The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1907-02-28
Stories by Normal Students,
A PROMISE.
BY EDITH A. HULL.


ington lived Robert Brown and
Marion Chase, who with their par
ents were the only white settlers
for a circuit of about five miles.
Bob, as he was called for short,
and Marion, or Macy, as he called
her, were fast friends, and as neither
had any brothers or sisters of their
own, were almost constantly to-
gether.
One day, as they we're as usual
playing in barn not far from either
house, they began to talk of their
future. Macy said II am going to
be queen like mamma read me
about and make everyone do as |
want them to-" mo, you won't
either" he quickly said, You're
going to marry me and I'm going
to be a big preacher like Mr..
Myers" II shan't marry you, Bob
Brown, so there" she said. You
will, I'll make you," Whereupon
he thrust her into an empty meal
bin, closed the lid, and deliberately
sat upon it, saying, Now, Macy
Chase you've got to promise you'll
marry me before I'll let you out. ;"
Her tears were of no avail until in
humility she promised and he. very
forgivng now, lead her to the house
saying, Now don't you forget !"
Before she could answer they heard
a rush of horses feet and big
Indian swooped down FROM his
saddle, grabbed Bob, and galloped
away before Marion could get her
breath. Bob's mother, hearing the
horse. rushed out followed by Mrs.
Chase; both women were alone with
no horses and before they could
notify their nearest neighbors, the
Indians had had a good start. And
altho a very extended search was
made, nothing was ever heard from
him and deep sorrow reigned upper
most in the loving hearts he had
left behind for many years.
Marion, altho but four years old
at the time had had this scene so
impressed upon her mind that she
never forgot her friend Bob nor her
promise, and used to tell her mother
that she would never forget it or
break it.
Years passed--Marion was now a
young lady, and her parents sent
her east to fashionable school in
Boston. Here she met Victor
Bently, young Western fellow of
wealth and influence who on the
eve of her graduation told her the
old, old story of love. And she
must have forgotten her promise
to Rob for she said, "Yes."
After commencement, she in
company with Victor Bently start
ed for her home. On the way he
related to her something Of his life.
How he had been found when about
nine or ten years old in New Mexico
By Uncle Ben Bently, as he learned
to call him, Uncle Ben had cared
for him until his death when he had
left vast fortune to him. He had
then come East to complete his
education. And did you never
find clue as to whom your parents
were ?" she asked. mo, but
Uncle Ben advertised as best he
could and he said the only thing I
seemed to remember of my former
home besides the Indians was the
one word Macy which" bob
you are Bob l know it, she cried,
because that is what you used to
call me. Don't you remember how
you shut me up in meal bin"
Yes. l remember that, but thought
twas only dream" More ex-
plantations followed.
When they reached her home the
happiness of all these reunited peo-
pie was indescrlbable and a great
thanksgiving arose from the lips of
these parents who had waited and
mourned so long for their son.