The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1904-11-04
There is no selling cor glvlng) At the

"There Is no selling cor glvlng) 1T the
| Bancroft's. However. We'll compromise
this once and do little trading. Since
you are so tired of eating fish 1--WE are
not), it'll be an act of charity TO take
them from you. Well call it even for
| the eggs, so return your money. 1t will
not be prudent for you to repeat your
buying and selling method of market
! ing, as the dog is on watch at the nests.
Yours truly, ROANNA BANCROFT"
"Well," thought Dolf, "the old maid
isn't without a sense of humor, but I
wish my wits were as sharp as my ap-
petite, and I'd know how to get some
thing for supper"
what are you tagging for, Dolf?"
called Jerry. II thought you'd have
supper ready for u.s."
"Well, you've got another thought
coming" said Dolf, gruftly, and he pro-
ceeded to confess to the correspondence
that had passed between himself and
"Old Maid Bancroft"
'It's up to you, Dolf," asserted Jerry,
emphatically, Ito provide the material
for our supper. hope you aren't going
to be outwitted by q woman, and single
woman at that"
mot T." was the firmly uttered re-
Spouse. "Would bread and milk and
berries do for this once?"
Jerry and Jack agreed that the menu
would be satisfactory. Dolf took the
water pail and again wended his way
woodward. They asked him no ques-
lions. Dolf was not given to revelations
of plans until after fuldllment. It was
| not long before he returned with pail
| full of warm milk.
1.-THE COWS were in the pasture, and I
played the role of the merry milkmaid,"
related Dolf, as they gathered about the
festive and knotted board. Zone pa
tient, gentle animal overatocked with
milk and grateful to me for my inexperi-
enced but effectual efforts to relieve her
of her load"
| II wonder what Roanna will think
when she comes to milk that partic-
ular cow" exclaimed Jack. delightedly.
'Roanna will not attempt to milk that
particular COW, for around the neck of
| the bovine I wound a wreath of rope
studded with field flowers, and to this
wreath I fastened tobacco bag con-
tanning the half dollar and note inform
ing the fair Roanna that her purloin
had forced me to help myself to a supply
of human kindness. I boldly and illegi-
bly, signed my own name so as not to in
criminate you fellows"
II wonder what her next move will
beg"
II will stay in ambush tomorrow and
find out" said Dolf.
Early morning, however, disclosed the
fact that Roanna had moved quickly. A
note pinned to the fly of the tent in
formed one Dolf Sewell that the moon
light and man had tempted her to q
row on the river. AS they wished to
avoid pulling up stream they had left
the boat three miles below at Craw-
ford's landing. There was postscript
conveying the intelligence that the half
dollar in payment of boat hire would be
found in the bait can.
well. Roanna is not 30 slow!" OBJ
served Jerry. wonder if she really had
a man! She's q scarecrow in appear
ance."
1T was the hired man, doubtless"
said Jack. II saw him one day at the
post Office. He is meek, bossed-look-
ing individual. But you are going to
take the next trick, aren't you, Dolf?"
"Of course. l am going to force her
hand" he replied.
Picking up the covered basket he went
way to the farm. He gathered huge
handfuls of delicate forest flowers and
quantities Of fragile ferns.
-"Old maids always go daffy over such
stuff,' he said to Jerry, whom he passed
en- route, land am going to present her
with these"
He walked boldly up to the austere-
looking front door, which was opened
to his ring by brown-eyed, brown
| tressed vision of girlhood.
! IL would like to see Miss Bancroft"
he said, in surprised voice.
II am Miss Bancroft" came the as
tonishing reply, in tone vibrating with
chords of amusement "You are-Mr.
A. Camper?"
| It was easier now
Eyes; likewise Dolf Sewell. Is it you
with whom have been trading?"
1T Is. Walk in, and we'll settle &C.
counts"
She led the way into a room that quite
harmonized with his original ideas of
Miss Bancroft. White, kalsomined
walls; four Enthusiastically alike-in as
many corners. each turned politely and
obliquely towards it's vis-a-vis; a mar
ble-top center table and an organ fur
nished the room in odd contrast to Miss
Bancroft's shirt waist Suit and fuffed
pompadour.
Upon her invitation, he seated him
self in one of the corner chairs, while
she occupied the stool before the organ.
Did you find your boat and money ?"
she asked, demurely.