Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-03-02
Three Times and Out @@
By ELENoR.A E. REBER-

' OBN BENION was Tn despair. He
 had borne up twice under like afliction, but the third was little too much even for one of his proven long suffering disposition. His trouble con- sisted in nothing more nor less than the fact that his sister, who had been his housekeeper but one short year, had just told him of her intention to marry Timothy Martin.
 Great Scott, Millie, thought you said you would not marry if brought you out here"
 ''I did, John, but wise men sometimes change their minds. and you know that is every wonan's prerogative. especial ly in case like this"
 "But what am to do?"
 NSend for Janet" N.
 "Not I. have brought the last sister am going to out here, just to have them marry when begin to think they are going to stay by me-"
 "Well, then, why don't you marry some one yourself and be sure of always having housekeeper?"
 Sure of nothing. She would prob- ably elope with the first strange settler that took a claim within 25 miles. Tim Martin can't give you half as good a home as you have here, Millie,' he con- tinued. You'd better stay with me-"
 "I know, Jack, his house isn't much more than half as big as yours. and there isn't tree anywhere near 1t, and maybe he won't ever have as many acres in his farm as you have, but love him, Jack, dear" she whispered into her brothers ear, land I know I shall be happy with him, and I know that couldn't be happy. now, without him. You don't understand, Jack, how it is. I wish you would fall in love with some nice girl. then you would know. Twill come over every week and clean and bake and help you all that can, but r. can't stay"
 And then John stroked her hair gently and told her it was all right, and said he would get on we'll enough, for Millie was his favorite sister, and he could not bear to see her distressed.
 Martin is a good fellow and doing well, and if she must marry I would rather it would be him than any of the others I know around here But 1t is rather hard on me, just the same,' he thought.
 John Benton was one of the first set tiers in that section of the country, and he had the best location the land around afforded A creek cut his farm in two, and he had acquired several sections skirting the stream on both sides, thus getting running water for his cattle, and also securing little timber, and some of the wild fruits which grew along the stream. It was really beau- tiful place, and he had built good, sub- stantial buildings upon it, instead of mere skeletons, as most people did at first. When everything was ready he asked his oldest sister to come out and live with him. She did so and stayed with him two years. then married a neighbor. Another sister was invited to take her place in his home, and she, too, married after a time. Now Millie was also preparing to follow in their footsteps.
 < s'I would marry some girl if knew one who could keep house decently and who would be willing to go into it on 3 business basis; but these girls are so silly and care more for a little senti- ment than they do for a good home There isn't anyone around here that I'd want, though, and I can't go travelling around the country looking for one, so suppose I might as we'll settle down into a confirmed bachelor, and learn to do my own housework," he unused to himself that evening.
 The next morning he was driving across the country on an errand to a neighbours when there suddenly came into view on a little knoll in front of him woman, who, when she arrived at its top, looked aroundin every direction, then. seeing him, waved her hand and started toward him.
 Some tenderfoot who is Iost,'' unused Benton, as he drove toward her.
 How do you do," the woman, who proved to be a young and pretty one, said, as she came within hearing dis tance. "I wonder If you can tell me where T. am. I am boarding at MT Whites, and guess the unbroken whiteness of this prairie must have con- fused me, for am lost. started for the schoolhouse. but I am sure have gone farther than it is from the house. T
 You don't mean to say that you have walked all the. way from Whites this lmorning?" exclaimed John, touching his cap to her. Why, that is five miles. Aren't you nearly frozen?"
 No. am not cold" she answered, t"but feel as though had walked ten times five miles,
 Well, you can't walk back, that s sure, and if you will allow me will take you over. It won't be great deal put, of my way"
 | Although he spoke thus questioning I)y, he alighted to assist her into the i teigh, for there was obviously no other course open to her than to aceept his offer.
 T am John Benton" said the man, by way of introducing himself. '"That is my home you see back half mile. Per ihaps you've heard MT. White speak of me-