Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-10-12

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1t was just little village street
show-a shabby, gray haired ventrilo-
quist sitting between two blank faced
dolls that turned their heads and 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 dime" he cackled. Just
one dime to learn how to make the
dolls talk"
"Only one diner 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 1t by a strap over his
shoulder and tramped down the vii
lage street.
He turned In at little store OH the
very edge Of town. 1t was remark
ably neat little store, and at the back
was table with a clean white cloth.
The old man asked for rolls and milk.
which he ate ut 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 teased.
The fresh faced woman blushed. II
shall never marry again. Henry was
such good husband"
You can't live Oh memories of good
ness" said the neighbor bluntly.
NO" the little woman agreed, "but
Henry would turn in his grave If l
should look ut anybody else"
HUH" the neighbor shifted. II
guess you've looked all right"
Again the widow blushed. II can't
help 1t IL George will come here" she
said.
You'd better take him or let him
CO."
II know. I believe could like him,
but Henry-oh. Mrs. Perkins, Henry
would come back and haunt me IL
married George Mills"
"Fiddlesticksw said the incredulous
Mrs. Perkins. las IL Id let thing
like that come between me and happi-
ness"
well, Henry was jealous, and he
used to say. Mary. If 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. 1T seems as If Hen
ry 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. II suppose it
is silly, but l always did have fear
Of spirits, and Henry knew It,"
Back in the dim store the ventrilo-
quist chuckled. But they had forgot
ten him. And when lie finally sham
bled out they were still talking of
Henry and his heaven born possibili-
ties.
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 sicing bacon.
Hello" he said as the ventriloquisi
sidled in. You are the man who was
making the dolls talk?'
"Yes."
~ don't see how you do It," George
Strengthened up. ~ 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, 81 wonder II you'd like t"
have me help you-with lady, q
widow"
"Mrs. Bassett?' The young man.,
tone was eager.
well her husbands name was
Henry" And the ventrlloquist repeat.
ed the conversation lie had heard.
Il always knew Henry was selfish
dog" George fared.
IF you thought it was worth S. !
might help you out" the little man
ventured.
"How"
The ventriloquist outlined his plan.
and when he had finished George cried
eagerly. ~ will give you ten II you
will make It go!'
did he have deep voice or thin
one"
"He had piping voice." George
stated savagely. "like this
"Well. I want to do 1t right" And
the ventriloQuist picked up his trunk
and went on his way.
Late that afternoon George Mills
stopped In and asked Mrs. Bassett to
take a walk to Marvin's grove.
The widow shook her head pensive'
". II can't she said. "The neigh
oors are beginning to talk"
Marry me and shut their mouths
said George ardently.
"Oh, no; can't marry you, George
and mustn't go with you any more!
George looked blank. "Oh, but see
here" he said. you've just got to 60
foniohtO