The Lee County journal. (Leesburg, Ga.) 1904-19??, 1906-07-20

on the face Of each of the girls. Then
they began to giggle The gallant per-
formers looked perfectly at home.
a shout from small boy among the
4 audience broke silence.
What are you doin' there, Sally
Magin?" it called.
Jobs eyes turned upon the other
trio of girls. Sally Magin, snub-
nosed, freckle-faced, prominent cared
virgin, was the nearest to him. The
( other two were but little better favored
Job wondered whether a "booby prize"
had been included
Sally Magin turned a flaming face
toward her aggressor.
If that's Tommy Burn that said
that, his sister was outed first round"
she called back vindictively.
Sally Magin had a temper.
Further discussion was arrested by
a loud call for silence from Mr.. Blink
er.
dead hush fell. Job turned last
glance toward Elizabeth Harmer and
her two companions. His bosom swell
ed. Never before had he realized how
pretty they were. AS each listened to
whispering cavalier a blush mantled
six cheeks.
Mr. Blinker, after clearing his throat
began:
THE judging being now concluded,
ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor
able duty to present the valuable
prizes. The first prize is here-you
can see it for yourselves-a red and
white striped blouse. The first prize,
ladies and gentlemen, has been awarded
with one VOice-in fact, | might say
magnanimOusly-to," here he raised
his voice, ito one whom I will call the
Belle of the Ring The fortunate lady
is Miss Sally Magin."
After stunned moment Of silence a
roar went up that shook the canvas
roof. But Job scarcely heard it. He
felt suddenly faint His eye wandered
from Sally Magin's face about the ring,
then back to Sally Magins face. She
was smiling-directly at him.
The drama of the moment had in
spired gang of young men. Leaping
into the arena they began to lead the
prize-winner toward the spot where
JOB covered. Blouse in hand she came.
while the occupants of the cheaper
seats rocked and swayed in open mirth.
In the meanwhile the two girls who
had stood at her side received a hair
comb and straw pin respectively. But
the presentation was unnoticed An
other shout went up as Sally Magin
sank down by the side of Job.
Job with deeply flushed face, sprang
to his feet. Utter silence fell once
more. Job wavered The stupendous
hush had unnerved him. He sank
down, and the sinking sealed his fate.
A minute later Sally's arm was
through his Her eyes sought first the
blouse and then Job, while the crowd
Numbered reclamation. Only when it
realized that Mr.. Blinker had not com
pleted his announcements did the tur-
MOL cease.
We have now come, ladies and gen.
tlemen," he proceeded with a broad
smile, Ito a stage in the performance
which is p'r'aps the most romantic that
this palatial tent has ever seen. It is |
my pleasure to inform you that over
and above the awards already present |
ed, we have three consolation prizes.
These, ladies, are the biggest on rec2
cd. They consist of nothing less than
these three bachelor gentlemen" He |
indicated his fellow judges
AT sign from him each placed an
arm about his companions waist. The
kissing of a vast indraWn breath sound
ed from the assembly. "And you, gen
tlemen, it will interest you to hear that !
the ladies have accepted their prizes
with the graciousness that marks their
sex"
The hoarse protests of Elizabeth |
Harmer's father were drowned in loud |
murmurings of amazement. The three
blushing girls after a struggle with |
their countenances brought to each a
smile that would have delighted a pho
tographer The evidence of acquies-
cence was convincing. Romance was
in the air.
Mr.. Blinker prepared to step from
his pedestal
ut only remains for me to say, la
dies and gentlemen, that Blinkers
World-Famed Circus will remain here
until the ceremony of marriage has
been fully completed The entire COM
pany welcomes the charming brides,
and that concludes our entertainment
tonight"
Job Yardsley found himself in the
outer darkness with Sally Magin still |
upon his arm.
1T wasn't bad, was it?" he ventured,
'for-for a lark, you knOw?"