The Western news., 1903-01-21
HIS WIFE AND HIS FRIEND

60 HEY was Jusl Ahe '"in
and nothin' but death or women
- could "a parted 'em, and of the
two. | sometimes think women is the
beaterest."
This is a bit wisdom uttered by
rural sage, but he has nothing to 90
with the story and will not appear
again. His wise saw is quoted simply
to serve as an introduction.
There Is sometimes friendship De-
tween man and man that binds them
as firmly as the marriage tie binds
men and women together. There were
two men once between whom such
friendship existed. One of them was
confirmed bachelor. He had assisted
many Of his acquaintances to the altar
but he had no inclination himself to
play leading man to the star of a we'd
ding. The other did not yearn for the
celibate life, and presently he began
to think it was not good for man TO
live alone. The one whose influence
served to bring him to this decision
was good and lovely girl who looked
upOil Lllll NIIu AdNOl. i iS Ae@Ai~ " .-->
one who willed to be benedict was
Charlie. The one who elected to be a
bachelor was John, the sober, dignif1ed
name fitting his stable character to
perfection, though Charlie, out of his
affection, often dwarfed it to the di-
minutive Johnny, which was not fit.
They advised with each other concern
ing their plans and endeavors. and
spent long hours together in the silent
communion that can only come with
perfect understanding.
1t was at the end of one of these
silent hours that. from behind dense
cloud of smoke. puffed from a meer-
schaum pipe, the twin to Johns, Char
lie had spoken Of the new interest
which had arisen.
at won't make a bit of difference,
Johnny, old boy" he said, with burst
of deep feeling. "You shall be one of
the family. There's a place for you
at our fireside and a seat for you at
our table-always. Dlnna forget"
John had seen the way Of the wind,
but he was not one to force a conf
dence and had quietly awaited devel-
opments Meantime, he had been
schooling himself to resign all claims
on his friend and to live without the
undivided companionship that had
grown to be part Of his existence
John was something Of an onlooker in
life, and he had listened before to a
newly accepted lover bestowing upon
his comrade left behind In the race
promises OF undying friendship and flu
ture intimacy. He knew there was an
other factor to be reckoned with. q
whose influence was stronger. To all
appearances he had accepted the in
formation OF Charles approaching
marriage and Of his assurances of un-
interrupted friendship as matter of
course. He said few words only. but
the manner Of their saying was satisfy.
Ing.
After every great decision there fire.
quently comes an upheaval of doubt
A shadow Of doubt was glooming the
horizon Of Charles happiness.
1T won't make 3 bit Of difference
Johnny. old boy" he declared again
looking at his friend with a wistfu
question In his eyes.
"Difference! Why, OF course not,
John answered heartily. Every mar
J should be married. Go on, my boy
God bless you. I'll be following your
| lN
He spoke with an air Of truth thai
was convincing. He who had always
been the soul of honor. gloried in hi.
fall. and told an unblushing falsehoot
with the brazen face Of veteran o1
lies.
John was "best man" at the eventua
; pleasant "round up" in church. All tn,
amenities Of a wedding that came t.
his hand he accomplished with the skill
=. of one long practiced. He was the las
to speak words Of good fellowship ant
to speed the newly welded pair OF
their journey. Then he turned ava,
: wondering what he would do next
e He suffered from the weariness O
; spirit that comes to one left alone an,
2 unoccupied after period filled witt
5 the reckless Joy of living. He was sin
: gularly isolated. He had no relative
, or home ties. and for years he ha,
acted as a gentle father to the one h
called friend. Charlie was younre
and of lighter nature than John. an,
his boyiSh, warm-hearted impulsiye