The new enterprise. (Madison, Fla.) 1901-1908, 1908-04-02

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a twinkle in his eye, to the proprie
tor OF that institution
See here my friend; I am COINS
to marry lady next week, and wani
this vest on that occasion. You just
see that II shines, win your"
THAT will sir, and long life and
prosperity to yourself and the lady
sirl" said the man. touching his hat
with great satisfaction. Uncle Joe
surveyed bis vest on its return from
the laundry. calling Kate in as she
passed his door:
FT'll be such handsome man when
I get myself up in that vest, that
you'll wish you had taken me instead
OF Harry"
Judge Of our surprise and dismay,
when, in the general confusion that
accompanies a morning wedding, I'm
Gle Joe's voice was heard anxiously
calling:
"Elizal Sister Elizal Have you seen
anything Of my white vest? l put IL
here in this drawer, and II is gonel"
ut cannot be possible, joe" said
mother, hurriyng in, best cap in hand.
You've forgotten where you put it."
'I'm not so old that I've lost my
memory, replied he, little testify,
for his good humor was being severe
ly tried. "Please look yourself; may
be you'n have better luck"
In vain mother searched through
drawers and trunks till she was out
of breath; the vest was not to be
found.
Father offered his very best one,
but Uncle Joe shook his head
Mine is the latest cut-just your
style, uncle" urged John; but it was
of no use.
Arraying himself in his ordinary
black vest, Uncle Joe whispered
through Hates key hole;
81 think, after all, you'd better take
Harry; for ell my glory is departed
the white vest is no more!"
To Nat was assigned the important
position Of doorkeeper, and he per-
formed his duties in a most mastery
way, waving people in and bowling
them out with a dignity that amused
us all.
''He is well dressed, too, remarked
mother, with great satisfaction; "he
told me he was saving his money to
buy coat for the wedding, and that
white vest is an old one Of fathers
gave him myself
When New Years day came round,
Nat grinning from ear to ear, begged
as we were quiet people and did not
receive" that he might hire himself
out for the day to our neighboT. Mr.
Lawrence.
They're going to hab big doings
over dere; gas and ice cream and
white kid gloves, and I'm going to
tend doorl"
Late in the afternoon, father rang
Mr.. Lawrence's door bell to offer his
New Year greeting and was ushered
into the hall by Nat with an air that
would have done credit to a French
dancing master. Then, as a fresh
group Of callers engrossed that gen
tleman's attention, father stepped back,
listening with amusement to Mats
Compliments oh de season, sahi"
But something in that colored gem
tleman's appearance surprised him,
and the result of his investigations
was made known to us an hour after
ward, as we sat round the back-parlor
crate:
"The rogue had gotten himself up
in my coat, mother-the one you like
so well, and which has been missing
ever since Hates wedding; and j YER
fly believe he wore that identical
vest Of Joe's that disappeared so mys-
teriously about the same time. re-
member" he added with a twinkle in
his eve, that you thought him we'll
dressed upon that occasion, and 1t is
no wonder. / guess, though. you
looked at him without your glasses,
motheri"
The next day Nat was interviewed,
but was quite indignant at the charge
made against him.
Il neber stole in all my lifel Why,
/ wouldn't steal for no money nor no
bodyl"
upon Deins questioned more closely
he explained his conduct ia this wise.
4 only borrowed de coat. sab. II
was when Miss Kate was married. II
was sort OF lyin' round and didn't
seem to be oh no use to nobody. and
/ knowed you all wanted me to look
nice, 50 just borrowed it,"
Where did you get that vest2r de-
man ed father. sterniy.
well II just fitted me and came In