The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1908-06-23

slow and sure, but when he sees his
opportunity he'll jump at it, all right,
and probably land his mouse. I'll tell
you what" he continued-"I'n wager
you six perfectly good pairs of gloves
against a pint of half roasted peanuts
that they marry within six months, F"
suggested Fred.
"Well, of course, in these hard times
cannot afford to throw away six pairs
Of gloves" soliIoquized Dolly, "but,
frankly, l feel as If l were taking
money from a child. However, the bet
is on"
Harry Alder came from the house at
this moment and went to the rail of
the piazza, scanned the various groups
of men and girls and at last cried out
to Billy and Martha In their coy
corner
81 say, Billy Richards. it's time you
had a bit of exercise, and wish you
would run the launch around to the
public dock and get the tank filed
with gasoline for our afternoon fishing
trip" he cried, with a merry twinkle
in his blue eyes. sand, by the way,
Martha, would you mind going along
and seeing that he buys gasoline and
not other spirituous liquors around
there? Billy's been awfully absent
minded Of late"
Billy stretched himself, and then
Martha and he went down and Ioos-
ened the little launch Barbara from
her mornings and were soon on their
way around the point to the public
dock Martha made a picture at the
wheel while Billy busted himself with
the little engine.
"Billy Richards" said Martha. mean
while steering the little launch in and
out between the larger boats that lay
in the bay, 1.-The longer | know you
the more stupid you seem to grow"
Martha, my dear girl" answered
Billy, "meH with great minds-great
thinkers-are seldom great takers. and
I'd have you to know that because
don't say things is no sign that do
not think them"
Billy's chest seemed to expand with
this statement Martha turned and
looked at him incredulously.
at may be that have done you an
injustice, Billy" she said, "but as l
recall the past seven years I look In
vain for any great thoughts. deeds or
speeches of yours. Surely great men
say something sometimes"
She let go Of the steering wheel and
turned to see the effect of her sting
ing sarcasm. 1t was a bad move, for
they had neared the dock, and the
Barbara struck hard. throwing Martha
| down on her knees.
Here was Billy's chance to say some
thing rather pertinent, but he let 1t
pass, with the host Of other lost oppor-
tunities. Billy was a wiser man than
any of them thought.
| The boatman made them fast to the
float, and Billy helped Martha out as
| he gave orders to have the tank filled.
He then followed Martha up the run
way which connected the float with
| the land. The tide was very low, ana
the sandy bottom was easily visible
through the clear, shallow water.
Martha stared down at some large
black object In the sand. Billy stared
too.
"Why, it's a stove, Marthap' exclaim-
ed Billy. "Now, If we only had that up
here on dry land we could go to house
keeping right away. Eth. grille. couldn't
weY'
Martha clutched the rail.
as this a proposal. BillyY she asked
in odd tones.
81 guess it is, dear-at least" said
Billy as he put his sunburned hand
over hers, 1--WE been trying to ask you
for the past seven years, and now I've
done it all of a sudden, with the kitch-
en- furniture thrown In. What's my
answerY'
Billy was eagerly waiting for the
answer when tall colored man dress
ed in black frock coat. white tie ana
vest and silk hat touched him on the
shoulder.
'Thar's the stove, sir. and here's
the parson," and with low, sweep
ing bow. hat In hand, he bent his old
back before them.
The situation was irresistible, and
all three, regardless Of race, creed or
color, Joined in a hearty laugh.
I'm afraid the odds are very much
against me-" parted Martha. III
would seem that the only way out OF
it is for me to say Yes Let's e