Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-05-29

Come, now, wouldn't you act Jest like
that under the same clrcumstancesT
I'll hardly think So" replied the
woman after moments thought.
But you hain't red headed, you see,
and that makes heap OF difference.
Mebbe you couldn't be made jealous.
but red headed women and Jealousy go
together. Lord, but when she sees my
arm stealing around your waist she'll
grow foot taller In mint"
"But couldn't allow that, SAM"
ooh. yes. you could, Mary. You'll al
low II for old times sake. Your con.
science has always troubled you for
the way you throwed me down. and
I'm telling you that this is the last
chance for me. IL lose the Wilder
Grimes I'm gone coon. The turtle
doves will never COO for me again"
There was more talk. and the Widow
Spooner finally gave doubtful aud
reluctant consent. She warned Sam,
however, that he was taking chances
and must put up with consequences.
A day and hour were named for him
to drive over again. and he went home
with smile on his face for the first
time In weeks. When the day came
for him to head for Parkville again he
drove Mt slow pace past the Plum
Tree farm.
The Widow Grimes was out among
the cabbages killing slugs. She saw
| ht,,, aud x,ovad hos hand h,,t ba took.
ed straight ahead and never stopped.
This was to make her wonder what
was up. The other widow was ready.
and in an hour or so the old white
horse and democrat wagon came trot-
ting back. Tho Widow Grimes stood
in the open door. They saw that she
did. and Sam chuckled and cackled
and whispered to his companion:
"It's world beaten. Mary. Lean on
me as IL you loved me half to deathw
Mary leaned. and two minutes later.
as they were square In front OF the
house, he said:
Now my arm goes around your
waist. The Wilder Grimes sees 1t.
Her heels are lifting up. dasn't look
at her, but know that her face Is as
red as beet. The demon has sudden
ly appeared. and she's saying to her.
self that she'll kill any woman that
takes me away from her. Lord, Mary,
but shall be grateful to you all the
rest of my daysw
They drove up the road two miles
and then turned about to repeat the
performance. This time the Widow
Grimes was halfway down to the gate.
She pretended to be pulling some
weeds out of the bed Of pinks. but 1t
was only prctense. She saw the Widow
Spooner lean; she saw an arm go
around her waist; she almost heard
whispers Of love as the old wagon
creaked along.
"Mary Spooner," said Sam Bottford
as he helped her out of the wagon at
her own gate. "I'm owing you n debt
can never, never pay. You've helped
me through like the good woman you
are. As drive along back the Wild
der Grimes Will be at the gate to
blow me up. and after the blowing It
will be the preacher and a marriage.
Nobody ever had such plan before.
1t has worked without skipping cog.
Don't you buy no taters this fall. I'll
see to It that you have ten bushels to
start the winter on-yes, ten bushels
Of taters and crock of butter"
"And when shall l know now you
came out?" she asked.
"Oh, you'll hear 1t talked of in two
or three days, and you'll hear that we
are off on our wedding tour. Lord,
Mary. hasn't it worked beautifully
beau-ti-ful-lyw
Two hours later. as the Widow
Spooner was eating her supper. she
heard the rattle Of that democrat wag-
on again and another "Wh0aw and
went to the door just as Sam Bottford
reached the veranda and sat down on
the steps.
"For mercy's sake. but what has
happenedT she exclaimed.
"There won't be any wedding!' re-
piled hollow voice.
mop
"Nor any bridal tourr'
| Nor
"Nor any nothing"
"But why. Sam, whyf"
Because the Wilder Grimes and
Abe Johnson were married three days
ago! She was down to the gate to tell
me as l drove back and to hope that
my health was the same as usual"
The Widow Spooner turned her
head to hide a smile.
81 knew r. all along. SAM" said she.
"but l thought you wouldn't ever be
satisfied until you had tried every way
you knew"
Samuel looked at her. Slowly
smile crept over his face.
ITO tell you the truth" said he. Il
nearly hollered for Joy. Mary" be
said sharply. "Mary. do you want me
to remain an old bachelor
And after a little while the Widow
Spooner whispered "No."