Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-10-02
BY TEMPLE BAILEY

show-a Shabby, gray haired ventril0-
quist sitting between two blank faced
dolls that turned their heads aud jerk
ed their wide mouths and cracked
stale jokes for the edification OF the
crowd that had gathered.
When the program was finished the
old man passed around some thin
pamphlets.
only a diner he cackled. Just
one dime TO learn how to make the
dolls talk"
"Only one dimem echoed the woolly
haired doll. which lay Imply on top
of small trunk.
Ten cents" murmured Irish Paddy
from within the trunk.
But In spite OF much spirited dia-
logue only FIVE books were sold Then
as the crowd drifted away the little
man packed his silent dolls into the
trunk. swung II by strap over his
shoulder and tramped down the vii.
lage street.
He turned In at little store on the
very edge OF town. 1t was u remark
ably neat little store, and at the back
was a table with q clean white cloth.
The old man asked for rolls and milk.
which he ate at the table. He also
bought can Of sardines, some crack
ers and cheese TO take away with him.
When he had paid for these there was
no more money In his old pocketbook.
but he smiled to himself happily as he
ate his lunch and listened to the talk
of the fresh faced little woman In
charge and OF the neighbor who had
run In for a moment.
when are you going to marry
George" the neighbor leased.
The fresh faced woman blushed. II
shall never marry again. Henry was
such a good husband"
You cant live on memories of good
ness" said the neighbor bluntly.
No" the little woman agreed. but
Henry would turn in his grave IL /
should look at anybody else"
Huh the neighbor shifted. 81
guess you've looked all right
Again the widow blushed II can't
help ii IL George will come here" she
said.
You'd better take him or let him
CO."
II know. / believe could like him,
but Henry-oh. Mrs. Perkins. Henry
would come back and haunt me IL |
married George Mills
"Fiddlesticks" said the incredulous
Mrs. Perkins. "As IL I'd let a thing
like that come between me and happi.
ness.'
well. Henry was jealous. and he
used to say. Mary. IL you ever marry
anybody else I'll come and haunt
you"
Henry ought to get over such things
when he's been in heaven as long as
this"
do you think so:" the widow ques.
toned wistfully. ut seems as IL Hen.
~ would always be just Henry even
in heaven"
The neighbor nodded. That's so.
Henry was certainly set in his ways"
You see. that's what I'm afraid Of
the little widow stated. Il suppose II
is silly. but always did have a fear
Of spirits. and Henry knew IT,"
Back In the dim store the ventrilo.
quist chuckled. But they had forgot.
ten him. Aud when he finally sham.
hl.aA hnn al AL "a
Henry and his heaven born possible.
ties.
Once out In the street the old man
studied the signs. and George Mills,
Butcher" was the one toward which
he made his way.
Within the shop the counters were
bare. At the meat block the butcher
himself was sllcing bacon.
Hello" he said as the ventriloquist
sided In. "You are the man who was
making the dolls talk?"
yes"
~ don't see how you do IT," George
Strengthened up. II couldn't even see
you move your lips"
That's nothing" the other stated.
"well. it's great" said George.
YES" the old man admitted. but II
doesn't line my pockets with gold"
"Kind Of precarious?"
YES" The old man hesitated, then
blurted out, II wonder II you'd like to
have me help you-with lady. a
widow"
"Airs. Bassett?" The young mans
tone was eager.
well. her husbands name wal
Henry" And the ventrIloquist repeat
ed the conversation he had heard.
II always knew Henry was selfish
dog" George fiared.
III you thought IL was worth SIS
might help you out" the little man
ventured.
How"
The ventriloquist outlined his plan,
and when he had finished George cried
eagerly. 81 Will give you ten II you
will make II gow
Ibid he have a deep voice or a thin
one?'
HE had a piping voice." George
dated aayageIy s'like this