The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-08-30
THE EVENING STORY
The ventriIoquist.
(By Temple Bailey. }

. 1t was just a little village street
triloquist sitting between two blank
faced dolls, that turned their heads
and jerked their wide mouths and
of the crowd that had gathered.
When the programme was finished
the old man passed around some thin
pamphlets.
dime to learn how to make the dolls
talk"
"OnIy one dime" echoed the woolly-
haired doll which lay Imply on top OF
a 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 it by strap over his
shoulder. and tramped down the VII
lage street.
He turned in at a little store on the
very edge of town. 1t was remark
ably neat little store, and at the back
was table With a clean white cloth.
which he ate at the table. He also
bought a 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 listen
ed to the talk of the fresh-faced little
W
who had run in for a moment.
when are you going to marry
George?" the neighbor leased
The fresh-faced woman blushed. Il
shall never marry again. Henry was
such a good husband"
"You can't live on memories of
goodness sand the neighbor, bluntly.
mo- the little woman agreed. but
Henry would turn in his grave If
should look at anybody else"
"Huh!'' the neighbor shifted. I
guess you've looked all right"
Again the widow blushed.. ct can't
help it if George will come here" she
said.
you'd better take him or let him go.
ct know. I believe could like him,
but Henry-oh. Mrs. Perkins, Henry
married George Mills"
'Fiddlesticks!" said the incredulous
Mrs. Perkins. CAS- if I'd let thing
like that come between me and happi-
nessI"
"Wen, Henry was jealous. and he
used to say, Mary, if you ever marry
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 SOP" the widow cues
toned, wistfulIy. ut seems as il Henry
would always be just Henry, even in
Heaven"
The neighbor nodded. That's so.
Henry was certainly set in his ways,
ssYou see, that's what I'm afraid or,
the little wodow stated. 81 suppose 1t
is sillv, but 1 always did have a fear
of spirits and Henry knew 1t.
Back in the dim store the ventriloquist
chuckled. But they had forgotten him.
And when he finally shambled out they
were still talking OF Henry and ms
possibilities.
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 We're
bare At the meat block the butcher
himself was sltcing bacon.
ssHelio" he said, as the ventr1loqulSt
sided in. you are the man who was
the dolls TALK"
II don't see how you do it," George
up. Il 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 1t
Doesn't line my pockets with gold"
kind of precarious?"
yes" The old man hesitated. then
blurted out, 81 wonder II you'd IKE TO
have me help you-with lady-a |
Mrs. Bassett?" the young mans
tone was eager.
Henry and the ventriloquist repeated
the conversation he had heard.
IT always knew Henry was selhsh
dog" George hared.
IF you thought it was worth %
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 If you VIII
Did he have a deep voice or a thin
one?'
'sHe had a piping voice. George
stated. savagely, like this
'rWell. I want to do 1t right" and the
ventriIoquist picked up his trunk and
Late that afternoon George Mills
stopped in and asked Mrs. Bassett tot
take a walk to Marvin's Grove.
The widow shook her head, pensively.
Il can't" she said, "the neighbors are
beginning to talk
.sMarry me and shut their mouths"
said George, ardently-
ooh, no, I can't marry you, George
and 1 mustn't go with you any more"
George looked blank. "Oh. but see
here" he said. you've Just got to go
tonight" II
because, oh. look here. Mary. let it
be our. last walk, if you will" L
Marvin's Grove was place OF dim,
beautiful greenness. And in its depths,
4 great gray bowlder thrust up rug
ged shoulder. 1t was to this bowlder
nat George guided Mary Bassett. anc
hey sat down with their backs against
he stone.
won't marry me-"
s'If only knew that Henry {
Wouldn't mind she said, weeping.
YOU know how good he was to me, I
"But surely he would want you to ,
Mar sighed. eff only knew. II
could have some sigh IL