Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1905-10-05

well, what OF that Z
"I-I have done considerable tsls-
phoning to this Office during the last
year."
"And have you got any complaints
to make?"
Nom"
"Then what ?"
81 thought. That is, II
"Have you been drinking, sirH" de-
manded the old maid in a voice full
of carpet tacks and pounded glass.
"N-n-n-n-o p suffered Mr.. Will
liams, after a great effort.
"Then you are going to have pare
sig, and had best consult a doctor"
Mr.. Williams withdrew. he went
over and sat down in the shade on
the grocery steps. A bob-tsiled dog
came along and tried to make friends
with him, but he would not respond.
One of the hogs sauntering about the
village streets approached and grunt-
ed amisbly, but was kicked at in re-
sponse. The groceryman came out
and, rubbing his hands together, OBJ
served that he had just laid in new
stock of crackers and herring, but the
bachelor never even thanked him for
calling his attention to tue fact.
By.and-by, when the cold chill Of
disappointment had passed away, he
got up and walked to the depot and
took the train for home. His ro-
nance had been shattered and buried.
and he felt small and mean over it.
There was Only one thing left to won
der over. How on earth could that
old maid have disguised her voice as
she had when talking with him2 he
thought over the matter for two or
three days and then dismissed it.
During the next two weeks the
merchant had considerable telephon-
ing to do, but none of it was in the
direction of Sandsville. Not once
was that Office called up, and there
was saving of at least So on tolls
Then there came a day that the Office
had to be called up, and as the bach
elor took down the trumpet he made
up his mind that if it was possible to
do so he would give that old maid
rap.
""Yes, this is Sandsville," came the
answer in a voice that made him
jump. 1t was the clear, sweet voice
to which he had been accustomed.
81 want"-he began and then
stopped.
Eyes ?"
II want Jackson's dry goods store
after while, but just now I want
something else"
What is it2"
"Hsve you got two voices2"
"Why, of course not. What fun
ny question.
care there two Of you, then2
mo. I'm all alone here"
"WelI, I'll be jiggered !" he ex-
claimed to himself, but he heard
giggle from the other end Of the line
and tie same voice he liked to hear
said:
"Shall I call up the new store ?"
"Not yet. Say, l was down at
Sandsvllle the other day.
eyes ?"
81 called at the telephone Office ?"
"Did you?"
"And you wanted to know if l had
been drinking"
"Oh, Mr.. Williams |"
"And when l said no you advised
me to consult doctor for paresis.
"Dld she say that? I'm sorry.
was i'll for a week and had to get
Miss Andrews to take my place, and
she is pretty short with people"
"And it wasn't you in the Office
that day :"
"Of course not.
"Then-then"-
"Then you want the store2"
"Not by jugful. l want you, and
l shall be down on the afternoon
train T.
"But, Mr.. Williams
But Mr.. Williams was hurrying to
the depot to catch the train. and an
hour later was in Sandsville. Three
months later the wedding bells we're
ringing, and everybody said it was a
good match.
"This is the first time you have
been at prayerueeting in long time,
said the pastor Of colored congrega.
ton.
"I had to come" replied Erastus