'Too much" she said promptly; "far
too much, is it not, Bill?"
"Well,". drawled Bill, "if 'twere a
fellar as was used to ladies' he'd offer
you the pinto. but he's too pizen mean
even to come down to the even hun
dred.n
The Yankee took him up quickly.
ssWaal, If were so blanket -pardon,
madam" taking on his hat-''used to
ladies as some folks would like to think
themselves, I'd buy that there pinto
and make present Of 1t to this here
lady as stands before me-" Bill twist
ed uneasily.
'But l amt goin' to be mean. I'll
put that pinto in for the even money
for the lady If any man cares to put up
the STUFF"
''Well, my dear" said the Hon. Fred,
with bow, I'VE cannot well let that
gage lie." She turned and smiled ut
him, and the pinto was transferred to
the Ashley stables, to Bills outspoken
delight, who declared he couldn't have
faced the music ''if that there pinto had
gone across the line" confess, how
ever, ] was somewhat surprised at the
ease with which Hi escaped his wrath,
and my surprise was in no way LESSEN
ed when saw later in the evening the
two partners with the stranger taking
quiet drink out of the same bottle
with evident mutual admiration and
delight.
You're an Al corker, you are! I'll
be blanked If you amt bird-a singln'
bird, reg lar canary" heard Hi say
to Bill.
But Bills only reply was q long, slow
wink which passed into frown as he
caught my eye. My suspicion was
aroused that the sale Of the pinto.might
bear investigation, and this suspicion
was deepened when Gwen next week
gave me rapturous account of how
splendidly Bill had disposed Of ; the
pinto, showing me bills for $3.50. To
my look of amazement Gwen replied:
"You see, he must have got them
bidding against each other, and be-
sides, Bill says pintos are going up"
Light began to dawn upon me, but
only answered that knew they had
risen very considerably In value with
in month. The extra fifty was Bills.
was not present to witness the fin
ishing of Bills bluff, but was told that
when Bill made his way through the
crowded aisle and laid his $3.50 on the
schoolhouse desk the look Of disgust,
surprise and finally of pleasure on
Robbie's face was worth hundred
more. But Robbie was ready and put
down his 5000 with the single remark;
AYE, ye're no as daft as ye looky'
mid roars Of laughter from all.
Then the Pilot, with eyes and face
shining, rose and thanked them all
but when he told of how the little girl
in her lonely shack in the hills thought
so much Of the church that she gave
up for 1t her beloved pony, her one
possession the light, from his eyes
glowed In the eyes of all.