The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-06-26
Our Daily Sport Story

do you know herr"
 Not very we'll. I've only met her a few times; but she's likely looking per- but I think know enough about women to manage that"
 The Squire smiled knowingly, but said nothing. He had his own ideas called upon to express them. Ben Burket was old enough to take care of himself. certainly. He ought to know it was not the Squires lookout. Then, If Ben married the widow, Pixley could not have her, and that was matter of considerable moment in the Squire's estimation, since he was a friend of Joe.
 Beeson saddled his horse and rode with Burket over to Mrs. Morgan's was all ready to be married. Without delay the Squire performed the cere- mony that made her and Ben husband and wife. Pocketing his fee, he said: I've done you all the damage I can, and from this on you will have to fight 1t out between yourselves" Ben took his wife to his own home, and, In order to make his victory over by the school house, so that the latter might see them. Joe had just dls- missed school, and was standing out smile eoH of when tramph he Ben r9as said H "i'h
 
 'Pixley. I want to introduce you to
 Naturally he thought he was dealing Joe a hard blow. and\ he expected to nothing of the kind. He did not seem in the least cast down. Instead, he laughed loud and long and acted as though 1t was all a, good joke. Ben was puzzled at such conduct. and he was more puzzled yet when Joe seid:
 q knew you would fall into the trap, but I didn't think you would do It so soon. l guess we are about even now'
 What do you mean?" Burket asked.
 Nothing" Pickley replied, "only that butt in once too often wish you much joy. Ben. Good evening"
 As Ben continued on his way he fell to pondering Joe's words; What l trap had he fallen into. and what did Joe mean about them being even. and about a man putting In once too often? It was r all, all ineomprshen,siole 1prshe to him
 Then Joe had not seemed in the least disappointed at losing the widow. Rather he had laughed at 1t as if 1t peared to be so highly pleased as though 1t was the one chief thing in his life upon the consummation of
 Ben wondered at these things. but could not understand them-not just l then.
 It was about a week later when Pixley again met Burket. The latter was In a sadly dilapidated condition. l His clothing was torn. and he had one | eye bandaged and one arm in sling. His bride had been giving him little taste of her temper. He was humble. and pitifully meek.
 "Joe," he said, T owe you an apol- ogy I beat you out of the Widow Morgan when had no right to do so. I'm sorry for It."
 q guess you are sorry" Joe replied. q knew you would be- But don't you l bother about me, Ben. You did not l beat me out of her. I never had a thought of marrying that woman. | You never?'
 l Certainly not"
 But you were going to see her?'
 Yes, but I had a purpose in 1t. wanted to get revenge on you Tor the way you always interfered in my at fairs. I knew that if l showed her attentions you would jump in and marry her That was what l wanted"
 Joe walked on, and Ben stood look ing ruefully after him. Presently the latter muttercd:
 And I've got that old vixen on my hands for life! Darn an old fool who hasn't a lick of sense! have cer- tainly butted in once too often"