Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1908-05-21

| were standing on the porch in the
clear winter sunshine when Abner
Boyden drove by.
He lifted his hat and the smile he
gave Bess made the color flame in
her cheeks. Nothing was said until
the little crimson cutter rounded the
bend in the road and was lost to sight.
| He might have invited you to share
that lap robe, Sis" teased John. He's
fine fellow If he had ever learned
to talk"
"Oh, don't know, He talks-some-
times" answered Bess. laughing.
You don't say! Well, you are the
only one that knows IT,"
1T would appear better If some 9th
ers said less" replied she.
"Oh, come now. don't be personal.
| only mean that he will not give a di-
rect answer, just plain yes or no. He'll
| get around il some way"
Bess laughed again. I'll admit that
he is funny, but | bet that / could
make him say yes" said she conf
IDENTIFY.
"Oh, nonsense! You amt so many!
The boys have tried all kinds of ways.
He always appears TO be giving an an
swcr, but when you simmer it down
you've got nothing but a superstition" y
Bess looked so aggravatingly conf
dent as she tapped the floor with the
toe of her slipper, the saucy dimples
coming and going in her smooth cheek,
that John said testify: That's all
right, but I'll bet you a silk dress
against 80 cent necktie that YOU
can't get either yes or no-plain, di-
rect yes or no, mind you-out of him,
Miss Bess.'
"All right, take the wager" re-
piled she.
Bess did not see Abner for some
time after this, but one clear, spark
ling night there was a spelling school
some ten miles away.
The great sled with its wagon box
full OF clean oat straw was well filed
when they called for her. Her heart
beat a happy tattoo when Abner in
lifting her into the sleigh gave her a
sly embrace.
Bess had forgotten all about her
wager until it was recalled to her
mind by a jeering look from John,
What reason has John TO make game
of him? 1t isn't a bit nice she
thought angrily. She entirely ignored
her part of the transaction.
The spelling school was one of those
old-fashioned affairs where they chose
sides and spelled down. Abner and
Bess had been among the first called
and were the last TO 90 down. Bess
tripped on one letter, and Abner, ia
king from her lips, spelled it cor
rectly.
Bess sat down half vexed "Oh,
knew it well enough, but you were in
such a hurry you didn't give me fair
show" she said petulantly.
Abner looked at her gravely. 1T
wasn't very much of triumph. / am
inclined to think; l believe that per
haps you are the better speller, every
one makes mistakes at times, and a
single letter."
The reply was so characteristic
that Bess laughed, quickly restored
TO good humor, until John leaned over
her shoulder and whispered in her
ear: Check"
She looked at him angrily, and in
the same low tone, said: You are just
horrid, John Barnes!"
AS they were starting for home
Abner again lifted her into the sleigh
and took his seat beside her. The
horses, fractions at best, had stood in
the open shed until they were well
nigh unmanageable, and the driver
was unused to four horses.
1T rather looks like we might have
spill" said Abner, Il really think
will be compelled to hold you very
close" his lips very near her cheek
and his arm around her waist.
The runners creaked on the frosty
snow, the stars glittered in the dark
vault above. and the air was like
elixir. 1t was night to make the
senses run riot with the very JOY oi
living. One commenced to sing and
all joined in with more noise than
music.
oh shut up" called the driver
nervously. The horses were pungins
and curvetting, more than willing to
be frightened
II almost think ! will have to hold
you closer, IL really looks as If pos
sibly some one might get hurt before
we reach home" whispered Abner
giving Bess an extra hug.
Would you care-much?" whispered
Bess in the same low tone. her evil
genius at this moment recalling hel
foolish wager.
Il think you know hope yor
know this time touching her cheek
with his lips.
"Ah-e-m!" came Johns voice mock
ingly over her other shoulder.
Abner hastily withdrew his arm anC
neither he nor Bess spoke again dur
ing the remainder of the ride. Abnel
lifted her from the sleigh. merely saw
ing goodnight at the door.
Bess was furious with John. "Yor
thought you were smart making you
ill-bred comments so that he could
hear. them. He'll never speak 10 m,
again ~ che ctorpod