The Oakes times., 1907-03-21

ave his neck he couldn't gay word
In reply. After making several vain
attempts he walked OF. On his way
home he turned aside and climbed the
fence to speak to Farmer Henderson,
working In his field. Minnie's father
had been posted and was waiting for
his opportunity. Joel had stammered
out tina 1t was hot day and that corn
seemed to be looking up and that he
was afraid that one of his cows had
the hollow horn, when Elisha finished
hilling up hill Of corn and slowly
said:
"Joel, they say that there's going to
be a heap Of windmill and wire fence
men along here this fall, and If any
pf 'em want to board with me for a
week or two shall take 'em In"
''W-why?" asked Joel.
swell, there's Minnie, you know.
It's time she was thinking Of getting
married. Some Of those windmill fel-
lers are smarter than chain lightning
and well on to boot. I've always kind
er thought I'd like one Of them for
son-in-law."
"Mr. Henderson, began poor Joel.
but he had to halt at that. The change
In the attitude of the farmer and his
wife brought a great fear to his heart
and started chills up and down his
back.
minnie amt looking for husband,
you know. She don't have to do that.
but when the right Teller comes along
I guess match will be made. A
piano agent the other day asked me If
she was engaged, and I told him there
wasn't anybody around here good
enough. Yes, it's purity hot day,
Joel, and shouldn't wonder If tomor-
rer would be hotter"
Joel didn't do any work the rest of
the afternoon. He simply sat and
thought. The result was that when
evening came he headed for the Hen
derson homestead. He was going to
see Minnie and find out what had hap
pened. It was Aunt Judith who was
at the gate when he came up, and she
didn't lose any time, saying:
''Young man, guess you've heard
Of me. I'm Minnie's aunt. Walk along
the road with me while talk to you.
You don't want to force yourself upon
family where you are not wanted,
do your
HAS something happenedT' he .anx-
iously asked.
"Well, Minnie's father and mother
have got their eyes open at last. She
has been praised SO much that they
realize she can make good match. I
don't care to tell you what the sewing
machine man said today, but you can
bet 1t was something nice. You know
you hain't just the sort Of man the
Hendersons want for a son-in-law.
Minnie may like you In a way, but
when 1t comes to real love, that's an
other thing. If was you, I wouldn't
waste any more time here"
"But I love Minnie! blurted out
Joel, as he was driven to desperation.
/ "But IL she don't love you what are
you going to do about It? Better give
the thing right up and look for some
other girl. Going home, are you? Well,
good night. Try and think have told
you this for your own good"
Next day a farmers little girl
brought Minnie a note, and half an
hour after receiving it she was down
In the hickory grove talking with Joel.
When she returned to the house, she
looked pale and acted in nervous
manner, but she was not questioned.
Soon after supper she pleaded head
ache and went to her room, and Aunt
Judith and Elisha and Hannah winked
at each other. At O'Clock the house
was quiet. At 10 Aunt Judith entered
the spare bedroom, where husband and
wife sat waiting, and said:
"Well, it's over with. Joel came to
the gate and whistled softly ten min
utes ago, and Minnie, who was all
dressed, slipped downstairs and Joined
him. He had buggy down by the
barnyard gate"
"ARd-and"- gasped the mother as
she began to sob.
"Hannah Henderson, don't be J. a
goose. They'll drive to the preachers
and be married and be back here be-
fore the breakfast dishes are washed.
Joels got wife. Minnie's got hus-
band, and you've got son-in-law, and
4 that's all there is to it.''