Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1907-07-17
THE END Of A GAY
SEASON
TOriGinal.1


That is, they all wanted her-at least,
all but Cyrus Weatherby. who didn't
seem to want any girl. He was shy,
solemn, plodding sort Of fellow, sell
dom taking any part in the amusement
of the young people who were the
gayest of gay farmers sons and daugh-
tiers.
If there was one among the SWANS
who was considered to have any better
chance with Madge than the others it
was Tom Hatch, but this was rather
on account of his superior audacity
than any special encouragement Madge
had-at least, publicly-shown him. AS
Madge could have had any of the
young men, so Tom could have had
any of the young women. There was
only one Of them that he wanted, and
that was Madge.
The winter was a gay one, and the
young people of the neighborhood,
copying from their city cousins, re-
beginning Of Lent. When a number Of
them were together one evening some
one of the party suggested that they
should wind up the season by grand
frolic.
Suppose" said Cyrus Weatherby in
his usual serious tone and manner.
1--WE have mock elopement."
There was burst of laughter at the
sedate Cyrus making such PROPOSE
ton, which caused him to blush red as
a rose, followed by universal assent.
Tom Hatch, as he usually did, took
the lead, resolved that If he had not
made the suggestion he would be at
least the moving spirit in carrying 1t
out. He suggested Madge as the fem
mime principal in the runaway and
that she was to choose the masculine
principal. Madge accepted the role
and said that since Cyrus had made
the proposition he should be the man
in the case. There were laughter and
clapping of hands at this, and. since it
was evident that no refusal would be
accepted, Cyrus blushingly consented.
The plan when completed was this:
Cyrus was to call on certain night at
Madge was to descend by a trellis,
and the two were to mount and dart
away. One of the pursuing party was
to be stationed at the bridge, half a
mile up the road, and when the clippers
crossed it he was to give signal, and
the whole party was to ride after
them. The clippers were to make for
the Washington tavern, ten miles
away. If they got there before being
caught, they were to be considered as
having escaped and been married. If
not, they We're considered to have been
supper at the tavern-a mock wedding
supper.
At the appointed hour Cyrus made
his appearance under Madge's window.
She descended the trellis, mounted,
and the two sped away like the wind.
When they dashed over the bridge,
a mounted man beside it fired shot.
which rang out clearly on the still air.
and merry party of boys and girls
gave chase.
Cyrus and Madge had not gone far
before 1t became evident that Cyrus, II
stupid in other respects, had had the
sense to secure couple Of thorough
bred horses. A full moon shining on
snow fields made the road light as day.
The clippers rather held in their steeds
at first; but, having traversed half the
distance and hearing clatter closing
up behind them, they loosened their
reins, to reach the goal fully ten min
utes before any of their pursuers.
Tom Hatch had the next best horse
to the fleeing couple and rode up to the
tavern before any other Of the pursu-
ing party. A couple of steaming horses,
over each of which blanket had been
thrown, stood at the tavern door. Dis
mounting, he entered the living room
and saw the clipping couple standing
at one end, man in white necktie
opposite. Tom was just In time to hear
the words:
1t did not take Tom long to get the
situation into his head. There was a
sinking at his heart, but he put on the
best face he could and, going out just
as the rest Of the party were riding up
to the tavern, shouted:
"We've been sold! They're married!'
AS the party came up In couples the
fact was made known. and when the
hindmost couple arrived all entered the
tavern. shouting. laughing and dancing
up to the young man and wife. who
stood ready to receive congratulations.
"And now. landlord" said one Of the
men, bring on the supper"
A pair of folding doors were thrown
back. and there stood the father and
mother of the bride. one at each end
Of well loaded table.
'I'm sorry" said the father, 'at the
informality Of this wedding. but our
Madge always was madcap. and we
were obliged to consent to this arrange
ment. She and Cyrus Weatherby have
been engaged for some time and We're
to have been married shortly. It's only
a little ahead of time Come in.
friends. and partake of the marriage
| feast
There was merry supper, during
which every one was joyful but Tom
| Hatch, who could not be expected to be