Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1907-08-14

gossip of the town
Congressman Blank of the district
had been captured by the town to
conclude the ceremonies with an ora
ton, much TO the chagrin OF the
neighboring village OF Sunville. A
rivalry, not always good-natured. had
existed between the two communities
since earliest recollection.
1t was the evening of the second OF
July and the regulars had gathered at
the general store. Abe Crabtree had
been late in arriving, although to ad-
init that IL had taken his best plead
fngs TO persuade his wife to allow him
to attend the session would have for
ever deposed him from the throne
Il understand" said Abe, after he
had comfortably seated himself on a
flour barrel. that the Sunville crowd
has hired that air balloon man that
showed up at Windsor with the cir.
Gus"
Before another day had passed the
information was common property and
many there were in a deep quandary,
unable to decide as to which celebra-
ton to attend.
Abe and his wife of course would
attend the Token celebration. Their
daughter Helen. acknowledged by the
young men of the town as the pretti-
est girl in the community, had accept
ed the invitation of Will Duncan, son
OF an old neighbor and the young
couple were TO accompany them. Abe
was chairman of the arrangement
a inc toll
in securing the attendance of Con-
gresham Blank and fully realized the
important part he would play on the
coming holiday.
Jim Duncan, Wills father, when he
heard of the event, planned by the
Sunvillites, Immediately decided that
even his loyalty TO Token could not
prevent him from taking in the balloon
ascension.
VIII was a dutiful son. but the
thought of spending the day without
Helen was not pleasant to him and he
informed his father of the fact
so you don't want to go to Sun
vile with us, WHIP" said his father.
We'll. as long as you are member of
the Duncan household you'll do what
want, understand, young man"
But, father, / have asked Helen
Crabtree to go with me to the cele-
bration here"
Well, the only thing you can do
then. is to see if you cant get her to
accompany you TO Sunvile"
why, ] wouldn't think of such a
thing, WILL she told him. when he
preached the subject to her. You
know fathers going to introduce Con
gresham Blank when he makes his
Grafton, and it would show great dis
respect to go to the celebration of
rival community on such an occas-
ion"
1t was not Helen's objection so
much as her fathers that led to the
quarrel that followed and made Will
decide to attend the Sunville event.
Helen declared his company was not
essential TO her enjoyment Of the day
and VIII Duncan made up his mind
that If such was the case he would ac-
company his parents without her.
The Fourth of July broke bright and
warm. Token was early astir and Abe
Crabtree was not a little disappointed
TO see the number of rigs bound for
Sunville. Jim Duncan, his wife and
VIII were off early to make a day of
1T. On the way the latter more than
once was on the point OF turning
back. He was sorry he had ouarreled
with Helen over such a trivial mat
Ter, but he decided to teach her les.
son. To forget her as much as possI-
bic he busted himself in aiding the
aeronaut in making his preparations
for the ascension.
The balloon had been inflated and
everything was ready for the great
event VIII was just placing the last
oil the bags of sand used for ballast I'm
the basket when a horse. frightened
by the explosion of giant firecracker
dashed by, causing those holding the
big bag to forget their mission for an
instant.
In a moment Will was shooting sky.
ward, accompanied by the cheers OF
those unaware of the accident and the
groans and cries OF horror OF those
who realized what had happened.
When Will awoke to the fact tina.
he was the star performer of the
great Sunville ascension his wits for
moment took fight, but he soon
realized that he was in no immediate
danger and that by allowing the gas in
the bag above him to escape he must
necessarily descend to terra frma
again.
In the meantime the celebration at
Token had been going on with nothing
10 mar the great occasion. Helen
Crabtree, although she attempted to
throttle the feeling. was sorry she had
refused to accompany VIII Duncan TO
Sunville. The pleasant time she had
anticipated had failed to materialize
without his presence. Her father. he.