Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1905-04-25
CHAPTER VIII.-(Continued.)


CHAPTER vIII.-(Continued.)
What wilt thou, m'sieur-a marriage
|eircleti BY our lady, with thy yellow
locks and sturdy limbs 1 wot thou'd
make bonny bridegroom
The idlers about Uttered, nudging
each other with sly winks, and Simon
to cover his confusion fell on his knees
ON the door, making show of examin-
ing some trinkets that were in a
channels skin bag.
81 Twere FOOLS work, Simon, to buy
the ring unless thou hast thy sweet
hearts sure promise" young Hugh
Haggott called from his place near the
door.
The wary peddler thought to try an
other tack. Fumbling among his
wares, he soon produced handful of
silver heart shapes strung on fine
chains, and, selecting one, he dangled
1t enticingly before Simon's eyes.
Happen thou and thy maid have
quarreled," he observed, IAN thou
would carry one Of these to her for a
peace gift. 'Twould bring thee luck in
thy courting," he added persuasively
as he saw a CLEAN Of desire for the
gewgaws in Kempster's eyes. ooh,
rare luck, m'sieur, I do promise thee,
and only shillings! Half the price I
paid for them in the principal mart in
Parish"
Forcing the chain into Simon's hands
as IL 1t were settled fact that he had
purchased it, the vender turned his at
tention to the securing Of other Gus
toners.
''Silver, heartsr' he cried Justify.
"Sure harbingers Of good luck and q
successful wooing! Cheap at shill-
ings! Contains a charm which will
/ cause the most trif1ing or stubborn
maid to o'ercome her scruples and
name the wedding day."
In those early days, at that time of
superstition and firm belief in signs
and magic, the word charm had a
strong attraction. Men lettering about
the door drew closer to the man dis
playing his wares and regarded the sill
yer hearts with interest. Simon delved
into his pocket and brought out the 4
shillings.
81 truth, / ha' not much faith in
what thou doth say of the CHARM" he
said, rising awkwardly, with a hot
flush on his face, 'but as It's pretty
trinket will take one of thee"
Now who's ne1tY cried the peddler
els this the only gentleman who is to
speed well on his wooing?"
He wheeled around suddenly, and
his glance falling again on Josiah
Taunston, who was now looking on
. with much interest, he cried, with an
appearance Of sympathy: Solemn Wis
aged sir, mayhap thy sadness is due to
the caprice Of thy sweetheart. If tits
so, carry her one of these, and thy
Is thine in less than fortnight. Dia-
BILE! These charms have never failed!'
Taunston put down his tankard and
lounged over to the man, assuming an
appearance Of Indifference as he han
died the trinket
Ahu uaSt udu prOOl VI tAc fdiuc VI
the charm these contain?" he asked In
low, stern tone.
"Aye, marry" cried the vender,
"many more than y can tell. I am
known from one end Of the country to
the other by all languishing lovers!
Why, fair sir" with convincing homes
ty OF tone and manner, "the mobiles buy
Of me, and I have even been admitted
at the court. Ny love charms are
world famed! Step up, m'sieurs, only
shillingsv' he called.
"By the mass I had sure proof OF
their value within the month" he con.
tinued, addressing Josiah, but speaking
In loud voice SO that all might hear
"At sterndorf, over the mountain,
was delayed by the storm and had 9
room In the tavern there next to gal