The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1907-08-27
well, young man, you have come at

We'll, young man, you have come at
Iast!"
The salutation was so widely differ
ent from what / had anticipated that
merely stared in imbecile fashion
and nodded my head feebly She was
a very majestic old lady, tall, massive,
and cycling me severely through pair
Of gold spectacles in what felt to be
a rather disparaging fashion. l had
approached the house with a stern re
solve to meet Leslies grandmother as
a dignified sutton for that young lady's
hand should do, courteous. but ready
to assert myself as a gentleman of
spirit and Independent means Still,
had not counted upon such a chilling
reception.
Madame, began respectfully, my
name is Jones, and"
She checked me with a queenly
wave of her hand
That" she said Jelly, has nothing
to do with the matter in hand. What
l want to know is, whether you can
beat carpet?"
The question was a totally unex-
pected and surprising one. Leslie's
grandmother, 1 decided. must be a
peculiar old lady, but after all the an
swer was easy.
yes, madame" responded, "but If
may be permitted to"
That will be all for the present,
she interrupted haughtily. Come with
mel"
Il followed meekly without ventur.
ing to protest further. Evidently there
was a mistake somewhere, which
would reveal itself later. She led the
way to q back yard, where a carpet OF
goodly proportions hung pendant from
clothes line. A couple of heavy
sticks lay close at hand, to which she
pointed with a commanding air. The
situation was embarrassing, but not
without humorous features, and 1 re
solved TO adapt myself to circum.
stances as they stood.
With your permission" 1 said. q
will first remove my coat"
She inspected the garment critically
as laid it down.
That CLOTH" she commented, SIS OF
much too fine a texture for one in your
position in life"
1t was gift from my-my uncle,
I responded apologetically.
Nevertheless, she returned severe
ly, you are hardly justified in wear
ing it on everyday occasions.
l bowed respectfully and then, seiz
ing club, began vicious attack upor
the carpet.
BE careful that you don't mutiIatt
it, young man" said the stern voice.
NO. indeed, madame!"
And be sure to shake it properly
Il Will, madame!"
Il am going out, but my granddaugh
ter has instructions regarding you"
She fingered a moment, and 1 trem
bled, fearing lest the obvious fin,
quality of my tie and breastpin SHOULD
attract her attention, but she left
without making any further remarks
l pounded vigorously away at the car
pet. When 1 start thing like tt
finish it and l had determined to se'
this through to the bitter end.
Suddenly a silvery peal of laughte
ioated across the yard. 1 glanced a
a nearby window and beheld Leslie'
mischievous face watching me will
sparkling eyes. Without relaxing thu
solemnity of my features continued
my labors. There was another scath
ing burst of laughter, followed by tn,
announcement:
Grandma thinks you are the maj
from Parkers, who does the choresl"
preserved a dignified silence.
She told me to watch carefully ant
give you 80 cents when you have fin
ishedi"
made no reply and welded tn,
club sayagely. Leslie giggled exasper
atingly again, and then spoke in NOR
soothins accents.
But really, Bob, she says you ar
quite ont of the common. Grandm
is awfUly nearsighted, but she coul,
see thaH you were not an ordinar.
young man"